Maintenance Fitter

Also known as:

Engineering Fitter, Maintenance
Fitter, Maintenance

Introduction

Maintenance fitters make sure that all the equipment used in the manufacturing and processing industries works properly. If the machinery does not work properly, they diagnose the fault and then repair it. They also carry out regular servicing and major overhauls.

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Work Activities

When a piece of machinery or equipment goes wrong, maintenance fitters leave their workshop to carry out the repair. They may use technical drawings of the machinery to work out the problem, or they may follow written instructions on a call-out sheet.

First of all, maintenance fitters must be very careful to isolate any machinery from the power supply. Then they may have to dismantle the machinery to find the faulty component. Maintenance fitters use tools like spanners, wrenches and screwdrivers to dismantle machinery. They may use power tools and skills like welding or soldering to complete the repair. Sometimes they replace worn parts, and then clean, lubricate and adjust the machinery before re-assembling it.

Maintenance fitters need to be skilled in lots of different areas. For example, they may work with electronic, pneumatic (air powered) and hydraulic (liquid powered) equipment.

Sometimes fitters need to completely overhaul equipment. This involves stripping machinery, checking and cleaning its parts and then re-assembling the machinery as quickly as possible. Overhauling is usually done on a regular basis, for example, once a year when the factory or plant closes for a summer holiday.

Maintenance fitters sometimes install new equipment and may help to train operatives in how to use it.

The work may be messy or dirty. Fitters may need to wear overalls or a boiler suit and possibly safety glasses and protective footwear.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

You must have strong practical skills and an interest in understanding how machines work. You will need good observational skills to spot faulty machines. Maintenance fitters need a logical, methodical approach to problem solving.

Good communication skills are needed to discuss with the machine operator what the problem is. You must also be able to explain problems and repairs to supervisors and managers.

The ability to understand technical information and diagrams is important. You should also be able to write reports of completed repairs.

You must be able to understand and follow safety regulations - you may be dealing with dangerous machinery, toxic gas or chemicals or high voltage equipment.

You should be fit and healthy because this job may involve some bending and lifting. Your colour vision may be tested.

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Pay and Opportunities

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Maintenance fitters earn in the range of £300 - £360 a week, rising to £440 - £550. Higher earners can make around £600 a week.

Maintenance fitters usually work up to 39 hours, Monday to Friday. However, shift work, night and weekend work may be required. They may also be 'called out' if an essential piece of equipment breaks down.

Employers are a broad range of manufacturing companies, public utilities and organisations such as hospitals or universities that may have a lot of technical equipment.

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Adult Opportunities

It is now illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Practical skills and abilities gained, for example, as a machine operator, are an advantage.

Modern Apprenticeships may be available in some areas.

• 2% of people in occupations such as maintenance fitter work part-time.
• 4% have flexible hours.
• 2% of employees work on a temporary basis.

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New Developments

Some people working in this occupation may be involved in the green jobs sector in areas such as renewable energy or waste management.