Fitter: What is the cost of hiring?

What is a fitter?

A fitter is a tradesperson who specialises in assembling, installing, testing and maintaining mechanical systems, parts or equipment. They may work with machinery, vehicles, construction materials or piping systems, depending on the industry. Their expertise ensures that equipment runs smoothly and safely.

Why recruit a fitter?

Recruiting a fitter helps reduce downtime, improve workplace safety and extend the lifespan of valuable equipment. They also ensure compliance with safety standards and regulations. You may need to recruit a fitter if your equipment frequently breaks down, production schedules are falling behind or your projects are expanding.

Contributions of a great fitter:

• Installing and maintaining equipment safely and efficiently
• Diagnosing and repairing mechanical faults quickly
• Helping to reduce costly downtime by ensuring preventative maintenance

Defining your recruitment needs for a fitter

Before recruiting a fitter, assess the scope of your requirements. Decide whether you need someone to specialise in mechanical systems, vehicles, electrical equipment or piping. Consider whether you need full-time, contract or project-based support, and set a clear budget for training, tools and overtime. Also think about whether you need a general fitter or a specialist role such as a pipefitter or mechanical fitter to avoid confusion during recruitment.

What are the types of fitters?

Fitters work across many sectors, each with specific expertise. Some focus on assembly and installation, while others handle specialist maintenance.

Here are some common variations of the job title for a fitter:

• Mechanical fitter
• Pipefitter
• Vehicle fitter
• Electrical fitter
• Construction fitter

When writing your fitter job description, consider including some or all of the following keywords to improve the visibility of your job posting. These are the most popular search terms leading to clicks on fitter jobs, according to Indeed data:

• Fitter
• Mechanical fitter
• Kitchen fitter
• Plant fitter
• Carpenter
• Plumber
• Bathroom fitter
• Mechanic
• Trainee
• Welder

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Where to find fitters?

To find the right fitter for your business, use a mix of industry-specific and modern recruitment methods. The most effective strategy often combines trade networking, vocational training pipelines and online job boards. Think about where qualified fitters spend their time and focus your recruitment there. This helps you reach candidates who already have the technical skills and safety knowledge your business needs.

To find the right fitter for your business, consider trying out a few different recruitment strategies:

• Trade schools and colleges: vocational training centres producing qualified fitters are excellent sources of early-career candidates
• Industry associations: trade bodies and engineering organisations often provide job boards and networking opportunities
• Apprenticeship schemes: hiring apprentices ensures you develop fitters with the right skills for your specific equipment or industry
• Recruitment agencies: agencies specialising in engineering and technical trades can connect you with screened candidates quickly
• Post your job online: try posting your fitter job on Indeed to find and attract quality fitter candidates

Skills to look for in a fitter

A successful fitter candidate will typically have the following skills and competencies, which may be gained through a variety of experiences, training or education:

• Mechanical knowledge and technical problem-solving
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings
• Use of hand and power tools safely
• Knowledge of health and safety practices
• Precision and attention to detail
• Physical stamina and manual dexterity

Writing a fitter job description

Now that you know the key skills, salary expectations, popular jobseeker search terms and recruitment insights for a fitter, you’re ready to write a job description.

A fitter job description typically includes a compelling summary of the role, a detailed list of duties and responsibilities and the required and preferred skills for the position. You may also want to include information about your company culture, benefits and perks to attract candidates to your open role.

Ready to get started? See our full guide for writing fitter job descriptions.

Interviewing fitter candidates

Strong candidates for fitter positions will be confident answering questions regarding:

• Experience with mechanical installations and repairs
• Knowledge of health and safety procedures
• Ability to interpret technical specifications and drawings
• Problem-solving in high-pressure situations
• Experience with preventative maintenance strategies

Need help coming up with interview questions? See our list of fitter interview questions for examples (with sample answers).