Fitter

A fitter is a skilled tradesperson who assembles, fits, and aligns components in machinery, structures, or systems. In industrial settings, fitters work with metal parts, piping, and assembly fixtures to ensure correct fit, alignment, and function. They may specialize as mechanical fitters, pipefitters, or millwrights. Mechanical fitters assemble machinery from parts provided by engineers, while pipefitters install and assemble piping systems for water, gas, steam, and chemicals. Millwrights install and align heavy machinery in factories, plants, or shipyards. In some regions, the term fitter is used more broadly for skilled workers who fit parts during construction or maintenance.

Training and qualifications vary by country. Most require an apprenticeship or equivalent vocational program, typically 3–4 years, combining classroom instruction with paid on-the-job training. Certifications or licenses may be required for pipefitters or work in regulated industries such as petrochemicals or shipyards. Employers value precision, mechanical aptitude, problem-solving, and the ability to read blueprints and schematics.

Duties commonly include reading plans and drawings, selecting appropriate components, measuring and verifying dimensions, and assembling or welding parts. Fitters align, level, and fasten components using hand and power tools, perform basic machining or modifications when needed, and test and adjust assemblies to specification. They may also perform maintenance and repair on equipment.

Typical tools and equipment used include calipers, micrometers, torque wrenches, levels, straightedges, squares, grinders, files, wrenches, and measuring devices. The work is performed in factories, construction sites, shipyards, and maintenance facilities and often involves physical labor, confined spaces, and exposure to heat, noise, and rotating machinery. Safety training and adherence to procedures are essential.