What does a Fitter and Turner do?
Would you like to know more about the role of a Fitter and Turner at Cronin Precision Engineering Ltd? Do you know what skills are needed and what this job entails? If you are interested in becoming a Fitter Turner, then this information is for you. If you are self motivated and can work on your own initiative, then a career as a Fitter and Turner at CPEL could be the right job for you.
The job of a Fitter Turner
A Fitter and Turner is responsible for studying engineering blueprints, plans, and other engineering drawings so as to then be able to construct, assemble, manufacture, and fit parts or components of machines. A Fitter Turner is also responsible for maintaining and repairing different types of machinery.
A Fitter and Turner is also involved in fabricating industrial tools, components and products from various metals. Working to a set of engineering specifications, the Fitter and Turner operates tools and machines to grind, mill and shape raw materials into the specified form, and then assembling the final product.
Roles include a jig and tool fitter in the toolroom and being competent at all types of machining up to the centre lathe. The center lathe is usually the domain of a toolroom turner. Being an accomplished engineer in the toolroom can be a great stepping stone in your engineering career.
What are the requirements to be a successful Fitter and Turner?
To become a successful fitter and turner, there are some basic requirements that you need to meet. If you can answer ‘yes’ to the following questions, then an apprenticeship at fitting and turning may be a good choice for you!
- Are you at least 18 years old?
- Do you enjoy working or making things with your hands?
- Are you able to concentrate while doing your job under noisy conditions?
- Do you have the dedication and patience to set up a machine and observe the machine while the turning is in progress?
- Are you practical and do you have an aptitude for mathematics?
- Do you have an interest in computer software like CAD/CAM or learning and working with 3D drawings?
What type of training is needed to be a Fitter and Turner?
You can obtain practical training from an accredited training institution, or you can apply for an apprenticeship and complete your practical training under the supervision of a qualified trades-person or engineer. For theoretical training, you can enrol in engineering courses at a technical institute or vocational college.
Online engineering courses and theoretical training options are also available including national certificates in Engineering studies for Fitting and Turning jobs.
Before you can become fully qualified as a fitter and turner, you may need to pass a trade exam, which you can only do once you have completed some years of appropriate theoretical and practical training. In addition, you may need to consider training in workplace health and safety as well as first-aid training.
For more information on apprenticeships, visit the Cork Training Centre.
What are Fitting and Turning work conditions like?
The working conditions for a fitter and turner can be demanding in some aspects. Are you willing and able to work in the following situations or conditions?
- Fitters and turners spend a lot of time standing, bending, crouching and moving around a lot, which can be tiring.
- Depending on the business, a Fitter and Turner can at times be expected to work long hours, including at night time and over public holidays.
- The engineering workshop working conditions can often be very hectic, crowded, noisy, dirty, and even dangerous, which requires a lot of attention to and awareness of safety.
Do you think you have what it takes to become a fitter and turner at CPEL? Check out our open fitter and turner vacancies here.