You could take a college course to learn some of the skills you'll need. Useful subjects include:

• Level 2 Certificate in Mechanical Engineering
• Level 2 Diploma in Maintenance Engineering Technology
• Level 3 Certificate in Fabrication and Welding Engineering Technology
• T Level in Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing

Entry requirements

You may need:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

You could do an Engineering Fitter Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship, or a Maintenance Operations Engineering Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

You could start as an engineering operative or trainee craftsperson and do training on the job to become a fitter.

You can apply directly for maintenance fitter jobs if you've got a qualifications and experience in maintenance, such as:

• mechanical engineering
• pipefitting
• welding
• electrical engineering

You'll need:

• practical skills for repairing and maintaining equipment
• the ability to work well with your hands
• problem-solving skills
• the ability to work on your own
• the ability to make decisions about tools and equipment
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with others
• thinking and reasoning skills
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

As a maintenance fitter, you could:

• install pipework, valves, pumps and motors
• carry out planned maintenance checks
• find and fix faults
• replace worn parts, reset instrument controls and clean machinery
• respond to emergency breakdowns, for example on a factory production line

You could work in a factory or at a client's business.

You may need to wear protective clothing.