Automated and Robot Welding Technician Apprenticeship

Summary

Responsive Engineering, a contract manufacturer based in the North East of England. We specialise in large, complex fabrications for the Defence, Energy and Rail sectors. We are recruiting to join our Robot Welding team. Recent investment has expanded this role significantly. This level 3 program will provide you with all you need to thrive.

Wage

£14,526.20 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age

National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices

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Company pension scheme – employer contributes 7%

Training course

Plate welder (level 3)

Hours

Monday - Thursday, between 7:00am - 15:30pm and Friday, 7:00am - 12:00pm.

37 hours a week

Start date

Monday 1 September 2025

Duration

3 years

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

Learn a range of skills, including the knowledge to lead and control Robot Welding fabrication processes, along with Manual Welding, including MIG, TIG, FCAW.
Work across different departments in the engineering team to develop program development skills and knowledge.
Build positive relationships with internal and external customers.
Work with the project teams to support the manufacture of complex assemblies using the Robot Welding equipment.

Where you’ll work

Armstrong Works
Scotswood Road
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE15 6UX

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

College or training organisation

NCG

Your training course

Plate welder (level 3)

Equal to A level

Course contents

Work safely at all times, comply with health, safety and environmental legislation, regulations and organisational requirements.
Can obtain, check and use appropriate documentation (such as job instructions, drawings, quality control documentation).
Plan and prepare welding activities before commencing the work.
Obtain, position and assemble welding equipment and associated safety protection needed for activity.
Prepare, check and protect materials and work areas ready for welding.
Inspect assembly to be welded and undertake remedial work to comply with specification, or implement quality steps if rejected.
Receive, inspect, condition and maintain consumables.
Set, test and monitor key welding parameters as detailed within the Welding Procedure Specification.
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.
Use manual processes and equipment to remove material (powered and non‐powered).
Achieves a quality of work to meet international standards e.g. ISO5817, ISO9606, ASME IX, AWS D1.1 for dimensional, surface inspection (e.g. Visual, Magnetic Particle, Dye Penetrant) and volumetric inspection (e.g. Radiography, Ultrasonic inspection).
Complete progressive and final checks on the weld prior to release for formal inspection and report into the production control system 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.
Produce welds in plate and/or structural components using two welding processes from TIG, PAW, MMA, MIG/MAG, FCAW.
Produce welds in plate and/or structural components using two materials from Carbon Steel, Low Alloy Steel, High Alloy Ferritic/Martensitic Steel, Austenitic Stainless Steel, Nickel & Nickel Alloys, Aluminium & Aluminium alloys, Titanium & Titanium Alloys, Copper & Copper Alloys.
Produce welds in plate and/or structural components covering three plate welding positions which must include Vertical (either upward or downward progression) and overhead.
Produce plate welds in 3 main joint configurations (Single or Double Sided Butt, Single or Double Sided T‐Butt & Fillet)
Work safely at all times, comply with health, safety and environmental legislation, regulations and organisational requirements.
Can obtain, check and use appropriate documentation (such as job instructions, drawings, quality control documentation).
Plan and prepare welding activities before commencing the work.
Obtain, position and assemble welding equipment and associated safety protection needed for activity.
Prepare, check and protect materials and work areas ready for welding.
Inspect assembly to be welded and undertake remedial work to comply with specification, or implement quality steps if rejected.
Receive, inspect, condition and maintain consumables.
Set, test and monitor key welding parameters as detailed within the Welding Procedure Specification.
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.
Use manual processes and equipment to remove material (powered and non‐powered).
Achieves a quality of work to meet international standards e.g. ISO5817, ISO9606, ASME IX, AWS D1.1 for dimensional, surface inspection (e.g. Visual, Magnetic Particle, Dye Penetrant) and volumetric inspection (e.g. Radiography, Ultrasonic inspection).
Complete progressive and final checks on the weld prior to release for formal inspection and report into the production control system 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.
Produce welds in plate and/or structural components using two welding processes from TIG, PAW, MMA, MIG/MAG, FCAW.
Produce welds in plate and/or structural components using two materials from Carbon Steel, Low Alloy Steel, High Alloy Ferritic/Martensitic Steel, Austenitic Stainless Steel, Nickel & Nickel Alloys, Aluminium & Aluminium alloys, Titanium & Titanium Alloys, Copper & Copper Alloys.
Produce welds in plate and/or structural components covering three plate welding positions which must include Vertical (either upward or downward progression) and overhead.
Produce plate welds in 3 main joint configurations (Single or Double Sided Butt, Single or Double Sided T‐Butt & Fillet)

Your training plan

Practical and theoretical training designed to expand the knowledge and skills regarding manual and automated welding.
Training will be one day per week - day release at The Energy Academy - Wallsend.
Regular in-house training and development opportunities are designed to ensure efficient and effective operation of the automated Robot Welding equipment.

More training information

Responsive Engineering has invested in an internal Weld Academy. This facility and its full-time team of trainers is designed to give apprentices all the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the industry. Apprentices gain weld codings relevant to their role via the academy learning program.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE or equivalent in:

English (grade 4-9)
Mathematics (grade 4-9)
Science (grade 4-9)

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
IT skills
Attention to detail
Organisation skills
Problem solving skills
Number skills
Analytical skills
Logical
Team working
Initiative
Patience

Other requirements

Working environment is within a 33,000m3 dedicated production facility located on the banks of the River Tyne. Role will be in a mixture of production and office areas relating to Robot Welding and automation. Engineering team mentor will be assigned to support you with the learning journey. Exciting role within a pivotal team.

About this company

Responsive Engineering Ltd provides a complete diverse, end-to-end manufacturing capabilities under one roof. Utilising technology and highly skilled employees, we provide discreet components or full-service offerings to our customers to a very high standard. As a company, we value safety, collaboration, excellence, innovation, and trust - ensuring strong partnerships and a commitment to continuous improvement. Our ideal candidate will embody these values and demonstrate a dedication to fostering a safe, positive, and supportive work environment. We are committed to being first in line when it comes to taking responsibility for complex manufacturing solutions and to be recognised for customer and employee excellence. Overall, Responsive Engineering Ltd is dedicated to delivering manufacturing engineered solutions that meet the needs of our customers, while upholding our core values of collaboration, excellence, innovation, safety, and trust.

https://responsive-engineering.com/ (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

Monday to Friday schedule (half-day Fridays) 25 days holiday plus Bank Holidays. Employee health benefits. Death in service life insurance. Personal injury scheme Cycle to Work scheme. Onsite parking. £4.00 pwd food allowance at onsite canteen.

After this apprenticeship

Once qualified, there is the possibility of a permanent role in the production team.
If successful, further development opportunities may be offered.
Working within a manufacturing setting is challenging and rewarding. Responsive Engineering is committed to supporting its people throughout their career.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

Responsive Engineering Ltd

Neil Mawson

neil.mawson@responsive-engineering.com

01914973400

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000304548.

Apply now

Closes on Thursday 31 July 2025

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