How to become an Instrument Fitter

Instrument fitters assemble and install precise instruments that measure, indicate, transmit, record and control. Instrument fitters may specialise as camera repairers, scale adjusters or surgical instrument makers. Experienced instrument fitters may work with scientists to design, manufacture or modify laboratory equipment.

Personal requirements for an Instrument Fitter

Enjoy practical and manual activities
Good eyesight (may be corrected) and normal colour vision
Able to do precise and detailed work
Aptitude for technical activities

Education & Training for an Instrument Fitter

To become an instrument fitter you usually have to complete an apprenticeship or traineeship. Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.

Additional information

Gaining dual-trade status through the study of mechanical instrument fitting electives, either during your apprenticeship or through post-trade studies, is encouraged in this occupation.

Duties & Tasks of an Instrument Fitter

Instrument fitters:

Fit and assemble instrument parts such as circuit boards, power supplies and control units, springs, bearings, lenses and glass faces
Check instruments for accuracy and calibrate (to manufacturers' specifications), using standard weights and measures; pneumatic, electrical and electronic test equipment; and small hand tools
Install industrial instruments and equipment such as control panels, sensors, transmitters and controllers, meters and fixed cameras (if an appropriate licence is held)
Dismantle and re-assemble delicate mechanisms or electronic circuits
Overhaul instrument systems and repair or replace faulty parts using power tools and small hand tools
Check performance using testing and measuring instruments and make necessary adjustments
Set up computers and control equipment
Connect computers to control systems and check the operation of these systems.

Tasks

May estimate costs and prepare quotes for repairs.
Calibrates precision instruments using standard weights and measures, jigs and fixtures, and hand tools to adjust and align parts and small balancing weights.
Dismantles precision instruments, locks, timepieces and firearms, repairs and replaces defective parts, and reassembles articles using hand and power tools and specially designed machines.
Assembles parts and sub-assemblies of precision instruments and locks, timepieces and firearms.

Employment Opportunities for an Instrument Fitter

Instrument fitters usually work for power stations, mining and smelting plants, the petrochemical and minerals industries, instrument manufacturers, hospitals and other government bodies. They may also be employed by firms dealing with photographic instruments, surveying instruments, weighing or analysis devices, and by scientific laboratories. There is an increasing use of instruments in industry to provide efficient control of various processes.With experience, and sometimes further training, it is possible to become a supervisor or technician.Job opportunities depend on the level of activity in the mining, mineral processing, petrochemical, manufacturing, and water and power supply industries.

Specializations

Instrument Fitter

Average age
45 years
Future Growth
Decline
Gender Share
5% female
Average full-time
43 hours
Weekly Pay
$1,149
Skill level rating
Medium skill
Unemployment
Lower unemployment
Full-Time Share
88% Full-Time
Employment Size
1,900 workers
Employment by state
ACT: 0.4%
NSW: 32.3%
NT: 1.2%
QLD: 18.0%
SA: 5.6%
TAS: 1.6%
VIC: 28.4%
WA: 12.6%
Age brackets
15-19: 0.6%
20-24: 3.7%
25-34: 20%
35-44: 24.7%
45-54: 25.6%
55-59: 12.7%
60-64: 7.3%
65 and Over: 5.3%
Education level
Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 15.9%
Bachelor degree: 14.2%
Certificate III/IV: 46.7%
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 5.1%
Year 10 and below: 5.2%
Year 11: 2.9%
Year 12: 10%