Fitting And Machining Apprenticeships: Training For A Career In Precision Engineering And Manufacturing

If you’re someone who dreams of becoming a hands-on, skilled mechanical engineer, then you should think about pursuing a fitting and machining apprenticeship to start your career off right. During an apprenticeship, you’ll learn from the best. You’ll gain hands-on experience that will help you grow as an aspiring engineer.

Fitting and machining engineers, who are modernly known as ‘fitter machinists’ but were once commonly known as ‘fitter turners,’ are highly skilled professionals who use specialised tools and machines to fabricate and assemble machinery. They play an essential role in a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, logging, and transport.

As an engineer, you can make New Zealand better by creating and repairing essential machinery that is detrimental to these industries succeeding. But first, you’ll need to learn the basics by enrolling into an apprenticeship program.

What You Can Do To Start Your Career As An Engineer

When it comes to engineering, getting hands-on experience and learning from skilled mentors is a must. A fitting and machining apprenticeship will allow you to learn on the job, in a full time paid position. This will allow you to support yourself while you focus on improving your skills and learning new techniques.

To start on your path towards being a successful engineer, you can apply for an apprenticeship at ATNZ. Our four-year course will involve you learning how to build, install and repair various types of machines. You’ll also learn to follow specific requirements, use relevant computer software, prepare plans for machines and much more.

In addition to technical skills, you’ll also learn important skills such as good teamwork, effective communication and problem-solving.

Successfully completing your fitting and machining apprenticeship can help you find a well-paying job. Engineering machinists have great job prospects, so by becoming an apprentice, you’re setting yourself up for a bright and successful future.

What Skills You’ll Work On During A Fitting And Machining Apprenticeship

Fitting and machining engineers should have a strong understanding of metalworking principles and practices. They should also be able to read and interpret engineering drawings, as simple mistakes or miscalculations can lead to entire machines not working as they should.

Specifically, the skills you’ll need to work on during your fitting and machining apprenticeship include:

Mechanical And Technical Skills. Because you’ll be working with plenty of different kinds of tools, machines and components, you’ll need to get used to working with these in a safe and efficient manner. Recklessness and mishandling can lead to damage or injuries, so learning the proper way to work with mechanical parts and equipment is necessary.

During your fitting and machining apprenticeship, you’ll learn the correct ways to work with many types of equipment and components.

Practical Skills. On top of understanding how to use certain tools or parts, you’ll also need to have practical skills involving hand-eye coordination and how to effectively complete work with your hands.

Reading And Understanding Mechanical Plans And Engineering Drawings. Because you’ll be working on creating and repairing machines, it’s important that you understand how to read plans and drawings. These plans can be confusing to the average person, so learning how to properly understand them is critical.

A major advantage of becoming an apprentice is that you’ll be learning from experienced people. So, if you have any questions about how to read plans, you can get the help you need.

Communication Skills. During your fitting and machining apprenticeship, you’ll learn from others and work with other people. This means that having good communication skills and people skills is incredibly important. Communicating and working well with others will promote a safe and effective working environment while ensuring that everything gets done well and on time.

Miscommunication can lead to mistakes, misunderstandings and negative emotions towards others in your team. As you practise your technical skills, make sure you also practise your communication skills. 

Focus. Engineering involves work that requires precision and accuracy. Becoming easily distracted can result in mistakes that waste time. You’ll need to be able to focus for long periods of time to ensure your task is completed correctly.

Physical Fitness. You’ll be expected to work hard during your fitting and machining apprenticeship. You may have to stand for long periods of time, carry equipment or components and complete other physical tasks. Being healthy and in good shape can help you comfortably get through your work while producing excellent results.

Where You Can Learn More About Your Engineering Apprenticeship Opportunities In New Zealand

An apprenticeship is a fantastic way to learn the skills you need to become a successful engineer in New Zealand. If you want to learn, then we at ATNZ want to help you succeed.

To get started, you can book a chat with our team. We’ll talk to you about your prospects to determine what your best course of action is. You can also email us at if you’d like to send us a message.

Fulfil your dream of becoming an engineer, learn with ATNZ.