Apprentice Plater/Fabricator

Summary

A four-year pathway building the foundation for a long-term career in the specialist craft as a skilled Plater. Provides practical hands-on training and work experience through structured training that allows specific plating technique development.

Wage: £14,526.20 a year
Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)
Training course: Plate welder (level 3)
Hours: At Seta - Working week Monday - Thursday 8.00am - 4.00pm hours and Friday, 8.00am - 12.30pm. At A&P Tyne - Working week Monday - Thursday,7.00am - 3.00pm and Friday, 7.00am - 2.30pm.
37 hours a week
Possible start date: Monday 15 September
Duration: 3 years 6 months
Positions available: 5

Work

As an apprentice, you’ll work at a company and get hands-on experience. You’ll gain new skills and work alongside experienced staff.

What you’ll do at work

Attend college courses related to engineering, plating, fabrication, chemistry and material science to gain theoretical knowledge and industry
Learn and apply different plating techniques, including electroplating, electroless plating, and other surface treatment processes
Understand how to interpret fabrication drawings, weld procedure documentation and weld inspection procedures
Assist experienced welders with preparation and plating of various materials and components including preparing surfaces for plating by cleaning, degreasing, and pre-treating materials
Work with various types of metals ensuring a high-quality finish
Work on a variety of projects to become commercially aware of the project requirements, cost and timescales as dictated by process requirements
Collaborate with team members to complete projects on time and to company standards
Keep track of materials and tools needed for projects and report any shortages to supervisors
Continuously improve skills and knowledge through hands-on experience and training
General housekeeping, cable management and safe working practices in the fabrication halls and throughout the facility.

Where you’ll work

C/O A&P Tyne Limited

Wagonway Road

Hebburn

Tyne And Wear

NE31 1SP

Training

An apprenticeship includes regular training with a college or other training organisation. At least 20% of your working hours will be spent training or studying.

College or training organisation

SUNDERLAND ENGINEERING TRAINING ASSOCIATION LIMITED

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

Plate Welder Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard:

Level 2 Performing Engineering Operations
Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering
Level 3 Apprenticeship Certificate
Level 2 Functional Skills (if required)

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE or equivalent in:

English (grade 4)
Maths (grade 4)
Science (grade 4)

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
Logical
Team working
Creative
Initiative
Patience
Physical fitness

Other requirements

Annual wage, Company Pension, 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, Health Shield, Death in Service benefit Physical stamina and the ability to lift heavy materials and work in various positions Willingness to adhere to all safety protocols and company policies

About this company

At A&P Group we understand the importance of nurturing careers and developing the future of our workforce, as well as developing the vital skills our industry needs to secure the future of British shipbuilding. Are you ready to embark on an exciting career with us? Our ambition is to bridge the current labour gap that our industry faces, aligning with the National Shipbuilding Strategy and equipping young people with skills that add value to the maritime industry

After this apprenticeship

Future Prospects on completion of your apprenticeship, you will be time served in your trade and will be offered a permanent position with A&P
Once qualified there is the possibility of a number of career paths through further development and training opportunities
Ours is a challenging and rewarding sector, we are committed to supporting career progression

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

SUNDERLAND ENGINEERING TRAINING ASSOCIATION LIMITED

Suzanne Jovanovic

Suzanne.Jovanovic@seta.co.uk

0191 416 2860

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000303503.

Apply now

Closes on Wednesday 11 June 2025

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After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.

Company’s application instructions

Please click the 'Click here to apply' link under the application process header. Any Questions? Please email Suzanne Jovanovic at SETA, Washington: Suzanne.Jovanovic@seta.co.uk

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