Mechanical Fitter Apprenticeship

Many of Australia’s most vital industries are kept moving by Mechanical Fitters.

A branch of Mechanical Engineering, mechanical fitters are highly skilled trades that are responsible for manufacturing, assembling and maintaining the heavy machinery our country relies on.

For those with great attention to detail who enjoy working with their hands, undertaking a mechanical fitting apprenticeship is an ideal way to access incredible career opportunities.

Typically a Mechanical Fitter Apprenticeship will take 4 years to complete.

During this time, mechanical fitter apprentices complete a Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade while undertaking paid work at a host employer’s worksite. To complete your apprenticeship, you must be able to apply the required knowledge and skills to the required level.

Mechanical fitters are skilled tradespeople who specialise in fabricating, installing, repairing and modifying machinery and other equipment. This is done with machine tools including welders, lathes, cutting, grinding and shaping equipment, milling and drilling, precision measuring instruments, and advanced tools like computer numerical control (CNC) machines.

As a mechanical fitter, you’re an engineering specialist who works on all stages of the equipment manufacturing process of fixed plant and machinery. From setting up tools to marking out components, shaping materials and then assembling parts to create machinery and other equipment, you will play an integral role in the engineering process.

Mechanical fitter apprenticeships are similar in scope to a fitter and turner apprenticeship.

In 2024, the typical salary range for a qualified mechanical fitter is $95,000 to $115,000 (Seek).

Mechanical fitter apprentices are typically paid under the Australian Government's Manufacturing Award which takes into account your age, previous qualification level (completed year 12 vs didn't finish year 12), and the apprenticeship year (first year vs third year).

Indicative wages for a mechanical fitter apprentice in 2024:

• Aged under 17 years: $497.50 to $875.60 per week

• Aged 17 to 20 years: $547.25 to $914.90 per week

• Aged over 21 years: $796.00 to $914.90 per week

Additionally, you may be eligible for applicable Modern Award inclusions, host employer-specific benefits, and government support payments.

Wage details will be discussed during the recruitment process when you apply for an apprenticeship with MIGAS.

No two days as a mechanical fitter are the same. Fabricating and installing machine parts requires a high level of problem-solving, and you will often be required to think outside the box to get the job done.

A typical day at work for a mechanical fitter includes a huge range of tasks, such as:

• Interpreting design plans and specifications
• Determining the best way to fabricate components
• Marking out materials ahead of fabrication
• Using machinery to cut, grind and shape materials such as metal and plastic
• Operating specialist machinery and hand tools
• Assembling fabricated components to produce machines, equipment and tools
• Maintaining and repairing machines and equipment
• Overseeing the fabrication process and making changes to deliver high quality components

With such a broad range of skills, mechanical fitters are some of Australia’s most in-demand trades. Choosing a career as a mechanical fitter can open doorways in industries such as mining, manufacturing, engineering, aviation, construction, power generation and more.

Like other mechanical engineering trade specialisations, candidates for a Mechanical Fitter Apprenticeship need the following attributes:

• Attention to detail
• Manual dexterity
• Normal colour vision
• Good communication skills 

A genuine interest in trade and commitment to training will help ensure a successful apprenticeship.

Questions? Learn more about Australian Apprenticeships with our frequently asked questions.

Keep up to date with the latest apprenticeship jobs from MIGAS – register your interest with us and we'll email you when we have a match.