Fitter and Turner Apprenticeship
A Fitter and Turner Apprenticeship is a paid, nationally accredited training pathway that combines workshop experience with formal study, generally over four years.
Apprentices learn to manufacture, fit, assemble and repair components for plant and industrial machinery, working with precision tools and materials including metals and plastics, and complete the MEM30219 Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade.
Fitters and turners are highly skilled craftspeople whose work spans everything from small-scale repairs to designing, building and installing complete production lines. The trade is in demand across manufacturing, mining, food production, defence, aerospace and infrastructure.
It's a versatile trade with strong wages, long-term job security, and pathways into supervision, specialisation or self-employment.
View Current Engineering Apprenticeships
What Does a Fitter and Turner Do?
Fitters and turners are skilled tradespeople who specialise in complex fabrication and assembly tasks for the manufacturing and industrial sectors, with heavy involvement in fabricating and installing mechanical equipment.
Day-to-day work can include:
- Interpreting diagrams, drawings, specifications and plans to determine suitable materials and the sequence of operations
- Welding, cutting and grinding a range of materials
- Assembling fabricated parts into finished components
- Operating engineering workshop machinery including lathes, mills, drilling machines and welding plant
- Using power tools, hand tools and precision measuring instruments
- Diagnosing and repairing faults in tools and machinery
- Producing one-off custom parts as well as production runs
The role often combines traditional machining skills with modern technology including CAD design, 3D printing and prototyping, depending on the host employer's industry.
Ethan completed his Fitter and Turner Apprenticeship with MIGAS and host Arnott's Biscuits.
How Long is a Fitter and Turner Apprenticeship?
A fitter and turner apprenticeship usually takes around four years to complete.
Throughout your training, you'll earn a wage while building hands-on experience under qualified tradespeople, and complete a nationally accredited qualification, MEM30219 Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade, at TAFE or a Registered Training Organisation.
Completion of the apprenticeship is based on demonstrating the required knowledge and competency to the standard set by the qualification, rather than time alone.
Fitter and Turner Salary
In Australia in 2026, the average qualified fitter and turner earns between $80,000 and $95,000 per year, with higher salaries available depending on the industry and specialisation chosen. (Seek)
As a Fitter and Turner Apprentice, you'll usually be paid under the Manufacturing and Associated Industries and Occupations Award or an EBA provided by your employer. Apprentice wages increase as you progress through each stage of your apprenticeship. The rate you're paid depends on whether you've completed Year 12, whether you're an adult apprentice, any EBA terms, employer or host benefits, and any government support you're eligible for.
Indicative weekly Award wages for a fitter and turner apprentice as at 1 July 2025, ranging from stage 1 (lowest) to stage 4 (highest):
- Junior apprentice, did not complete Year 12: $534.20 to $940.19 per week
- Junior apprentice, completed Year 12: $587.62 to $982.40 per week
- Adult apprentice (21 years and over): $854.72 to $982.40 per week
(Source: Fair Work Ombudsman Pay Guide MA000010) Rates apply to general manufacturing and reflect minimum Award wages. Allowances such as tool allowance and industry allowance may apply on top of these rates depending on classification and circumstances.
Fitter and Turner Apprenticeships appear on the Government's Australian Apprenticeships Priority List, and eligible apprentices may receive additional support payments.
A Day in the Life of a Fitter and Turner Apprentice
Emma completed her fitter and turner apprenticeship with MIGAS, hosted at Queensland Brain Institute (QBI) at The University of Queensland.
“I have always been interested in creating and designing. Fitting and turning is a good choice for me as I have had the opportunity to learn a wide range of skills including machining, welding, CAD design, 3D printing and prototyping, acrylic fabrication and much more.” - Emma
Skills and Requirements
A successful fitter and turner apprentice combines technical aptitude with strong personal attributes:
- Attention to detail: The trade involves working to fine tolerances, often within fractions of a millimetre, so accuracy is critical
- Manual dexterity: You'll be handling complex tools, machinery and components every day, and good hand-eye coordination makes the work easier
- Normal colour vision: Many tasks involve colour-coded markings, components and wiring
- Communication skills: Fitters and turners work alongside engineers, designers and other tradespeople, so being able to explain technical detail clearly is important
- Mechanical aptitude: A natural curiosity about how machines work, paired with strong problem-solving instincts, will serve you well
Career Pathways After Your Apprenticeship
A fitter and turner qualification opens doors across a wide range of industries and roles, including:
- Precision machining and CNC operation
- Heavy industrial maintenance and plant fitting
- Defence, aerospace and aviation
- Food and beverage production
- Mining and resources
- Custom fabrication and prototyping
- Mechanical engineering (with further study)
- Site supervision, project management and contracting
- Self-employment as a workshop owner
Few trades give you access to as many industries as fitting and turning. The same qualification can take you from a research lab to a production line to a mine site, depending on where your interests lead.
Find a Fitter and Turner Apprenticeship
Get started in a fitter and turner apprenticeship with MIGAS by browsing our Jobs Board for roles. We regularly add new roles so register with us to receive updates when an apprenticeship matches your interests.
Latest Apprenticeships
View our frequently asked questions for more information on Australian Apprenticeships, or learn about other Engineering Apprenticeship trade specialisations.
Quick Links
A fitter and turner apprenticeship is a specialisation within mechanical trade engineering. You might also consider:
View the MIGAS Jobs Board for current engineering trade apprenticeships.