what is a mechanical fitter?
A mechanical fitter is the engineering specialist responsible for putting together machine parts, installing, maintaining and repairing plants and equipment. Your work involves assembling parts made from metals or other materials to create production equipment and machinery.
As a mechanical fitter, you lay out the components of a machine and use the drawings or schematics to secure the parts according to specifications. Sometimes, you have to weld the pieces in place using gas or electricity. You also repair and install valves, tank linings and lead pipes.
Since you work with detailed drawings that contain measurements, you need precise measuring equipment. The measurements should be accurate to get the perfect fit. As a mechanical fitter, it is crucial to be familiar with the tools of the trade, like thermal heating, welding and cutting equipment and drilling machines.
what does a mechanical fitter do?
A mechanical fitter works in aviation, production, automobile and manufacturing industries to repair and maintain machines. Their problem-solving skills make them experts in troubleshooting manufacturing plants and identifying system faults.
Would working as a mechanical fitter suit your technical knowledge and detail-oriented skills? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a mechanical fitter role.
average salary of a mechanical fitter
According to ONS, a mechanical fitter in the UK earns an average salary of £31,004 per year. Entry-level positions attract an average wage of £29,509 annually, while experienced mechanical fitters earn about £32,866 per year. Due to the working conditions, most employers provide healthcare insurance and insure employees from accidents. You can also enjoy additional perks like overtime pay for working long hours and bonuses at the end of the year.
how to increase your salary as a mechanical fitter
You can increase your compensation package as a mechanical fitter by improving your qualifications. If you have a certificate, consider pursuing a diploma or adding extra skills to your resume. Your work experience also increases your job prospects and salary bracket. Most organisations prefer candidates with hands-on experience and pay more if you bring additional transferable skills.
Mechanical fitters work in diverse industries, and each sector has a unique pay structure. For instance, in the aviation industry, you are likely to earn more than those working in the automobile or manufacturing industry.
Apart from the business sector, the company size and resources also influence your pay. Multinationals handle the assembling of complex equipment and often recruit the best skills since they can pay for the expertise. On the other hand, small businesses have limited resources and handle small projects.
types of mechanical fitters
Mechanical fitting is a branch of mechanical engineering that involves different roles, including:
- fitting and turning: this includes constructing, fitting and assembling equipment components. The craftspeople use hand tools and machines to put together the metal pieces.
- pipefitting: this involves attaching pipes to fixtures, walls and structures like radiators or tanks. A mechanical fitter uses brackets, welding tools and clamps to fit the pipes in place.
- maintenance fitting: as a mechanical fitter, you participate in factory equipment maintenance. Your work involves locating defective or worn parts that need replacement or modifications. You use measuring instruments to find components that fit and replace worn-out parts.
working as a mechanical fitter
As a mechanical fitter, your job involves assembling various components of equipment and machines. Read on to discover some of the duties, responsibilities and daily routine of a mechanical fitter.
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mechanical fitter job description
While the tasks of a mechanical fitter depend on the employer or industry sector, some of the typical roles include:
- constructing structural components: as a mechanical fitter, you need to read the blueprints and schematics of a machine or structural system. You can use your welding skills to assemble the parts and create functional equipment based on the specifications. When constructing equipment, you assemble and fit various pieces to create a complete structure.
- testing equipment and identifying malfunctions: after putting together a machine or equipment, you should run tests to ensure it performs its functions as expected. In case of a problem, you need to identify the issues, replace the necessary components or adjust the fitting.
- repairing malfunctioning machines: mechanical fitters also repair malfunctions in a structural system. Once you identify the problems or components causing hitches, develop a plan to fix the parts and ensure the system runs smoothly.
- maintaining equipment and machinery: you should develop a maintenance routine and procedure for every machine you assemble. Since you understand the individual components, you know their functional life and can ensure they are replaced before they lead to malfunctions. It is your job to service and troubleshoot the equipment and replace all faulty components.
- inspecting structures to ensure adherence to legislation: as a mechanical fitter, you work on industrial piping systems governed by local codes and regulations. You should be aware of the codes and ensure your work meets the required standards.
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work environment
As a mechanical fitter, you work in workshops, manufacturing or production areas when assembling equipment components. Workshops and production zones are hot, dusty and noisy, and you need to wear earmuffs and facial masks to avoid inhaling harmful substances. When welding or cutting metals, you need goggles to protect your eyes from the bright light and small metal pieces. You spend the day standing or bending to lay out the parts and take measurements at the workshop. At times, you work at the office to prepare blueprints for a machine or write the necessary maintenance procedures.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on your employer, your colleagues might include welders, production operatives and other assembly workers. You might also be working in close proximity to CNC turners, CNC machinists and material controllers, as well as other specialists that could include, but not be limited to, fabricators, forklift drivers and warehouse operatives.
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work schedule
A mechanical fitter often works between 42 to 44 hours a week in full-time positions. Since most manufacturing companies have long working hours, mechanical fitters work on shifts. That means you can work late nights or early morning shifts. You also have to work weekends if the assembly runs seven days a week. You will work the regular 9 am to 5 pm work hours when doing office work. Part-time opportunities in mechanical fitting are rare, but some companies offer short-term contracts for various projects. The jobs don't involve travelling unless you fit the pipes or structural components at a client's location.
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job outlook
As a mechanical fitter, you can build your career and improve your job prospects to become a senior fitter. Alternatively, specialise in diverse roles as a pipefitter, a fitter & turner or a maintenance fitter. Some mechanical fitters improve their educational qualifications to become mechanical engineers or maintenance engineers. Self-employment opportunities are rare unless you are an expert in a specific role. For instance, you can become a consultant or draw blueprints for various machines and equipment.
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advantages of finding a mechanical fitter job through randstad
Finding your mechanical fitter job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a mechanical fitter is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
education and skills
Many routes are available for joining the mechanical fitter career. Some of the educational requirements you need include:
- college course: you can get into a mechanical fitter job by taking a college course to learn the skills you need. Consider taking a Level 2 Certificate in Mechanical Engineering or a Level 3 Certificate in Fabrication and Welding Engineering Technology. The entry requirements for the Level 2 course are two or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), while a Level 3 course requires 4 to 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4. A diploma course also puts you a step closer to your skills. You can pursue a Level 2 Diploma in Maintenance or a T Level in Maintenance, Installation and Repair.
- apprenticeship: explore intermediate apprenticeships available for mechanical fitters, including engineer fitter and maintenance operations engineering technician. The entry requirements for apprenticeships are any GCSEs, including maths and English. You have to work 30 hours a week during the training to gain work experience.
- work experience: besides educational qualifications, you need work experience to become a mechanical fitter. You can gain experience from vocational training and internships.
skills and competencies
To succeed as a mechanical fitter, you need the following skills:
- problem-solving skills: as a mechanical fitter, problem-solving skills are crucial because your role involves solving malfunctions in machines or equipment. When solving a malfunction, you need creativity to improve efficiency and performance. It is also essential to identify a process for solving problems instead of experimenting with various solutions. Problem-solving skills help you come up with the best solutions for every malfunction.
- collaboration and interpersonal skills: as a mechanical fitter, you work alongside other fitters to achieve a shared objective. You need team skills to collaborate with others and work together. Interpersonal skills make you a good listener and help you learn a few tricks.
- maths skills: application of mathematics is crucial in mechanical fitting since you need to get accurate measurements for fitting. Math skills also help you identify errors faster and develop solutions
FAQs
FAQs about working as a mechanical fitter
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what is a mechanical fitter?
A mechanical fitter takes part in assembling various components of a machine or equipment. They also troubleshoot and handle the repairs.
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how much does a mechanical fitter earn in the UK?
In the UK, a mechanical fitter earns an average salary of £31,004. Your earnings can increase to £32,866 with added experience and qualifications.
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what is a mechanical maintenance fitter?
As a mechanical maintenance fitter, you install and repair industrial equipment and machinery. You also service and maintain the machines to ensure they work as expected.
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what does a mechanical fitter do?
Mechanical fitters inspect and test machines and equipment after assembling to ensure they function efficiently. They also ensure adherence to legal regulations and machinery standards.
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what skills does a mechanical fitter need?
As a mechanical fitter, you need technical knowledge in machine blueprints to replicate equipment schematics. You also require creativity and problem-solving skills to troubleshoot issues in the machines.
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how do I apply for a mechanical fitter vacancy?
Applying for a mechanical fitter job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!
