mechanical fitter.

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 a machine's or structural system's blueprints. You may use your welding skills to assemble the parts and create functional equipment based on the specifications. When constructing equipment, you make 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 functions as expected. In case of a problem, you recognise the issues, replace the necessary components or adjust the fitting.
• Repairing malfunctioning machines: mechanical fitters repair malfunctions in a structural system. Once you identify the problems or components causing hitches, you 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 cause malfunctions. You must service and troubleshoot equipment and replace all faulty parts.
• 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 know the principles and ensure your work meets the required standards.

As a mechanical fitter, you work in workshops, manufacturing or production areas when assembling components. Workshops and production zones are hot, dusty and noisy, and you must wear earmuffs and facial masks to avoid inhaling harmful substances. It would help if you had goggles to protect your eyes from the bright light and small metal pieces when welding or cutting metals. You spend the day standing or bending to lay out the parts and take measurements at the workshop.

At times, you work in an office to prepare blueprints for a machine or write the necessary maintenance procedures.

Depending on your employer and the industry you work in, your colleagues might include welders, electrical technicians, production operatives and other assembly workers.

You might also work close to computer numerical control (CNC) machinists and material controllers, as well as other specialists that could include, but are not limited to, fabricators, forklift drivers and warehouse workers.

A mechanical fitter often works 38 hours a week in a full-time position. 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 hours when doing office work. Part-time opportunities in mechanical fitting are rare, but some companies offer short-term contracts for various projects. Some mechanical fitter jobs might involve interstate travelling.

As a mechanical fitter, you can build your career and improve your job prospects to become a senior fitter. Alternatively, specialise in diverse roles and become a pipefitter, a fitter and 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.

Finding your mechanical fitter job through Randstad provides essential advantages such as:

• a wide variety of training and development opportunities
• an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
• a range of options 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 career. Thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers every year thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too.

An excellent mechanical fitter should be able to use hand and power tools. It would be best if you had fantastic hand-eye coordination and the ability to concentrate for extended periods. You should also be able to interpret and read blueprints to complete your tasks satisfactorily.

Your salary often depends on your qualifications, work experience and skills. If you improve your capabilities and crafts, you can receive better remuneration. A mechanical fitter in Australia earns between $70,000 and $110,000 per year.

A mechanical fitter is often involved in assembling and laying out units of materials and putting them together. Welders usually put the subunits together by welding and fabricating them into position. In small fabrication companies, mechanical fitters often perform installation and fabrication roles.

The role of a mechanical fitter is to construct and assemble mechanical systems, including factory machines and pipes used in the transport industry. You fabricate and repair heavy machinery and ensure the equipment works according to specifications. Some mechanical fitters also clear obstructions in work equipment.

You must complete a Certificate III in Engineering - Mechanical Trade in Australia. The qualification is attained when you complete the apprenticeship or traineeship, which takes three to four years. It would help if you also had some years of experience to succeed in the role.

Applying for a mechanical fitter job is easy:

1. create a Randstad profile and search our mechanical fitter job offers.
2. Then send us your CV and cover letter.

Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here.