How to Become a Heavy Diesel Fitter

Heavy diesel fitters, also called mobile plant mechanics or HD mechanics, maintain and repair the big machines that keep a mine moving. The job covers engines, hydraulics, drivetrains, brakes and electrical systems. It's a hands-on trade that can also take you into construction, rail and equipment dealerships.

At a glance

• Where you'll work: mine workshops, field service crews, equipment dealers, civil contractors.
• Usual way in: a paid apprenticeship.
• Uni needed? No.
• Time to qualify: usually three to four years.
• Rosters: FIFO and DIDO are common once you're qualified. Many apprenticeships are residential.

What the job involves

• Servicing and repairing diesel engines.
• Finding faults in hydraulics, brakes, steering, transmissions and drivelines.
• Basic electrical work and machine wiring.
• Using manufacturer diagnostic systems and manuals.
• Welding and cutting.
• Keeping maintenance records and following isolation procedures.

At school

• Maths and English.
• Metalwork, automotive, engineering or workshop subjects.
• Physics helps but isn't essential.
• Work experience with a mechanic, workshop, dealership or transport company.
• Get your driver's licence as soon as you can. A manual licence is useful.

How to qualify

The most direct route is an employed apprenticeship. You're paid while you learn on the job, and you do structured training at a technical college or training provider.

You usually need an employer before you can start the trade course. So the first step is finding someone to take you on. Look for qualifications in mobile plant technology or heavy vehicle mechanical technology. Course names vary by country.

School-based apprenticeships let you start while you're still at school in some places.

Your first job

Apply to mining contractors, equipment dealers, transport companies, civil contractors and group training organisations. Starting at a dealership or local truck workshop can still get you into mining once you're qualified.

Job titles to search for:

• Apprentice Heavy Diesel Fitter
• Apprentice Mobile Plant Mechanic
• Apprentice Heavy Vehicle Mechanic
• Mechanical Trade Assistant
• Workshop Assistant

Once qualified, look for Heavy Diesel Fitter, Field Service Technician, Shutdown Fitter or Workshop Fitter roles.

Tickets and training

• Your trade qualification.
• A driver's licence. Heavy vehicle licences help.
• Site inductions, a pre-employment medical and drug and alcohol testing.
• Working at heights and confined space tickets for some roles.
• Manufacturer training (CAT, Komatsu, Hitachi, Liebherr, Sandvik), often provided by your employer.

Where it can lead

Apprentice → Heavy Diesel Fitter → Field Service Technician or Senior Fitter → Leading Hand or Maintenance Supervisor → Maintenance Planner, Reliability Specialist, Trainer or Superintendent

Some fitters add auto-electrical, hydraulics or condition monitoring skills. Others move into product support or start their own business.

What employers look for

• Safe, reliable work.
• Methodical fault-finding, not swapping parts until something works.
• Being able to explain why a part failed, not just what failed.
• Good communication with operators.

Is it for you?

It suits you if you'd rather find and fix real problems than sit at a desk, and you have patience and an eye for detail.

Pay, rosters and jobs

• See what the job pays: Heavy Diesel Fitter salaries
• Browse live roles: Heavy Diesel Fitter jobs
• Related guides: Boilermaker or Welder, Maintenance Planner, Mine Operator