5223 Metal working production and maintenance fitters and technicians

In short

• ONS unit group 5223, in minor group 522 (Metal machining, fitting and instrument making trades) and major group 5 (Skilled trades occupations).
• Appendix Skilled Occupations (figures as at 3 August 2026, re-checked 26 October 2026): Transitional tables only: Table 1a, Table 2aa.
• Going rate as the tables print it:
  • Table 1a, Going rate (SW – options A and D): £39,300 (£20.15 per hour)
  • Table 2aa, Going rate (SW – options F and I, GBM and SCU): £29,900 (£15.33 per hour)

What the ONS says

Description

Metal working production and maintenance fitters and technicians erect, install and repair electrical and mechanical plant and industrial machinery, fit and assemble parts and sub-assemblies in the manufacture of metal products and test and adjust new motor vehicles and engines.

Typical entry routes

Entrants usually possess GCSEs/S grades or a BTEC/SQA award. Apprenticeships in Engineering Maintenance at NVQ/SVQ level 3 are available.

Tasks

• examines drawings and specifications to determine appropriate methods and sequence of operations
• fits and assembles parts and/or metal sub-assemblies to fine tolerances to make marine engines, prototype metal products, agricultural machinery and machine tools
• fits and assembles, other than to fine tolerances, prepared parts and sub-assemblies to make motor vehicles, printing and agricultural machinery, orthopaedic appliances and other metal goods
• examines operation of, and makes adjustments to internal combustion engines and motor vehicles
• erects, installs, repairs and services plant and industrial machinery, including railway stock, textile machines, coin operated machines, locks, sewing machines, bicycles and gas and oil appliances

Related job titles

• Agricultural engineer
• Bench fitter
• Engineering machinist
• Fabricator
• Installation engineer
• Maintenance fitter
• Mechanical engineer

ONS note: Unit Group title was Metal working production and maintenance fitters (version V13).

What the Appendix Skilled Occupations says

The Appendix lists this code in the tables below, with the tables’ own caption and the row as printed. Read the full table, and any condition in it, on GOV.UK.

Table 1a: Additional eligible SOC 2020 occupation codes and related going rates for Skilled Worker applicants granted permission under the rules in place before 22 July 2025

SOC 2020 occupation code

5223 Metal working production and maintenance fitters

Examples of related job titles (non-exclusive)

• Automation maintenance technicians
• Bicycle mechanics
• Catering equipment technicians
• Door fitters and makers
• Gunsmiths
• Heavy plant maintenance technicians
• Hydraulic technicians
• Lift technicians
• Locksmiths
• Pump technicians
• Textile machine technicians
• Turbine fitters
• Metal working production and maintenance fitters not elsewhere classified

Going rate (SW – options A and D)

£39,300 (£20.15 per hour)

90% of going rate (SW – option B)

Not applicable

80% of going rate (SW – option C)

Not applicable

70% of going rate (SW – option E)

£33,400 (£17.13 per hour)

Eligible for PhD points (SW)?

No

Table 2aa: Additional eligible SOC 2020 occupation codes and related going rates for Skilled Worker applicants granted permission under the rules in place before 22 July 2025

SOC 2020 occupation code

5223 Metal working production and maintenance fitters

Equivalent SOC 2010 occupation code(s)

5223, 5225, 5237

Examples of related job titles (non-exclusive)

• Automation maintenance technicians
• Bicycle mechanics
• Catering equipment technicians
• Door fitters and makers
• Gunsmiths
• Heavy plant maintenance technicians
• Hydraulic technicians
• Lift technicians
• Locksmiths
• Pump technicians
• Textile machine technicians
• Turbine fitters
• Metal working production and maintenance fitters not elsewhere classified

Going rate (SW – options F and I, GBM and SCU)

£29,900 (£15.33 per hour)

90% of going rate (SW – option G)

Not applicable

80% of going rate (SW – option H)

Not applicable

70% of going rate (SW – option J, GTR)

£25,000 (£12.82 per hour)

Eligible for PhD points (SW)?

No

Other unit groups in minor group 522

• 5221 Metal machining setters and setter-operators
• 5222 Tool makers, tool fitters and markers-out
• 5224 Precision instrument makers and repairers
• 5225 Air-conditioning and refrigeration installers and repairers

Sources

Occupation text: Office for National Statistics, SOC 2020 Volume 1: structure and descriptions of unit groups (file dated 27 August 2026, version V13). Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Open Government Licence v3.0. Tables: Home Office, Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Occupations on GOV.UK, page updated 3 August 2026; re-checked against the page updated 8 October 2026 on 26 October 2026, tables unchanged.

All 412 occupation codes

SponsorFlow provides compliance software and record-keeping tools. It is not a law firm or an immigration adviser and does not give legal or immigration advice, which are regulated activities (Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, section 84). This page describes what the published Home Office guidance and the Immigration Rules say, with the paragraph for each point, so you can read the source yourself. Guidance versions and figures are those in force on the date shown; the Home Office changes them, so check the current version before you rely on any of it.