Job Description and Activities
Many ports require a large amount of mechanical equipment to transfer both passengers and cargo. Mechanical equipment can include heavy goods vehicles, lift trucks, mobile cranes and harbour craft. All this equipment requires ongoing maintenance and repair to ensure the port can operate effectively. Some ports will use contractors to do this work, but others will employ their own maintenance staff. The activities undertaken would include:
- Physical tasks – Mechanical Fitters may be required to lift heavy pieces of equipment, work at height, in confined spaces and close to, or on, the water.
- Mechanical maintenance and repair – this will involve the regular servicing of port vehicles and harbour craft, carrying out emergency repairs and ordering and fitting replacement parts.
The Working Environment
Those working as a mechanical fitter must be fit, enjoy working outside and able to work at height and over water. There may also be some on-call requirement and shift or weekend work is very likely.
Salary
Mechanical Fitters working in ports can earn in the region of £14,000 to £30,000, depending on the unsocial hours worked and the complexity of the plant and equipment maintained.
Entry Requirements
For mechanics wishing to work in the ports industry, a level 3 N/SVQ or equivalent qualification – such as an N/SVQ in Engineering Maintenance or an N/SVQ in Engineering Technical Support – is essential. Many ports operate apprenticeship schemes which combine college study and workplace learning.
Career Development
A mechanical supervisor is the next step on the career ladder for mechanical work in ports. Mechanics would arrive at this promotion through experience, but may also require a level 3 supervisory N/SVQ qualification.