Fitter and Turner

Fitters and turners 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.

Fitters and turners first select and mark off the material required according to exact measurements on blueprints, drawings or a model. They then shape the rough piece of metal into its final form with power-operated tools such as lathes, milling, drilling and planing machines. Finally they fit the parts required to complete the machine or article and inspect and test the final assembly for true fit.

Personal Requirements

at least 16 years old
meticulously accurate
enjoy working with your hands
practical and responsible
mathematical aptitude
able to concentrate under noisy working conditions
able to read three-dimensional drawings

Employment

fitting and turning contractors engaged in manufacturing, construction or maintenance and repair
large engineering works
large industrial plants and factories
iron and steel plants
shipyards
government departments
Transnet
mines
garages

Getting Started

try to obtain vacation work in a fitter and turner company
make an appointment to speak to a fitter and turner about this type of career

Programmes

Boston City Campus and Business College does not offer a programme that leads directly to this occupation. Please take a look at the related occupations below to see whether any of these appeal to you. Alternately, please send an email to taryn@boston.co.za and a Student Advisor will call you back.

Related Occupations

Tool Jig and Die-maker

Armature Winder