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Occupation Details

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Fitter - Plant Machinery

Job Zone

Education
Most occupations in this zone require job specific training (vocational training) related to the occupation (NFQ Levels 5 and 6 or higher), related on-the-job experience, or a relevant professional award.

Related Experience
Previous work-related skills, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, several years of full or part-time employment in the area may suffice.

Job Training
Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognised apprenticeship or training program may be associated with these occupations.

Job Zone Examples
These occupations usually involve using communication and organisational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include restaurant managers, electricians, agricultural technicians, legal secretaries, hairdressers, and web developers.

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At a Glance... header image

Repairs, services and maintains industrial machinery.


Videos & Interviews header image

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The Work header image

In their work, Mechanical Automation and Maintenance Fitters use  lathes,  CNC (Computer numerical control), machine tools, drilling and milling machines welding plants.  
 
In plant maintenance, they dismantle and fit new parts and they may also have to make these parts. They also install plant and production equipment and carry out condition monitoring using modern maintenance techniques.  


Tasks & Activitiesheader image

The following is a list of the most commonly reported tasks and activities for this occupation

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 Transfer tools, parts, equipment, and supplies to and from work stations and other areas.

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 Disassemble broken or defective equipment to facilitate repair and reassemble equipment when repairs are complete.

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 Install or replace machinery, equipment, and new or replacement parts and instruments, using hand or power tools.

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 Examine and test machinery, equipment, components, and parts for defects to ensure proper functioning.

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 Hold or supply tools, parts, equipment, and supplies for other workers.

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 Position vehicles, machinery, equipment, physical structures, and other objects for assembly or installation, using hand tools, power tools, and moving equipment.

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 Adjust, maintain, and repair tools, equipment, and machines, and assist more skilled workers with similar tasks.

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 Adjust, connect, or disconnect wiring, piping, tubing, and other parts, using hand or power tools.

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 Clean or lubricate vehicles, machinery, equipment, instruments, tools, work areas, and other objects, using hand tools, power tools, and cleaning equipment.

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 Assemble and maintain physical structures, using hand or power tools.

Work Activities header image

The following is a list of the most commonly reported work activities in this occupation.

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 Handling and Moving Objects: Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

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 Performing General Physical Activities: Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.

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 Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates: Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

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 Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment: Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.

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 Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge: Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

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 Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings: Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

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 Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment: Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.

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 Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment: Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

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 Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships: Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

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 Making Decisions and Solving Problems: Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.


Knowledge header image

The following is a list of the five most commonly reported knowledge areas for this occupation.

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 Mechanical: Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

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 English Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

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 Customer and Personal Service: Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

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 Mathematics: Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

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 Building and Construction: Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.


Skillsheader image

The following is a list of the most commonly reported skills used in this occupation.

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 Equipment Maintenance: Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.

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 Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

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 Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

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 Quality Control Analysis: Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

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 Coordination: Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

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 Repairing: Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

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 Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

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 Troubleshooting: Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

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 Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

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 Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Personal Qualitiesheader image

You must have strong practical skills and an interest in understanding how machines and control systems function.  Good observational skills are required for fault finding. Mechanical Automation and Maintenance Fitters need a logical, methodical approach to problem-solving.  
 
The ability to understand technical information and diagrams is important. You should also be able to write reports of completed repairs.


Related Occupationsheader image

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Career Guidance

This occupation is popular with people who have the following Career Interests...


...and for people who like working in the following Career Sectors:

Building, Construction & Property
Electrical & Electronic Engineering

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Higher Ed & CAO Course suggestions
If you are interested in this occupation, then the following courses may also be of interest. Note that these course suggestions are not intended to indicate that they lead directly to this occupation, only that they are related in some way and may be worth exploring.
Courses found: 76
Advanced Wood and Sustainable Building Technology
IT Sligo
Advanced Wood Technology and Sustainable Construction (Cancelled)
IT Tralee
Applied Engineering
Dundalk IT
Architectural and Building Information Modelling Technology
Waterford IT
Architectural Technology
DIT
Architectural Technology
GMIT - Galway-Mayo IT
Architectural Technology
IT Carlow
Architectural Technology
GMIT - Galway-Mayo IT
Architectural Technology
Cork Institute of Technology
Architectural Technology
Waterford IT
Architectural Technology
Letterkenny IT
Architectural Technology
GMIT - Galway-Mayo IT
Architectural Technology
Cork Institute of Technology
Architectural Technology
IT Carlow
Architecture
University of Limerick
Architecture
Waterford IT
Architecture
DIT
Architecture
UCD (NUI)
Architecture (Joint UCC and CIT)
UCC (NUI)
Building Services and Renewable Energy
Letterkenny IT - LYIT
Building Services Engineering
Waterford IT
Building Services Engineering
Dublin IT - DIT
Building Services Engineering CANCELLED 2017
Cork Institute of Technology
Building Surveying
Dundalk IT
Buildings Management - Cancelled
DIT
Built Environment
Limerick IT - LIT
Civil and Environmental Engineering
IT Tralee
Civil Engineering
Athlone IT - AIT
Civil Engineering
Letterkenny IT
Civil Engineering
Limerick IT
Civil Engineering
Athlone IT - AIT
Civil Engineering
IT Sligo
Civil Engineering
IT Carlow
Civil Engineering
IT Carlow
Civil Engineering
GMIT - Galway-Mayo IT
Civil Engineering
GMIT - Galway-Mayo IT
Civil Engineering
Waterford IT
Civil Engineering
GMIT - Galway-Mayo IT
Civil Engineering
DIT
Civil Engineering
NUI Galway
Civil Engineering
Cork Institute of Technology
Civil Engineering
IT Sligo
Civil Engineering
IT Sligo
Civil Engineering Management
Limerick IT
Construction
Cork Institute of Technology
Construction
Limerick IT
Construction (Cancelled)
IT Tralee
Construction (Common Entry)
IT Carlow
Construction (Facilities and Building Services Management)
IT Carlow
Construction - Buildings and Services Management
IT Carlow
Construction Management
GMIT - Galway-Mayo IT
Construction Management
GMIT - Galway-Mayo IT
Construction Management
GMIT - Galway-Mayo IT
Construction Management
DIT
Construction Management
Limerick IT
Construction Management
Cork Institute of Technology
Construction Management and Engineering
University of Limerick
Construction Management and Engineering
Waterford IT
Construction Practice
Limerick IT
Construction Technology
Dundalk IT
Construction Technology with BIM CANCELLED 2017
Letterkenny IT - LYIT
Craft Technology – Mechanical Services CANCELLED 2017
Cork Institute of Technology
Electrical Services & Energy Management
DIT
Electrical Services Engineering
DIT
Electrical Systems
Limerick IT - LIT
Engineering (Civil Structural & Environmental Engineering)
University College Cork (NUI) - UCC
Engineering - Civil Engineering
Dundalk IT
Fire Safety Engineering
Letterkenny IT
Furniture and Wood Technology (Letterfrack)
GMIT - Galway-Mayo IT
Furniture and Wood Technology (Letterfrack)
GMIT - Galway-Mayo IT
Furniture Design and Manufacture (Letterfrack)
GMIT - Galway-Mayo IT
Furniture Design and Manufacture (Letterfrack)
GMIT - Galway-Mayo IT
Materials & Architectural Technology with concurrent Teacher Education
University of Limerick
Materials & Engineering Technology with concurrent Teacher Education
University of Limerick
Structural Engineering
Cork Institute of Technology
Sustainable Building and Renewable Energy
Limerick IT


Further Ed & PLC Course Suggestions
If you are interested in this occupation, then the following courses may also be of interest. Note that these course suggestions are not intended to indicate that they lead directly to this occupation, only that they are related in some way and may be worth exploring.

Courses found: 36


Carpentry & Joinery Studies
Plunket College
Electronic Technology
Galway Technical Institute
Carpentry
Colaiste Stiofain Naofa CFE
Construction Technology
Drogheda Institute of Further Education
Pre-University Architecture
Colaiste Ide College of Further Education
Construction Technology - Civil Engineering
Galway Technical Institute
Electronic Technology
Waterford College of Further Education
Construction Technology
Kerry College of Further Education
Electronic Technology
Colaiste Ide College of Further Education
Building Technology and Design
Sligo College of Further Education
Construction Technology
Waterford College of Further Education
Electronic Technology
Dun Laoghaire Further Education Institute
Pre-University Mechatronics (Electronics)
Cavan Institute
Sustainable Building Technology
Dun Laoghaire Further Education Institute
Carpentry & Joinery (Pre-Apprenticeship)
Kerry College of Further Education
Cabinet Making & Construction Studies
Galway Community College
Building Construction & Renewable Energy Systems
Monaghan Institute
Electronic Technology - Advanced
Dun Laoghaire Further Education Institute
Green Energy & The Built Environment
Galway Community College
Sustainable Technology
St. John's Central College
Construction - Engineering - Pre-Apprenticeship
Muine Bheag Vocational School
Civil, Mechanical & Electronic Engineering
Central Technical Institute Senior College
Construction Technology - East Limerick Campus
Limerick College of Further Education
Sustainable Architectural Technology
Colaiste Chomain
Construction Technology with Renewable Energy Systems
Sligo College of Further Education
Construction Technology & Sustainable Design
St. Conleth's Community College
Construction Technology
Limerick College of Further Education
Construction Technology: Renewable Energies & Engineering
Galway Technical Institute
Sustainable Construction Technologies
Pearse College of Further Education
Electronic Technology
Kerry College of Further Education
Building Construction
St. John's Central College
Electronics Technology
St. John's Central College
Construction and Building
Carlow Institute of Further Education
Apprenticeship Preparatory Programme - Carpentry-Plumbing-Electrical
Galway Technical Institute
Construction Technology
Roscrea Community College
Building Construction (Pre-Apprenticeship)
Kerry College of Further Education