Summary
A Metal Fabricator Apprenticeship is a practical training program where individuals learn to cut, shape, weld, and assemble metal parts for various applications. Apprentices work under the supervision of experienced fabricators, gaining valuable skills in reading technical drawings, operating fabrication tools, and ensuring high- quality standards.
Wage
£15,311.40 to £24,761.88, depending on your age
National Minimum Wage
Training course
Metal fabricator (level 3)
Hours
0830-1700 Mon-Thurs. 0830-1600 Fri. (½hr lunch)
39 hours a week
Start date
Tuesday 9 September 2025
Duration
3 years 6 months
Positions available
1
Work
Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.
What you’ll do at work
* Interpret engineering drawings and technical schematics.
* Operate fabrication tools and machinery (e.g., saws, grinders, press brakes, welders).
* Cut, bend, and shape metal components accurately.
* Learn and perform MIG, TIG, and arc welding.
* Assemble parts into mechanical handling equipment.
* Conduct quality checks to meet WMH and industry standards.
* Adhere to health and safety regulations.
* Keep tools and equipment in good condition.
Where you’ll work
MOSS SIDE INDUSTRIAL ESTATE
CALLINGTON
CORNWALL
PL17 7SD
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
College or training organisation
CITY COLLEGE PLYMOUTH
Your training course
Metal fabricator (level 3)
Equal to A level
Course contents
* Work safely at all times, comply with health & safety legislation, regulations and organisational requirements.
* Comply with environmental legislation, regulations and organisational requirements.
* Obtain, check and use the appropriate documentation (such as job instructions, drawings, quality control documentation).
* Carry out relevant planning and preparation activities before commencing work activity.
* Undertake the work activity using the correct processes, procedures and equipment.
* Carry out the required checks (such as quality, compliance or testing) using the correct procedures, processes and/or equipment.
* Deal promptly and effectively with problems within the limits of their responsibility using approved diagnostic methods and techniques and report those which cannot be resolved to the appropriate personnel.
* Complete any required documentation using the defined recording systems at the appropriate stages of the work activity.
* Restore the work area on completion of the activity and where applicable return any resources and consumables to the appropriate location.
* Identify and follow correct Metal work instructions, specifications, drawing etc.
* Mark out using appropriate tools and techniques.
* Cut and form Metal for the production or maintenance of fabricated products.
* Produce and assemble Metal products to required specification and quality requirements.
* Identify and follow correct joining instructions, specifications, drawing etc.
* Carry out the relevant preparation before starting the joining fabrication activity.
* Set up, check, adjust and use joining and related equipment.
* Weld joints in accordance with approved welding procedures and quality requirements.
* Work safely at all times, comply with health & safety legislation, regulations and organisational requirements.
* Comply with environmental legislation, regulations and organisational requirements.
* Obtain, check and use the appropriate documentation (such as job instructions, drawings, quality control documentation).
* Carry out relevant planning and preparation activities before commencing work activity.
* Undertake the work activity using the correct processes, procedures and equipment.
* Carry out the required checks (such as quality, compliance or testing) using the correct procedures, processes and/or equipment.
* Deal promptly and effectively with problems within the limits of their responsibility using approved diagnostic methods and techniques and report those which cannot be resolved to the appropriate personnel.
* Complete any required documentation using the defined recording systems at the appropriate stages of the work activity.
* Restore the work area on completion of the activity and where applicable return any resources and consumables to the appropriate location.
* Identify and follow correct Metal work instructions, specifications, drawing etc.
* Mark out using appropriate tools and techniques.
* Cut and form Metal for the production or maintenance of fabricated products.
* Produce and assemble Metal products to required specification and quality requirements.
* Identify and follow correct joining instructions, specifications, drawing etc.
* Carry out the relevant preparation before starting the joining fabrication activity.
* Set up, check, adjust and use joining and related equipment.
* Weld joints in accordance with approved welding procedures and quality requirements.
Your training plan
The Apprentice will train on site at City College Plymouth and with Western Mechanical Handling, working towards a Level 3 Metal Fabricator apprenticeship standard.
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
* English (grade 4/C or above)
* Maths (grade 4/C or above)
Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.
Skills
* Communication skills
* Attention to detail
* Organisation skills
* Problem solving skills
* Number skills
* Team working
* Initiative
* Non judgemental
* Patience
* Positive
Other requirements
This is a manual labour role.