ATS keywords for a fitter and turner resume
Many employers keep applications in an Applicant Tracking System (ATS), where recruiters search and sort them by the skills the role needs. Use these terms where they honestly describe your experience, so your resume is easy to find and easy to read:
Key skills to highlight
- ▸Machining on lathes and mills
- ▸Mechanical fitting and assembly
- ▸Reading engineering drawings
- ▸Precision measurement and tolerances
- ▸Maintenance and fault finding
Credentials Australian employers screen for
- ▸Certificate III in Engineering (Mechanical Trade) or equivalent
- ▸White Card and relevant site tickets
- ▸Driver's licence and forklift or EWP where relevant
- ▸Any specialty machinery or maintenance training
Common mistakes to avoid
- ▸Not stating the trade qualification up front.
- ▸Listing 'machining' without the equipment or tolerances worked.
- ▸No mention of drawing reading or precision measurement.
- ▸A generic resume rather than matching the industry.
Fitter and Turner CV example: before and after
One experience entry, written twice. The numbers are illustrative, the structure is what matters.
Before
Fitter and Turner, 2017 to present. Machine and fit components in an engineering workshop. Operate machines, assemble parts, carry out maintenance and repairs, and work from drawings. Assist with breakdowns as required.
It never states the trade qualification, never names a machine and never mentions a tolerance, so a screen filtering for Certificate III in Engineering (Mechanical Trade), lathe or milling machine finds no match. A workshop supervisor cannot judge whether you can hold a precision fit or only strip and reassemble.
After
Fitter and Turner | Certificate III in Engineering (Mechanical Trade) | White Card XXXXXX | Forklift and EWP licence XXXXXX
Heavy engineering workshop and site maintenance provider to food processing and quarrying clients | January 2017 to present | Full time, day shift plus shutdown work
- ▸Machining on manual centre lathes to 1,500 mm between centres and vertical and horizontal mills, turning shafts, bushes, sleeves and keyways to tolerances of plus or minus 0.02 mm, with some CNC turning on repeat batch work.
- ▸Precision measurement using micrometers, vernier callipers, bore gauges and dial test indicators, including in process checks and recorded inspection results for client sign off.
- ▸Mechanical fitting and assembly of gearboxes, centrifugal pumps and conveyor drive ends, including bearing fits, seal replacement and laser alignment of couplings to the manufacturer's tolerances.
- ▸Reading engineering drawings and sketches, including geometric tolerancing and thread and fit callouts, and producing simple workshop drawings for one off replacement parts.
- ▸Preventative maintenance and fault finding on site during scheduled shutdowns, working planned tasks against the maintenance schedule and diagnosing vibration and bearing failures before they became breakdowns.
Same tradesperson, same workshop. The rewrite names the trade qualification, the machines, the sizes and the tolerances held, then separates machining from fitting and maintenance, so a supervisor can see exactly what work you can be handed.
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Frequently asked questions
What qualification do fitters and turners need?
A Certificate III in Engineering (Mechanical Trade) or equivalent trade qualification. State it near the top with your White Card.
Should I list the machines and equipment I've used?
Yes. Employers screen for relevant equipment, so name the lathes, mills and machinery you operate, and your measurement and tolerance experience.
How do apprentices write a fitter and turner resume?
Lead with your apprenticeship stage, employer and the work you have done on the tools, plus drawing reading and your White Card.
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