Apprentice Sheet Metal Fabricator

Summary

This is an excellent opportunity to join a highly professional traditional engineering firm whose expertise are in high demand. As an Apprentice Sheet Metal Fabricator, you will spend time within the sheet metal fabrication cell, learning about fine limit sheet metal processes and be involved with manufacturing all aerospace components.

Wage

£15,311.40 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age

National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Xcel’s rates for apprentices in their first year: Age: 16 to 19 yrs - £7.55. 19 to 20 yrs - £10.03. 21 yrs and over - £12.21.

Training course

Metal fabricator (level 3)

Hours

Various shifts: Monday to Thursday 6am - 3pm & Friday, 6am - 11am. OR Monday to Thursday, 7am - 4pm & Friday 7am - 12pm. OR Monday to Thursday,8am - 5pm & Friday, 8am - 1pm. With a 30 minute lunch break and an additional 15 minute break in the morning each day.

39 hours a week

Start date

Monday 1 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

Day to day role responsibilities will include:

Manufacture aerospace components according to procedures and instructions provided
Setting and operating machinery used in the manufacture of sheet metal components
Learning and efficiently operating hand tools, deburring tools, drills, fly presses safely
Learning and efficiently operating TIG welders, spot welders
Learning and efficiently operating waterjet
Verify the conformity of parts, assemblies and sub-assemblies in line with engineering drawings, the quality management system and any special customer requirements
Identify and report non-conformance as per the Company procedure
Ensure compliance with Quality Assurance and Health Safety Environment policies and procedures
Operate within the mandatory customer and internal specifications and inspect products accordingly

Where you’ll work

1 Ashton Road
Romford
Essex
RM3 8UH

Training

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

College or training organisation

COLCHESTER INSTITUTE

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 be working towards the Level 3 Metal Fabricator Apprenticeship Standard
This apprenticeship will also include Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering and Level 3 Extended Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering
College attendance will be at the Colchester Institute - Colchester Campus one day per week during term time

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

maths and English (grade A*-C/9-4)

Desirable qualifications

GCSE in:

5 GCSE's including Maths, English and a Science (grade A*-C/9-4)

Other in:

Engineering or Mechanical Engineering (grade Pass)

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
Analytical skills
Logical
Team working
Initiative
Non judgemental
Patience
Physical fitness

Other requirements

This is a very hands-on role, working on the shop floor and will involve standing/being on your feet for sustained periods. On site parking is also available.

About this company

With over 40 years’ experience, XCEL Aerospace is a leader in delivering manufacturing excellence within the global aerospace market. Our strong reputation as a world class supplier of manufactured aerospace components supports thousands of flight hours every year. We support customers to reduce supply chain risk by providing high quality components and assembly parts, on time, in full and at competitive prices. We support our customers to perform and grow, and together we deliver excellence. As a highly driven and motivated business, we understand and value the importance of trust and integrity when nurturing relationships with our customers. Our commitment to maintaining our knowledge-rich, excellence-focused culture is part of our goal to build long-term, mutually beneficial relationships with you. We drive high standards in service quality which elevates us above other key players in our industry. We currently employ 56 team members at our site in Romford.

http://www.xcelaerospace.com (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

Benenden Healthcare contribution scheme. Assistance Programme. 23 Holiday days plus bank holidays (increases to 26 days in 5th year). Life Assurance. Pension Scheme (If eligible). Whirlpool Discount Scheme. Employee recognition and referral scheme.

After this apprenticeship

The expected career progression after this apprenticeship could include:

Skilled Sheet Metal Worker
Fabrication Cell Leader

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

COLCHESTER INSTITUTE

Colchester Institute - Apprenticeships Team

ci.apprenticeships@colchester.ac.uk

01206712043

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000315822.

Apply now

Closes on Friday 13 June 2025

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