Fitter Jobs

Consider one of the following fitter roles:

• a mechanical fitter, who specialises in assembling and maintaining mechanical equipment and machinery;
• a pipe fitters, who works with piping systems – often in plumbing, industrial plants, or the oil and gas sectors;
• a fitter and turner, who tends to be skilled in both fitting and operating lathes and other machine tools, to help manufacture much-needed components;
• a maintenance fitter, who is focused on regular servicing and the repair of industrial equipment;
• and
• a marine fitter, who operates predominantly in the shipbuilding and maintenance sectors.

To become an in-demand fitter in South Africa, it is important to achieve:

• a Grade 9 or Grade 12 certificate, as your minimum academic requirement;
• completion of a fitter’s apprenticeship programme, which typically lasts between three and four years;
• evidence of passing a trade test in the fitter professional, which qualifies you as a certified artisan;
• and
• if possible, the ability to show an N2-N6 Engineering Studies Certificate, as this is preferred by best-in-class employers.

TVET Colleges across South Africa, including the Ekurhuleni East TVET College, False Bay TVET College, College of Cape Town, Eastcape Training Centre, and Northlink TVET College, offer relevant professional courses for an ambitious wanna-be fitter.

It is also possible to gain the relevant certifications via a range of private training institutions and academies, that are set up to provide the training you require. Consider Oxbridge Academy, College SA, Artisan Training Institute, fdt craft training centre, Berea Technical College, or Africa Skills Training College in this regard.

Many large industrial companies, such us Arcelor Mittal, Toyota South Africa, South African Forestry Company Limited (SAFCOL), RCL FOODS, AECI, and Exxaro Mining and Renewable Energy offer in-house apprenticeship programmes for those with the aptitude to become a fitter.

However, the most comprehensive fitter qualification in South Africa is probably the FETC Mechanical Engineering Fitter at NQF Level 4, which is achieved through a combination of theoretical and practical training – typically including a trade test, often referred to as a ‘red seal’ trade test. This qualification builds upon foundational knowledge gained through N1 to N3 Engineering Studies (Fitting and Turning), and often involves a dual system of college and workplace learning.

Consider also welding jobs, millwright jobs, and boilermaker jobs as possible career options.

Ideally, you will have mechanical aptitude and technical skills, the ability to read and interpret technical drawings, problem-solving and analytical abilities, physical strength and manual dexterity, knowledge of safety regulations, both precision and attention to detail, and basic computer skills for use in diagnosing mechanical problems.

These include:

• assembling and fitting machinery components;
• installing and maintaining mechanical systems;
• troubleshooting faults and conducting repairs;
• carrying out preventative maintenance on the relevant equipment;
• operating hand and power tools;
• ensuring compliance with safety standards;
• and
• work as part of a cohesive team with other trades people in industrial environments.

The following video clip gives a good idea of the work involved.

• mining and mineral processing, such as Anglo American South Africa, Palabora Mining Company, Harmony Gold Mining Company, Implats, Africoal SA, African Exploration Mining and Finance Corporation, and Ivanhoe Mines;
• manufacturing, including automotive and heavy equipment, such as SA Metal Group, Transpaco, National Ceramic Industries, Normandien Farms and Metrorez;
• power stations and renewable energy companies, such as Eskom (at Majuba and Kriel Power Stations), together with Mainstream Renewable Power, Segen Solar, Juwi Renewable Energies, EDF Renewables, and AfriCoast Energy;
• construction and engineering firms, such as Icon Construction, Murray & Roberts, Raubex, Fikile Construction, and Temi Construction;
• food and beverage production plants, such as PepsiCo South Africa, Famous Brands, and Atlantis Foods Group;
• shipbuilding and marine industries, such as 6Sigma Marine, Elgin Brown and Hamer (EBH), AMSOL, and Sturrock Grindrod Maritime;
• and
• oil and gas, such as Lesedi Nuclear Services, Measured Ability, TRS Staffing Solutions, Astron Energy, AECI, Flender, and VKB Engineering Services.

Entry-level fitters generally earn between R8 000 and R15 000 per month, but with experience this can rise to between R15 000 and R30 000 on a monthly basis. Once you have become highly skilled, or have specialised in a particular kind of fitter work, you could earn R40 000 per month or more, depending on the industry in which you are embedded, your location in South Africa, and the number of years and type of experience that you have under your belt.

There sure is! Due to the country’s wide industrial base, there is consistent demand for qualified fitters – especially in sectors such as mining, manufacturing, and renewable energy. Skilled artisans are considered scarce in the country, making it a viable and much-needed long term career.

“South Africa has a well-documented skills shortage – particularly in maths and science. While these skills are highly sought after in fields such as engineering and IT, there is also a growing lack of technical skills in the country – encompassing the roles of electricians, welders, mechanics, and other manufacturing fields,” advises the ATI.

In order to increase the volume of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)-qualified individuals in South Africa, several key strategies are being considered for implementation. They include fostering an early interest in STEM, improving educational practices, and addressing the lack of diversity in the field. Specifically, enhancing STEM awareness, providing quality education, and creating inclusive learning environments are crucial steps that educationalists and government need to be aware of.

In South Africa, both the Department of Basic Education (DBE) and the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) are actively involved in promoting STEM-related educational activities. Deputy Minister Nomalungelo Gina of the DSI has been a vocal advocate for boosting STEM education, by emphasising the need for collaboration and strategic interventions to address declining enrollment in STEM subjects. The DBE, under Minister Siviwe Gwarube, is also focused on improving STEM education, by recognising its importance for future careers and economic growth.

A recent article on MyZA, explains the importance of “placing Science, Technology and Innovation at the Centre of Government, Education, Industry and Society.” Through this mantra, government departments are seeking to significantly raise the profile and impact of science, technology, and innovation within government and across key sectors of society – to ameliorate the critical shortages South Africa is facing in the post-school education and training landscape.

Start by signing up for a job board with a dedicated section on fitters. Also search company websites – particularly those in mining, or engineering that may offer apprenticeship opportunities, later leading to full-time in-house positions. Submit your CV to the recruitment agencies you know of who specialise in technical and engineering fields, and be sure to network within your industry, by joining the social groups of like-minded students and professionals. And example is the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), which may provide networking opportunities relevant to some fitting roles.

The Tradesmen (2011) is a US documentary that explores the lives and work of tradesmen in Baltimore, covering their trade-related challenges and the socioeconomic issues they encounter. For a more accurate portrayal of fitter and turner work in South Africa, this YouTube clip should help provide excellent inspiration.

Just a few of the difficulties of becoming a fitter include:

• physically demanding work, sometimes in confined spaces;
• exposure to noise, dust, and hazardous materials;
• irregular hours or shift work, especially in the mining and manufacturing sectors;
• the continuous need for upskilling, as machinery and equipment changes, develops and becomes more advanced;
• and
• safety risks, requiring strict adherence to protocols.

In South Africa, the fitting and turning profession is governed by the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) of 1993. This act mandates employers to provide a safe working environment, and requires employees to take reasonable care of their own safety and the safety of others.

Specific protocols, such as the Driven Machinery Regulations, further outline safety measures related to machinery and equipment that is used in this profession.

Here are a few safety measures aimed directly at the fitting and turning profession:

• it is crucial to place the necessary protective guards on machinery, to ensure proper machine setup, and to adhere to manufacturer's instructions;
• wearing appropriate PPE, such as safety shoes, gloves, and eye protection, is essential;
• following established safe work procedures for tasks such as machining, cutting, and assembly is vital;
• your workspace should be clean and organised, and tools and materials should be kept in their designated places;
• sharp tools should be handled with care, not carried in pockets, and stored properly to prevent accidental injury;
• loose clothing should be avoided to prevent entanglement with machinery;
• workpieces should be securely mounted and positioned to prevent them from moving during machining operations;
• and
• employees should strive to remain familiar with any emergency procedures, and to know how to respond to accidents or incidents should these transpire.

The fitter role offers a very high level of employability in the country’s key economic sectors, i.e., the wholesale trade, manufacturing, the automotive and maritime industries, and mining, among others. Further specialisation may involve roles such as a fitter foreman, or a shift into a related trade, such as millwright jobs, and boilermaker jobs.

There is the potential to earn a good salary, of over R40k per month, once you’ve gained sufficient skill and experience, and you should find a high degree of job security to the essential nature of your work – the economic sectors mentioned above cannot do without your honed abilities.

If you’d like to work overseas or outside of South Africa for a time, you should find plentiful opportunities – especially when it comes to the need for fitters in African, Australian, and Canadian mining operations; the Middle East’s oil and gas sectors; shipyards in Europe and Asia; and a wide range of international manufacturing plants.

This is a rewarding and dynamic career line for practically minded and experienced individuals, who thrive on being able to use their hands out there in the field, and have a recognised international Trade Test.

A fitter’s career journey typically starts with an apprenticeship, followed by the need to gain practical work experience in a range of different industrial settings. This sees you gaining expertise in everything from manufacturing, assembling, and the maintenance of machinery and their components.

Advanced roles can include specialised areas such as quality control, supervision, or even entrepreneurship as a business owner/supplier to one of the key South African economic sectors, mentioned above.

Start as a junior/apprentice fitter, which often lasts as long as four years and combines practical on-the-job training with theoretical learning. During this time, apprentices will gain practical skills by learning to use a variety of different tools and items of machinery, including lathes, milling machines, grinding machinery, and hydraulic presses. They will also be required to learn blueprint reading, which is the interpretation of engineering drawings and sketches, to understand the specifications and requirements of manufacturing parts and, indeed, how to assemble various types of machinery.

After this period, you will be ready to take your Trade Test – passing it will see you becoming a Qualified Artisan.

Your early career could see you working across diverse settings and industries, such as in manufacturing, construction, maintenance, industrial plants, iron and steel plants, shipyards, rail, port, and pipeline industries. You will be required to assist in the fabrication of parts for various different types of machinery, including diesel-electric backup power generators, shipbuilding equipment, and other industrial pieces of equipment. You’ll soon see how essential your role is – fitters and turners are essential for maintaining and repairing any existing machinery in these settings, and for ensuring the smooth operations of factories and other industrial environments.

As your career progresses, you may find that you wish to specialise in a particular are of this trade, such as in precision machining, hydraulics, pneumatics, or in the maintenance and fine-tuning of specific types of machinery.

Some more experienced fitters may choose to move into quality-control roles, ensuring that manufactured parts and assemblies meet the required standards. Other experienced individuals in this profession may be promoted into supervisory positions – thereby overseeing teams of other tradespeople and apprentices, as foreman or workshop manager.

Lastly, a third batch with sufficient experience and capital may choose to start their own businesses, offering their skills as independent contractors or establishing their own fabrication workshops.

Should continuous learning and skills updating be your vibe, you not wish to stop there. Instead, you could go on to pursue a mechanical engineering job, or complete the further studies needed to take on a project manager job. The quest for alternative forms of career advancement could also see an experienced fitter undertaking further training in specialised machining techniques, or in various forms of automation jobs.

Five characteristics that are more than a nice-to-have for a fitter, include:

• a strong work ethic and sense of reliability;
• a passion for working with all kinds of different machinery;
• good communication skills and an enjoyment of teamwork;
• the ability to work under well pressure (which could be time-related, or as a result of a client or boss’s high standards);
• and
• an eagerness to learn and adapt all the while to new and rapidly changing technologies.

Typically, it takes around three to four years to complete an apprenticeship, and pass the necessary Trade Test. However, some individuals may take longer depending on the availability of practical training opportunities in their vicinity.

There certainly are, yes. Although becoming a fitter is traditionally a male-dominated profession, an increasing number of women are entering the mechanical trades these days. Companies and training institutions, across the board, are encouraging female participation in the fitter professional to help diversify the industrial workforce.

According to the black empowered Artisan Training Institute (ATI), up to 22 percent of trade tested graduates over the past few years were women, with welding hovering at between two and 15 percent, the millwright discipline reflecting six percent women, and female tractor technicians averaging out at two percent of graduates.

Their article, “SA gender pay gap around 17 percent” reveals that the South African gender pay gap is estimated, on average, to be between 15 to 17 percent – with the ATI making strides to “tackle gender inequality in the workplace by pushing to train more woman artisans, thereby, broadening the potential talent pool in South Africa”, according to the ATI’s CEO, Sean Jones

Absolutely – experienced fitters can start their own:

• mechanical repair businesses;
• maintenance contracting companies;
• and/or
• specialised fitting and turning workshops

This requires business acumen and possibly additional qualifications, such as in accounting and business/HR management.

Your fitter gear checklist should include each and every one of the below items:

• a hard hat;
• safety boots;
• gloves;
• protective eyewear;
• hearing protection, such as industrial-level ear plugs;
• overalls or flame-retardant clothing;
• and
• a respiratory mask, where applicable.

Employers are required to provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and should enforce the necessary safety protocols on a daily basis.

A selection of the top industry-assistive books for fitters, includes the likes of:

• La Nicca, J (2023). Turners' And Fitters Pocket Book, For Calculating The Change Wheels For Screws On A Turning Lathe, And For A Wheel-Cutting Machine. Legare Street Press, UK, R883 on Amazon;
• Sethi, GS & Singh, B (2022). Fitter 3-In-1 Trade Theory (NSQF 5). Computech Publications Limited, India, R1 219 on Takealot;
• Hector, K (2003). Fitting And Machining Theory NQF: Level 3. Heinemann Publishers (Pty) Ltd, South Africa, R276 on Bob Shop;
• Parmley, RO (2004). Machine Devices And Components Illustrated Sourcebook. McGraw-Hill Education, US, R4 109 on Takealot;
• and
• Slater, N (1991). Mechanisms And Mechanical Devices Sourcebook. McGraw-Hill Education, US, R2 789 on Takealot.

Yes it is, because fitter jobs offer stability, good earning potential, and opportunities for growth in sectors that are vital to the South African economy. For individuals with mechanical aptitude and a willingness to work hard, this can be a rewarding and secure profession.

Whether you are considering this career path straight out of school, or looking to change careers after some years spent pursuing another career option, the demand for skilled fitters makes this a practical and future-proof career option.