We are seeking skilled Fabricator / Platers to join a major naval shipbuilding programme. You will be responsible for the fabrication, assembly and installation of structural steelwork and ship components, contributing to the construction of complex defence vessels.
This role offers the opportunity to work on nationally significant projects within a highly skilled manufacturing environment, ensuring work is completed safely, efficiently and to the highest quality standards.
Key Responsibilities
Mark off materials in accordance with engineering drawings and specifications.
Assemble ship structures including:
Shell plating
Decks
Bulkheads
Frames
Longitudinals
Fit and fair steelwork using approved fairing methods and equipment.
Manufacture and install fabricated ship items including:
Ladders
Access platforms
Seating
Panels
False flooring
Carry out ship outfitting activities including the installation of:
Watertight doors
Hatches
Equipment foundations and seats
Deck coverings and flooring systems
Operate fabrication machinery including:
Rolling machines
Flanging machines
Guillotines
Croppers
Mechanical saws
Perform plate preparation activities using oxy-fuel cutting, grinding and drilling equipment.
Support ship launch, docking and sea trial preparations.
Read and interpret fabrication drawings, installation drawings and technical documentation.
Ensure all work is completed to required quality, safety and productivity standards.
Work collaboratively with supervisors and other trades to achieve programme milestones.
Essential Requirements
Recognised fabrication/plating apprenticeship, trade papers or equivalent qualifications.
Experience working as a Fabricator, Plater or Steelworker within shipbuilding, heavy engineering, marine, defence or manufacturing environments.
Ability to read and interpret fabrication and installation drawings.
Experience assembling and fitting structural steelwork.
Knowledge of fabrication processes, materials and manufacturing techniques.
Strong understanding of Health, Safety and Environmental (SHE) requirements.
Experience using hand tools, power tools and fabrication equipment.
Desirable Requirements
Shipbuilding or naval vessel construction experience.
Oxy-fuel cutting experience.
Experience operating fabrication machinery such as rollers, flanging machines and guillotines.
Working at Height certification.
COSHH Awareness certification.
Additional safety certifications relevant to heavy manufacturing environments.
Key Skills
Strong practical fabrication and assembly skills.
Excellent attention to detail.
Ability to work accurately from engineering drawings.
Effective communication and teamwork skills.
Practical problem-solving ability.
Strong commitment to safety, quality and continuous improvement.
Ability to mentor and support apprentices and junior team members.
What's on Offer
Opportunity to work on world-class naval and defence programmes.
Long-term, stable work within a growing industry sector.
Ongoing training and development opportunities.
Career progression into senior trades and supervisory positions.
Collaborative and safety-focused working environment.
The chance to contribute to the delivery of critical UK defence capabilities.
Fabricator / Plater
Location: Barrow-in-Furness
Industry: Defence / Shipbuilding
Reports To: Trade Supervisor
Overview
We are seeking skilled Fabricator / Platers to join a major naval shipbuilding programme. You will be responsible for the fabrication, assembly and installation of structural steelwork and ship components, contributing to the construction of complex defence vessels.
This role offers the opportunity to work on nationally significant projects within a highly skilled manufacturing environment, ensuring work is completed safely, efficiently and to the highest quality standards.
Key Responsibilities
Mark off materials in accordance with engineering drawings and specifications.
Assemble ship structures including:
Shell plating
Decks
Bulkheads
Frames
Longitudinals
Fit and fair steelwork using approved fairing methods and equipment.
Manufacture and install fabricated ship items including:
Ladders
Access platforms
Seating
Panels
False flooring
Carry out ship outfitting activities including the installation of:
Watertight doors
Hatches
Equipment foundations and seats
Deck coverings and flooring systems
Operate fabrication machinery including:
Rolling machines
Flanging machines
Guillotines
Croppers
Mechanical saws
Perform plate preparation activities using oxy-fuel cutting, grinding and drilling equipment.
Support ship launch, docking and sea trial preparations.
Read and interpret fabrication drawings, installation drawings and technical documentation.
Ensure all work is completed to required quality, safety and productivity standards.
Work collaboratively with supervisors and other trades to achieve programme milestones.
Essential Requirements
Recognised fabrication/plating apprenticeship, trade papers or equivalent qualifications.
Experience working as a Fabricator, Plater or Steelworker within shipbuilding, heavy engineering, marine, defence or manufacturing environments.
Ability to read and interpret fabrication and installation drawings.
Experience assembling and fitting structural steelwork.
Knowledge of fabrication processes, materials and manufacturing techniques.
Strong understanding of Health, Safety and Environmental (SHE) requirements.
Experience using hand tools, power tools and fabrication equipment.
Desirable Requirements
Shipbuilding or naval vessel construction experience.
Oxy-fuel cutting experience.
Experience operating fabrication machinery such as rollers, flanging machines and guillotines.
Working at Height certification.
COSHH Awareness certification.
Additional safety certifications relevant to heavy manufacturing environments.
Key Skills
Strong practical fabrication and assembly skills.
Excellent attention to detail.
Ability to work accurately from engineering drawings.
Effective communication and teamwork skills.
Practical problem-solving ability.
Strong commitment to safety, quality and continuous improvement.
Ability to mentor and support apprentices and junior team members.
What's on Offer
Opportunity to work on world-class naval and defence programmes.
Long-term, stable work within a growing industry sector.
Ongoing training and development opportunities.
Career progression into senior trades and supervisory positions.
Collaborative and safety-focused working environment.
The chance to contribute to the delivery of critical UK defence capabilities