Engineering Fitter Level 3 Apprenticeship

The broad purpose of this apprenticeship is to produce complex, high-value, low-volume components or assemblies—either in full or in part—using machines, equipment, or systems, in accordance with the required specifications. Examples of such components or assemblies include turbines, cranes, gearboxes, production lines, rigs, and platforms.

Fitters may typically specialise in one of several areas: mechanical, electrical, electronic, control systems, pipe fitting, or instrumentation. In order to produce or refurbish components, fitters must interpret technical drawings or specifications and plan their work accordingly. This includes ensuring they have the correct tools, equipment, and resources necessary to complete the task to the required standard.

Fitters are responsible for checking their work against quality standards and making any necessary adjustments, drawing on their knowledge and expertise. Upon completion of a task, a fitter will hand over the product and prepare the work area for the next assignment, ensuring that all equipment meets the required operational standards.

Work may be conducted in a workshop or at clients’ premises, which may include hazardous environments.

You should choose this apprenticeship if you are interested in any of the following:

Hands-On Experience: You'll gain practical skills and experience on the job, which is invaluable in the engineering industry.

Earning While Learning: Apprenticeships allow you to earn a wage while you learn, reducing the financial burden of education.

Industry Demand: There is a high demand for skilled engineers, ensuring job security and opportunities for advancement.

Specialisation: Becoming an expert in your chosen field.

Further Qualifications: Apprenticeships often lead to further qualifications, enhancing your career prospects.

Supervisory Roles: With experience, you can progress to supervisory or managerial positions, overseeing projects and teams.

Throughout this apprenticeship, you will gain a greater understanding of the following key areas:

Materials used in components or assemblies. Including: mild steel, aluminium, composites, and copper. You will learn about their use and application considerations, including machinability, hardness, conductivity, cost, availability, and compatibility.

Principles of design and operation. Including: design for cost, minimising waste, productivity (speed), health and safety, and reverse engineering.

Manufacturing and assembly processes. Including: filing, sawing, scraping, drilling, soldering, bolting, wire cutting, and threading.

Safe use of tools and equipment (hand and power tools). Including: choosing the right tool for the job, requirements for machinery checks, adjustments, operation, and shut down.

Component or assembly specifications. Including: electrical loading, load charts, torque settings, and tolerances. You will learn what they are and how to use them.

Techniques for measuring, marking, cutting and drilling materials to the required size and shape. Including: you will learn about accuracy, safety, and economical considerations during manufacturing processes.

Engineering mathematical and scientific principles. Including: methods, techniques, graphical expressions, symbols, formulae, and calculations.

Engineering data. Including: electrical readings, vibration, speed, and calibration. You will learn what they are and how to interpret and use them.

Component or assembly documentation. Including: bill of materials, standard operating procedures, inspection records, assembly instructions, electrical, pneum

Apprentices will attend college one day per week for two years and complete the remaining training in the workplace.

Completing this apprenticeship could lead to progression on to a higher apprenticeship in construction or civil engineering, as well as potential career advancement in your current role.

You will be allocated a designated apprentice coach to guide you through your apprenticeship. We also have a team of staff dedicated to providing learning support if it is required and a Wellbeing Team that are on hand to offer guidance, support, and help when needed.

We are one of the top-performing further education colleges for apprenticeships. Over nine in ten of our apprentices continue in employment or receive a promotion once they have completed their apprenticeship. We also have a dedicated apprenticeship matching service which matches your skills to a suitable apprenticeship employer. The college is dedicated to supporting you on-programme and helping you progress on to the next step.