Maintenance fitter

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• applying directly

Entry requirements:

College

You could take a college course to learn some of the skills you'll need. Useful subjects include:

• Level 2 Certificate in Mechanical Engineering
• Level 2 Diploma in Maintenance Engineering Technology
• Level 3 Certificate in Fabrication and Welding Engineering Technology
• T Level in Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing

Entry requirements:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

Apprenticeship

You could do an Engineering Fitter Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship, or a Maintenance Operations Engineering Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.

Entry requirements:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

Work

You could start as an engineering operative or trainee craftsperson and do training on the job to become a fitter.

DirectApplication

You can apply directly for maintenance fitter jobs if you've got a qualifications and experience in maintenance, such as:

• mechanical engineering
• pipefitting
• welding
• electrical engineering

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Skills:

• practical skills for repairing and maintaining equipment
• the ability to work well with your hands
• problem-solving skills
• the ability to work on your own
• the ability to make decisions about tools and equipment
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with others
• thinking and reasoning skills
• sensitivity and understanding
• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• the ability to repair machines or systems
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• knowledge of building and construction
• customer service skills
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
• excellent verbal communication skills
• knowledge of public safety and security
• knowledge of English language
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• concentration skills

What you'll do:

Maintenance fitters install, service and repair industrial machinery and equipment.

As a maintenance fitter, you could:

• install pipework, valves, pumps and motors
• carry out planned maintenance checks
• find and fix faults
• replace worn parts, reset instrument controls and clean machinery
• respond to emergency breakdowns, for example on a factory production line

Location : You could work in a factory or at a client's business.
Uniform : You may need to wear protective clothing.

Salary:

Starter : £23,000
Experienced : £38,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

42 - 44 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends on shifts

Career Path:

You could do further training while you work to become an engineering technician or site supervisor.

Courses that could help you progress include:

• Level 3 (NVQ) Diploma in Engineering Maintenance
• Level 3 Diploma in Installing Engineering Construction Plant and Systems - Mechanical Fitting
• Level 3 Combined Diploma in Process Engineering Maintenance