Fitter and Turner Apprenticeship
MEM30219 – Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade (Fitting/Machining)
Kickstart your career as a fitter and turner with a paid apprenticeship
Fitters and turners are the backbone of the manufacturing industry. They are highly skilled craftspeople who manufacture, construct, assemble and fit components for machinery, vehicles, installations and other apparatus or articles. Fitter and turners are also responsible for the maintenance and repair of such equipment.
Fitting and turning can be a very rewarding profession if you enjoy creating things from scratch using your hands, especially if you like working and tinkering with metal. As a career, it offers a steady income, stable job security as well as plenty of variety. No two days in the workshop will ever be the same as you’ll be assigned to work on a diverse range of projects with different scopes and challenges to overcome.
As part of your apprenticeship, you’ll learn how to read blueprints, assemble metal parts, set up prescribed cutting/shaping tools and dies, diagnose faults, perform operational maintenance of machines and so much more.
Completion Time
- 4 years
Registration Criteria
- Sound literacy and numeracy skills
- You must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a valid visa that allows you to work in Australia.
- At least 15 years old
- Construction White Card – this can be obtained online prior to the commencement of your apprenticeship
Recommended:
- Certificate II in Engineering Pathways. This course will give you an introduction to the manufacturing industry, its culture, occupations, job roles and workplace expectations. It can usually be completed by students who are still in high school.
- Manual drivers license and own transport
- Participation in the Trade Taster program and relevant work experience is also highly desirable
Career Outcomes
- Fitter and turner
- Technician
- Machinist
- Workshop supervisor
- Operations manager
Earn while you learn with East Coast Apprenticeships
East Coast Apprenticeships combines both theory and practical on-site skills learning. Our approach is to directly employ potential apprentices such as yourself by placing you with ‘Host Employers’ which are usually local, small to medium sized businesses. You will work and train under the supervision of an experienced tradesperson upon placement with a Host Employer.
When you commence employment with us, you will be officially signed up as an apprentice with a Training Contract which is nationally recognised.
Whilst you are working on-site, you will earn an hourly wage. Your wages will depend on several factors, such as your age and your level of education. Your wages may increase with each completed year of your apprenticeship.
In addition to your paid practical work, you will need to attend classroom lessons for 1 or 2 week periods 2-3 times throughout the year. These lessons will take place at one of our recommended/approved Supervising Registered Training Organisations (SRTOs). SRTOs can include TAFE colleges and institutes, adult and community education providers as well as other relevant industry organisations. This will all be arranged with you by East Coast Apprenticeships.
Successfully passing these theory modules is necessary to obtaining your apprenticeship qualification.
What skills does it take to successfully complete a fitter and turner apprenticeship?
- Enjoy working with your hands and solving mechanical challenges
- Have good attention to detail – measure twice, cut once!
- Have good problem solving and visualisation skills
- Have good maths and geometric design skills
- Have good time management skills
- You’re a driven, hardworking and reliable employee
- Comfortable working in a workshop and being on your feet all day
What are the costs of enrolling?
There are no costs involved in being employed as an East Coast apprentice – instead you get paid for your on-site work.
Student fees may apply for the enrolment in the necessary theory modules and to attend classes at your designated SRTO. However, upon successful completion of these modules, you will be fully reimbursed for all fees. Financial help/loans are available for you to be able to purchase any necessary tools and equipment required to complete on-site work.
Click to learn more about the Australian Apprentice Training Support Payment.
Units of Competency
To be awarded the Fitting/Machining specialisation for this certification, units of competency to the value of 96 points must be achieved, chosen as outlined below:
- 12 core units worth 33 points.
- Elective units of competency to a minimum value of 40 points from Group C electives
- Elective units of competency to a maximum value of 23 points from Group D to bring the total value to 96 points.
Click here to view the elective and core Units of Competency
How do I apply?
To apply for an exciting career as a fitter and turner and to start earning while you learn, visit the Apply Now page.
Applying online is mobile friendly but you will need to submit a resume. If you don’t have access to your resume on your mobile at the time of application, please upload it later to your profile.
Why should you choose East Coast Apprenticeships?
East Coast Apprenticeships is a community-based, not for profit organisation which has been in operation since 1988. We take pride in our workmanship and strive for a reputation of integrity and providing the highest level of guidance and support to all our apprentices and trainees.
Our Point of Difference:
As one of Queensland’s largest Group Training Organisations we are more likely to be able to rotate you to different employers to either keep you working in your trade or provide you greater exposure to the full scope of the trade as well as develop a wider set of skills by learning from different tradesmen. Throughout your apprenticeship you will also establish a number of contacts within the industry to enhance your prospects within the sector upon completion of your apprenticeship.
Pastoral Care:
Finally, as a Group Training Organisation, East Coast Apprenticeships offers a unique service of “Pastoral Care” to apprentices and trainees. The value of Pastoral Care offered to students is that they are nurtured and supported by experienced Field Officers who foster encouragement, a positive influence, improved decision-making skills and increased self-esteem by ensuring each apprentice is making strong progress within their apprenticeship and supporting them through any challenges.
Click here to read more about our Pastoral Care policy.
East Coast offices providing management / support are located at:
- Brisbane North (Strathpine)
- Brisbane South (Upper Mount Gravatt)
- Sunshine Coast (Maroochydore)
- Bundaberg
- Hervey Bay
Talk to the team at East Coast Apprenticeships.
Do you have some questions about whether a Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade (Fitting/Machining) is right for you, or how our paid apprenticeships work? Simply fill out the form below and we’ll get back to you.