mechanic or fitter?
 

Just having a look through the TRA website so I can get all the information to start my ARTC application, when reading through the trade classification list it looks like they class an electrician as either a mechanic or fitter.

What is the definition/difference between them?

Re: mechanic or fitter?
 

mechanic = unrestricted license, you can do whatever you want to do + you can be an electrical contractor

fitter = license restricted to maintenance work only (motors, control switches etc) + you can't be an electrical contractor

Re: mechanic or fitter?
 

Cheers mate

Re: mechanic or fitter?
 

Hi Guys,
Just wondering if you get a mechanics license instead of a fitters, can you still get work doing breakdowns etc cos I've done both. Once I get over there I was wanting to keep my options open, then hopefully I can get on the job ladder a bit quicker.
Also, to get your license(as I've already done my vetassess for a PR visa), do I need to write to the TRA as in " A grade license in 4 months" or get in touch with Energy Safe once I get there/from over here before I go?

Cheers
biggaf:blink::unsure:

Re: mechanic or fitter?
 

Hi biggaf,
There's no need for you to contact the TRA for an ARTC as you should be in possession of an Offshore Technical Skills Record (OTSR) issued by VETASSESS. This means that you can apply to Energy Safety to attend the 2 week course in Perth. Holders of an ARTC and OTSR are able to attend this course in order to obtain a WA A grade licence.
Regards Derren

Re: mechanic or fitter?
 

Hello Derren7,
Cheers for the reply, so does this mean that once you do the 2 week course you then get the grade A license? Or is there more to do? I've read something about a course book you have to do for a year, or is this in other states?
Complicated stuff all this, when all you want to do is get over there and work!

Cheers,
biggaf.

Re: mechanic or fitter?
 

Hi biggaf,
Yep, do the 2 week course and then you can apply for a WA A grade licence with no further tests, apart from doing the white/blue card (which is an equivalent to a CSCS card in the UK) and CPR/first aid course, although these have no bearing on your licence, they just enable you to work on site as far as I know. I'm sure someone will be able to enlighten us on the white card / first aid courses.
If you're referring to doing a log book for a year , then yes ,this applies to other states where you're required to do 'on the job ' gap training, which is not required in WA if you do the 2 week course at CET in Perth.
Regards Derren

Re: mechanic or fitter?
 

If you get a fitter license then you should do a 12 months experience with log book to be able to get a mechanics license.

Re: mechanic or fitter?
 

So the mechanic license is the definite way to go then. Would you still be ok to do breakdown/maintainance work under this. It's just that I've got about 10yrs as a maint spark and 14 yrs in construction/industrial, and a bit of offshore.
Don't mean to be a pain, but if you don't ask then you'll never know!!

Re: mechanic or fitter?
 

Yes, you still will be ok to do breakdown/maintainance work under this.

Cheers

Re: mechanic or fitter?
 

Thanks for the info guys, its answered the ' what about work' questions that I've been thinking about while waiting for my visa.

Cheers,
biggaf.:thumbsup::D:thumbsup: