How to Become A Fitter and Turner In South Africa

Fitters and Turners fit, assemble, grind and shape metal parts and subassemblies to fabricate production machines and other equipment. Specializations: Fitter Armament (Army). You usually need a certificate III in engineering – mechanical trade to work as a Fitter and Turner.

What does a fitter do?

A Fitter and Turner fabricates industrial tools, components and products from metal. Working to a set of specifications, they operate tools and machines to grind, mill and shape raw materials into the specified form, then assembling the final product.

What is required for a fitter and turner?

Admission Requirements

N1 Entry Requirement: Grade 9 (Std 7) Certificate with a pass in Mathematics and Physical Science OR no formal qualification for everyone 23 years or older. N3 Entry Requirement: Grade 11 (Std 9) Certificate with a pass in Mathematics and Physical Science or N2.

What does fitting and turning deal with?

A fitting and turning is a trade who manufactures metal components (turning) and assembles them (turning) to construct industrial machinery, machine components or tools.

How to Become a Fitter and Turner in South Africa: Qualifications, Jobs and Income

Fitter and Turners are multi-skilled professionals who can practice their craft in a wide variety of industries. Their responsibilities include fabricating and assembling various mechanical components for machinery and installations. To become one, you require mandatory fitter and turner courses along with engineering fitting skills acquired through apprenticeship and training.  

Fitter and Turner jobs in South Africa provide a reliable income. Labourers with the required qualifications can quickly occupy a position in factories, shipyards, mines or industrial plants among other sectors.

What Qualifications Do You Need to Become a Fitter and Turner?

Machining is a craft that is necessary for several industries. It is a process through which a professional labourer transforms a piece of raw material into a desired shape and size. This practice is difficult for people who lack the necessary skills, which one must acquire from courses, practical learning, and work experience.

To become a fitter and turner, one must have a Matric (or min Grade 10) certificate confirming one has finished ones learning period. Some employers may require higher certifications. Generally, applicants for fitting and turning jobs can get their knowledge from courses and apprenticeships before they are eligible to earn an entry-level salary.

The job of a fitter and turner in South Africa is part of the MerSETA (Manufacturing Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority) directory. To be able to apply for this position, you must:

Be at least 16 years old

Possess N1-N3 and/or N4-N6 certificates 

Have basic engineering theory, NQF Level 3, 32 credits

Know fitting theory, NQF Level 4, 38 credits

Know machining theory, NQF Level 4, 36 credits

Have a total number of credits for knowledge modules of 106 Credits

 Have 4 years of apprenticeship

Have a national certificate that shows you have completed fitter and turner courses 

Besides these mandatory qualifications, a fitter and turner must also prove the following traits:

Be physically fit for heavy work

Enjoy working with their hands

Be meticulous and accurate

Able to work in noisy environments

Have good eyesight

Possess excellent troubleshooting skills

Hold basic level knowledge of mathematics and science

Have a good grasp of engineering technology

Understand the fine process of machining

Be able to read 3D drawings and blueprints

Work calmly, carefully and with extreme precision

According to the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), having a fitting and turning job also implies these requirements:

An in-depth understanding of health and safety compliance rules

Basic knowledge of hand and power tools

An excellent grasp of the fitting and turning tools

A great set of communication skills

Patience in getting the best results out of a machining task

What is a Fitter and Turner’s Job?

Fitters and turners have to construct and put together various components that are necessary for the well-functioning of machinery and other installations. Additionally, they must be able to ensure the maintenance of such equipment and their eventual repair in case they malfunction.

A fitter and turner usually works with power-operated tools like drilling and milling machines. They have to be aware of the occupational hazards that appear when operating these tools, and which include injuries and electrocution among others.

They need to read blueprints or drawings and use them to devise parts that complete machinery. Next, they have to assemble them and test their functioning.

Their main duties include:

Fabricating components through machining

Installing or replacing components in an installation

Troubleshooting elements of a machinery

Using engineering tools of various types

Repairing faulty pieces

Fitting and turning parts

Ensuring the maintenance of mechanical machine components.

After finishing fitter and turner courses and four years as an apprentice, one can begin a career as a fitter and turner in sectors like:

Manufacturing, construction, and maintenance

Industrial plants and factories

Iron and steel plants

Shipyards

Rail, port, and pipeline

Fitter and turner automotive sector

Mines

Garages

How Much Does a Fitter and Turner Earn in a Year?

An impressive set of engineering fitting, turning and machining as well as having solid experience in this profession will earn you a decent yearly salary in South Africa.

At the moment, the average hourly pay for Fitters and Turners is R104.48. Depending on your level of abilities and experience, you can earn between R35 and R184 per hour in addition to which you may also receive a bonus ranging between R4,427 and R31,707 calculated for an entire year.

As a student or apprentice, you may earn only the minimum rate at first. However, in time, you can earn an average of R212, 440 per year. The most that you can make within 12 months of working as a fitter and turner in South Africa is R411k, which is well above minimum wage.

How to Work as a Fitter and Turner in South Africa

South Africa has a wide market for Fitter and Turner jobs. There is a huge demand for such professionals in numerous industries and sectors. Applicants that meet the obligatory qualifications and skills have several resources available where they can opt for this profession.

Taking fitter and turner courses increases the chances of getting a job. You can add the precious information that you get from them to the hands-on experience that you get during your apprenticeship. This way, you gain a competitive advantage over other applicants for the same position.

Working as a fitter and turner in South Africa provides you with unique opportunities for advancing your career and gaining access to a high-paying salary. With dedication, hard work and patience, you can become one of the most useful professionals in engineering in the country.

What qualifications do I need to be a fitter and turner In South Africa?

What skills and abilities are required to become a Fitter and Turner?

Good at working with your hands.

Must be very mechanically-minded.

Must be able to take exact measurements and work accurately.

Must be mathematically-minded.

Must be able to concentrate under noisy working conditions.

How much does a fitter and turner earn in South Africa per month?

The average salary for a Fitter and Turner in SA is R 19 058 gross per month (R 109 gross per hour), which is 19% lower than the South Africa’s national average salary. Salary Range: a Fitter and Turner can expect an average starting salary of R 10 400. The highest salaries can exceed R 34 330.

How long is the fitting and turning course In South Africa?

Duration and Certification

The duration of each level is Three months. Therefore a TRIMESTER timetable is followed, with registration taking place in January, April and August, enabling the successful student to accumulate THREE national certificates during the course of one year.

Where can I study fitting and turning in South Africa?

Study Fitting and Turning Courses via distance learning at Oxbridge Academy.

National Certificate: N1 Engineering Studies (Fitting and Turning) (SAQA ID 67109)

National Certificate: N2 Engineering Studies (Fitting and Turning) (SAQA ID 67375)

How long does it take to become a fitter and turner In South Africa?

Practical training can take anything from three to four years to complete. There is also a Trade Test that you have to write to become certified. Trade tests are regulated by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and can be written at national trade test centres around the country.

What subjects are needed to become a fitter In South Africa?

The subjects covered in this course include Mathematics N2, Engineering Science N2, Engineering Drawing N2, and Fitting and Machining Theory N2. Once you have completed this course, you will receive a recognized National Certificate.

What does a Fitter & Turner do In South Africa?

Fitters and Turners fit, assemble, grind and shape metal parts and subassemblies to fabricate production machines and other equipment. Specializations: Fitter Armament (Army).

What is the role of a turner In South Africa?

Turners are responsible for manufacturing metal components and assembling them to construct tools, industrial machinery, and machine components. They identify potential problems by understanding machine specifications and drawings before the production process.