Engineering Fitter (Level 3 Standard)

Engineering Fitter Apprentices play a key role in the manufacturing and process industries, working on the production or refurbishment of complex, high-value, low-volume components or assemblies. These can include items such as turbines, gearboxes, cranes, production lines, rigs, and platforms.

As an apprentice in this role, you'll learn to interpret technical drawings and specifications to plan and carry out fitting tasks. Your work may involve mechanical, electrical, electronic, control systems, pipe fitting, or instrumentation disciplines. You'll be responsible for selecting the right tools and materials, assembling or refurbishing components to precise standards, and checking your work against quality requirements. Adjustments and fine-tuning will be made as needed using your growing technical knowledge.

Fitters are expected to maintain high levels of accuracy and safety, hand over completed work appropriately, and prepare the workspace for the next task, ensuring all equipment is safe and fit for use. Work may take place in a workshop or on client premises, which could include hazardous environments, depending on the nature of the job.

For Level 3 apprenticeships, learners are generally required to have a minimum of 3-5 GCSEs (including Maths and English) at grade 4 (C) or above prior to enrolment. However, for applicants aged 19 or older, this requirement may be waived at the discretion of the employer and training provider, depending on the role and individual circumstances.

• Hands-on Training & College Learning: Apprentices work on-site in manufacturing, aerospace, energy, or transport sectors while attending college weekly on a day release basis. They produce, refurbish, and fit high-value components such as turbines, gearboxes, and production rigs in order to gain practical experience in interpreting drawings, using tools, and meeting precise specifications.

• Wide-Ranging Curriculum: The course covers engineering principles, technical documentation, mechanical and electrical fitting, quality control, tooling and materials, and health and safety. Apprentices also learn to plan tasks, check tolerances, and work with hand and power tools to assemble systems safely and accurately.

• Specialist Pathways: Learners may specialise in mechanical, electrical, electronic, pipe fitting, or instrumentation depending on the employer needs. Employers may support additional training in control systems, hazardous environments, or digital diagnostics depending on the sector and role.

• Career-Ready Qualification: Upon completion (typically 42 months), apprentices earn a Level 3 qualification and are ready for roles such as engineering fitter, assembly technician, or maintenance engineer, with progression into engineering technician status, supervisory roles, or degree-level engineering pathways.

For a comprehensive understanding of this Engineering Fitter programme and what it entails, please click here.

This Engineering Fitter Apprenticeship is taught at our London Road campus on a day release basis each week – which delivery model you will undertake, will be determined by your employer. In addition, you will be visited at your workplace regularly by your assessor, to assess your practical skills and knowledge as well as review your progress with your employer.  You will be required to sit an End Point Assessment, towards the final stages of your programme, to ensure you have obtained the skills, knowledge and behaviours required to do your job effectively.

Typically, this Apprenticeship will take 42 months to complete.

To be an apprentice, you will need an employer who can offer you a specific role relevant to this apprenticeship and release you for your training. Once you have an employer in place, you can apply online. If after reading this fact sheet, you are still undecided about the course most suitable for you, please drop into one of our advice events, ring the Apprenticeship Team on 01743 653444 or email apprenticeships@shrewsbury.ac.uk