Apprentice Mechanical Fitter

What does being an apprentice mechanical fitter look like?

Our apprentice fitters learn the ropes of wielding diverse tools and engineering techniques to masterfully repair and maintain hydraulic mobile plant equipment. You will learn to conquer challenges with precision as you adhere to manufacturers' repair standards, utilising cutting-edge precision measuring instruments to ensure parts are not just accurate but perfectly aligned within their specifications. Get ready to unleash your mechanical prowess on machinery, paving the way for a dynamic career in the heart of mechanical excellence.

Career Pathway

Certificate III in Engineering Mechanical Trade - Maintenance Fitter

Day in the life with Kaiarahi

What is great about working as an apprentice?

The greatest part about working as a Rio Tinto apprentice would be the knowledge expansion and job satisfaction. As challenging as the job may be at times, you gain a sense of belonging with the crew which actually makes it enjoyable to come to work. The constant support you receive lets you know that you’re more than just a statistic to the company and boosts your workplace morale. I have always been a hands-on learner, so the apprenticeship has been a rewarding experience; especially knowing that the work you put in pays off when the team needs an extra hand.

What is involved in the apprenticeship?

With my apprenticeship, I must complete various TAFE blocks, enter work that I’ve done on site into my training record book (TRB), gain qualifications and high risk work licences so that I can extend my range of help at work (by choice). I rotate through departments for a year on average to extend my site experience. I also help out different groups of tradesman on a variation of different jobs during my swing.

My standard schedule

  • 4:30am: Wake up. I have smoko prepared the night before.

    5:30am: Get to the front gate.

    5:50am: Get picked up by the site bus.

    6am: Arrive at site, make a coffee and get to pre start.

    6:15am: pre start meeting

    7:10am: Weekly handover from crew.

    7:30am: Help other crew out with their jobs for the day.

    5:45pm: Catch bus to front gate.

    6:20pm: Arrive home.

  • 6.30am: Wake up

    6:45am: Breakfast/coffee downstairs.

    7.15am: Leave for TAFE

    8am: Classes start (theory)

    10am: Smoko

    10.15am: Resume classes (practical)

    Approx. 3pm: Complete practical assessments.

    3pm: Complete unit KPA (unit test) until the end of the day.

    3:30pm: End TAFE day.

    4-4:30pm: Get back to the hotel.

  • 4:30am: Wake up. Have smoko prepared the night before or stop into the servo along the way to work.

    5:30-5:40am: Get to the gate to catch site bus.

    6am: Arrive at site.

    6:10am: Pre-start meeting

    6:30am: Write JHA for the day and source parts, crack on with the allocated job.

    9am: Smoko

    9:15am: Continue on with task whilst liaising with engineer support, supervisor and other tradesmen.

    12pm: Lunch

    12:40pm: Continue on with task or find other task upon completion.

    3pm: Smoko

    3:15pm: Pack all tools up, tidy work area.

    5:45pm: Catch the bus to the gate.

  • 4:30am: Wake up. If there is a last day BBQ then smoko is not needed.

    5:30-5:40am: Get to the gate to catch site bus.

    6am: Arrive at site.

    6:10am: Pre-start meeting with the incoming crews and handover for the swings work completed.

    7:10am: Wash vehicles and workshop along with usual daily routine.

    12pm: Lunch

    12:30pm: Be hopeful for an early knockoff, otherwise work until you get the bus.

    3:45pm-6pm: Bus home.