Mechanical Fitter

OFO No: 653303

Other names for Mechanical Fitter:

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Youtube clip – Mechanical Fitter

For training options in South Africa – scroll down

What is a Mechanical Fitter?

A Mechanical Fitter is responsible for fitting and assembling parts made from metal and other materials to make production machinery. 

They can work in various industries, for example:

• Auto industry
• Aircraft
• Production
• Nuclear planats
• Military
• Mining etc

They work from detailed drawings using hand and machine tools.  Precise measuring is necessary.

Their working environment can be very noisy, dirty or dangerous.

The SA Navy requires personnel qualified in certain trades supporting services ashore. 

SA Navy offers learnerships in mechanical fitters (machinery), mechanical fitters (weapons), mechanical fitters (weapons, submarines) and mechanical fitters (machinery, submarines).

What does a Mechanical Fitter do?

• measures and marks out work to be done
• assembles and fits machined parts
• tightens and adjusts the fits/joins
• cleans and lubricates
• troubleshoots
• repairs equipment/machinery
• operates power machinery
• inspects, maintains (services) and installs machines
• keeps records

Are you … ?

• good with your hands?
• a person with good hearing and sight?
• mechanically astute?
• problem solver?
• observant?
• physically fit and healthy?
• a hard worker?
• a team player?

How do I become a Mechanical Fitter?

PATH 1

• Apprenticeship
• Trade Test

PATH 2

• Learnership – Mechanical Engineering (Fitting) NQF Level 2, 3 and 4
• Trade Test

PATH 3

• Learnership – Mechanical Engineering (Fitting) (Fitter) NQF Level 2, 3 and 4
• Trade Test

PATH 4

• National Certificate: Engineering Studies: N1, N2 and N3
• These can be done at many of the TVET (FET) colleges

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

PATH 5

• Artisan Internship
• Trade Test

PATH 6

• RPL (Recognised Prior Learning) for Artisans: CLICK HERE
• If you have already been working a long time as a Mechanical Fitter without qualifications, you may be able to get your qualification through RPL
• Trade Test

PATH 7

• SOUTH AFRICAN NAVY

The SA Navy strives to attract the right quality and quantity of skilled or potential employees (uniform or civilian) in order to meet the Departments’ operational objectives.

Department of Defence: Military Skills Development Programme

After completion of the first year of military and officers training, student engineers will commence studies in mechanical, electronic or electrical engineering at the universities of Stellenbosch or Cape Town.

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Boilermaker … or … Pipe Fitter

Is becoming a Mechanical Fitter the right career choice for me?