A Metal Fitter and Turner generally works in an industrial environment setting up machining tools and production machinery. They can also operate machining tools, machines that shape metal stock and castings, and fit and assemble fabricated metal parts into products.

Other job titles include:

• Fitter
• Fitter and Turner
• Fitter-Welder
• Metal Machinist (First Class)
• Textile, Clothing and Footwear Mechanic
• Metal Fitters and Machinists

Job Prospects

The occupation of Fitter and Turner is very large (123,800 in November 2014). (1) This suggests multiple opportunities in most regions throughout the greater metropolitan area of Melbourne. It is also worth noting that this occupation has an above average proportion of full-time jobs at 95.0% (2) when compared to other occupations.

For Fitters and Turners working full-time, average weekly hours are 42.8 (compared to 40.9 for all occupations), and earnings are above average.(3)

The most common level of educational attainment for Metal Fitters and Machinists is Certificate III/IV (74.7%).(4)

Metal Fitters and Machinists are mainly employed in Manufacturing, Mining and Other Services.

Knowledge and Skills Required

The following are general knowledge and skill requirements for the position of Fitter and Turner.

• Being able to determine causes of machine operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
• Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
• Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
• Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
• Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
• Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
• Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
• Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Training

In Victoria a number of training courses exist for the occupation of Fitter and Turner. These include:

• Bachelor of Design Technology
• Certificate II in Engineering Studies
• Certificate III in Automotive Manufacturing Technical Operations - Bus, Truck and Trailer
• Certificate III in Engineering - Mechanical Trade
• Certificate III in Engineering - Production Systems
• Certificate III in Engineering - Technical
• Certificate IV in Engineering - Computer Numerical Control (CNC)
• Certificate IV in Engineering - Fluid Power
• Certificate IV in Engineering - Maintenance
• Certificate IV in Engineering
• Certificate IV in Engineering Drafting
• Diploma of Engineering - Advanced Trade
• Diploma of Engineering - Technical
• Graduate Certificate in Tool Design for Plastics
• Hydraulics, Pneumatics and Fluid Power (Training Program)

How Capture Recruitment Can Help

Staff at Capture Recruitment can help in one of two ways:

• finding a Fitter and Turner job with one of our many clients
• assist in advancing career through accredited courses.

If you would like help, contact us.