Level 3 Engineering Fitter 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.

On this apprenticeship, you will:

• Understand material properties (steel, aluminium, composites, copper) and their applications.
• Learn design principles focused on cost, safety, productivity, and reverse engineering.
• Develop practical skills in manufacturing processes: drilling, filing, soldering, threading, etc.
• Use hand and power tools safely, including checks, setup, and shutdown.
• Read and apply specifications: tolerances, torque settings, and load charts.
• Accurately measure, mark, cut, and drill materials.
• Apply engineering maths, science, formulas, and data interpretation.
• Work with engineering data: electrical readings, vibration, speed, and calibration.
• Use technical documentation: BOMs, SOPs, inspection records, circuit diagrams.
• Understand quality standards, calibration, and ISO9001 requirements.
• Follow health, safety, and environmental regulations (PPE, COSHH, PUWER, etc.).
• Communicate effectively and plan resources, time, and tools.
• Identify faults and apply problem-solving methods (e.g. 5 Whys, kaizen).
• Understand fitter responsibilities, autonomy, reporting, and teamwork.
• Learn how the role supports safety, quality, and business performance.

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. The college is dedicated to supporting you on-programme and helping you progress on to the next step.

Entry requirements for this apprenticeship programme are GCSE grades 9-4, or level 2 functional skills qualifications in English and maths. We will consider those who need to resit either an English or maths qualification, however those that need to resit both will not meet the entry requirements for this apprenticeship programme.  

If you are required to resit either English or maths, you will be invited to undertake an initial assessment. If deemed suitable, you must be willing to achieve your level 2 English/maths qualification before the end of the apprenticeship programme as part of your study. 

In order to undertake an apprenticeship with us, you must have secured full-time employment within the relevant sector. Please note that we are not able to match applicants with employers.

You can search for apprenticeship vacancies in partnership with Warrington & Vale Royal College here: Apprenticeship Vacancies | Warrington & Vale Royal College, or you can search for vacancies nationwide through the National Apprenticeship Service: Search apprenticeship – Find an apprenticeship – GOV.UK