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Maintenance fitter

Alternative titles for this job include Engineering maintenance fitter, maintenance engineer

Maintenance fitters install, service and repair industrial machinery and equipment.

Average salary (a year)

£23,000 Starter

to

£38,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

42 to 44 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends on shifts

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • applying directly

College

You could take a college course to learn some of the skills you'll need. Useful subjects include:

  • Level 2 Certificate in Mechanical Engineering
  • Level 2 Diploma in Maintenance Engineering Technology
  • Level 3 Certificate in Fabrication and Welding Engineering Technology
  • T Level in Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing

Entry requirements

You may need:

  • 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do an apprenticeship, such as:

  • Engineering and Manufacturing Level 2 Foundation Apprenticeship
  • Engineering Fitter Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
  • Engineering Maintenance Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
  • Maintenance Operations Engineering Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship

Foundation apprenticeship

You can apply for a foundation apprenticeship if you're aged 16 to 21.

If you're aged 22 to 24, you can apply if you:

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • no specific qualifications or experience to apply for a foundation apprenticeship
  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

More Information

Work

You could start as an engineering operative or trainee craftsperson and do training on the job to become a fitter.

Direct Application

You can apply directly for maintenance fitter jobs if you've got a qualifications and experience in maintenance, such as:

  • mechanical engineering
  • pipefitting
  • welding
  • electrical engineering

More Information

Registration

Further information

You can find more about careers in engineering from the ECITB and Tomorrow's Engineers.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • practical skills for repairing and maintaining equipment
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • problem-solving skills
  • the ability to work on your own
  • the ability to make decisions about tools and equipment
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to work well with others
  • thinking and reasoning skills
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a maintenance fitter, you could:

  • install pipework, valves, pumps and motors
  • carry out planned maintenance checks
  • find and fix faults
  • replace worn parts, reset instrument controls and clean machinery
  • respond to emergency breakdowns, for example on a factory production line

Working environment

You could work in a factory or at a client's business.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

You could do further training while you work to become an engineering technician or site supervisor.

Courses that could help you progress include:

  • Level 3 (NVQ) Diploma in Engineering Maintenance
  • Level 3 Diploma in Installing Engineering Construction Plant and Systems - Mechanical Fitting
  • Level 3 Combined Diploma in Process Engineering Maintenance

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Apprentice Mechanical Fitter

  • Wage: £14,918.80 a year Annually
  • Location: Castleton, Rochdale

Apprentice Installation Engineer For Agricultural Robotic Milking and Feeding Equipment

  • Wage: £20,800 a year Annually
  • Location: Yeoford, Crediton
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Engineering - Maintenance Technology Certificate Level 2

  • Provider: WEST SUFFOLK COLLEGE
  • Start date: 01 September 2026
  • Location: BURY ST EDMUNDS

Certificate in Engineering - Maintenance Technology Level 2

  • Provider: THE CITY OF LIVERPOOL COLLEGE
  • Start date: 08 September 2026
  • Location: LIVERPOOL
Find courses near you

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