Metal Fabricator Apprenticeship

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

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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.

About this company

Western Mechanical Handling UK Ltd (WMH) is a family-owned company offering automation solutions to food and pharmaceutical companies around the world. Established in 1976 WMH has almost 50-years’ experience in the automation of production lines for the food and pharmaceutical industries.

After this apprenticeship

On successful completion of the apprenticeship the individual will hold a full level 3 qualification and may be given the chance of a permanent position within the company.

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