Skills:
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Mechanical, engineering and technical skills: Much of a fitter and turner's work involves using specialised tools to construct, maintain or repair mechanical parts, which means fitters and turners may use a strong aptitude for engineering and machinery.
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Knowledge of maths: Fitters and turners can precisely measure parts of machines, understand complex blueprints and diagrams and assess the best tools to use for constructing a piece of machinery, all of which require skills in mathematics.
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Hand-eye coordination and practical skills: Fitters and turners spend most of their time working with their hands, so they use excellent coordination and to be good at practical work.
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Ability to read and understand blueprints, plans and diagrams: Although fitters and turners learn to understand blueprints and designs as part of their training, having an aptitude for this kind of work is an advantage.
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Communication and active listening skills: Fitters and turners may work within a team of other professionals and can communicate effectively. They also have excellent listening skills to listen to and understand any instructions given to them.
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Analytical and quality control skills: Fitters and turners can assess the best way of completing a task, including the best materials, tools and settings to use to construct a mechanical part. They can effectively assess the quality of their finished products and provide solutions.
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Patience and focus: Fitters and turners need to be able to concentrate on their work even when operating in noisy manufacturing sites, plants and other industrial settings. Fitters and turners also need patience to complete long and sometimes repetitive tasks.
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Physical strength and fitness: Working as a fitter and turner may involve standing for long periods, bending and lifting or carrying heavy tools and machinery, so it's important that you're in good physical health if you would like to be a fitter and turner.
Knowledge and Experience :
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grinding, cutting and shaping metal and other raw materials
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repairing, maintaining and operating large pieces of machinery
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operating specialised tools to manufacture parts
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performing regular maintenance on machinery, diagnosing and repairing any faults
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setting guides, stops and other controls for tools and setting up prescribed cutting and shaping tools
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monitoring the fabrication process carefully and making safe adjustments
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following set procedures and routines
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working with and understanding forms, designs and patterns to determine the best materials, machine and machine settings to fabricate a part
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checking assembled metal parts for accuracy and fit using precise measuring tools
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cutting, threading, bending and fitting hydraulic and pneumatic lines and pipes
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erecting and assembling machines onsite
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strictly adhering to the protocols in place to keep yourself and others safe
