What does a fitter do?
Fitters can work in a wide range of industries within the manufacturing and industrial sectors, so their daily tasks can vary widely. However, fitters most commonly work in an industrial or commercial setting, such as factories, mines, steel plants, engineering works or shipbuilding yards.
They operate tools and machinery to manufacture parts, and they fit heavy components and carry out repairs and maintenance work on production equipment. Fitters typically help produce hydraulic equipment, engines, line equipment, pumps or earthmoving equipment.
Fitter skills and qualifications
A good fitter needs to have the following skills and aptitudes in order to succeed in the role:
- Technical aptitude and knowledge of engineering science
- Attention to detail
- Able to interpret plans and blueprints
- Comfortable using required machinery and tools
- Safety-conscious
- Comfortable wearing protective gear and working in a noisy environment
Fitter experience requirements
Fitters at all stages in their career should be able to demonstrate in-depth knowledge of building and construction. Even entry-level applicants will have gained some hands-on experience during their four-year apprenticeship, so you can expect a solid practical foundation in addition to their theoretical training.
If you want to fill a more senior position, look for a fitter with several years of work experience following their internship.
Fitter education and training requirements
Fitters are usually expected to have completed at least Year 10 schooling and many employers will expect this, although it is not a formal requirement.
However, to be able to work as a fitter in Australia, a couple of educational and training requirements must be met. A fitter must have completed a four-year apprenticeship to gain practical experience in the role. In addition, fitters have to complete the Certificate III in Engineering (Mechanical Trade or Fitting) at TAFE or another recognised training institute.
Fitter salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a fitter is $45.13 per hour. Fitter salaries can vary quite a lot from city to city and between states, with reported hourly rates ranging from under $40 to over $80. So, it’s worth checking your local area for the going rates for fitters in your company’s location.
Job description samples for similar positions
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Fitter job description FAQs
Is fitter a FIFO job?
Fitters can work locally or be hired on a FIFO basis, depending on the industry. FIFO, or ‘fly-in-fly-out’, refers to workers who fly to a remote jobsite for work, most commonly for a week or two at a time, before flying back home for a scheduled period of time off. FIFO jobs are particularly common in rural areas and in the mining industry, so some fitters will be required to work in FIFO roles.
Fly-in-fly-out workers tend to work long hours with little time off while they are on-site. The most common FIFO arrangement is 7 days on, 7 days off, or 4 days on, 14 days off. Employers usually cover their FIFO worker’s accommodation, transportation and meals, and FIFO salaries are often attractive to make up for the inconvenience.
What topics does a fitter cover when taking the Certificate III in Engineering (Mechanical Trade)?
This obligatory course for fitters covers modules on topics such as designing, assembling, manufacturing, installing, modifying, testing, troubleshooting, maintaining and servicing tools, machinery and mechanical equipment and instruments, and using CNC machines.
The certificate covers both theoretical and practical aspects in these areas, so you can expect your fitter to have a well-rounded qualification.
What are the typical working conditions of a fitter?
As part of their job, fitters may need to stand for extended periods of time and lift or carry heavy tools or equipment. Some degree of physical fitness is therefore a must. A fitter’s working environment can be noisy or subject to environmental influences such as hot, cold or wet weather.
Fitters need to be comfortable working in those conditions and wear protective equipment such as goggles, gloves or ear muffs if required. Due to the potentially dangerous nature of their worksites, a strong focus on health and safety in the workplace is indispensable.
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