Craft Pipefitter Apprenticeship 2025

Summary

A Craft Pipefitter apprentice trains to become a highly skilled craftsperson in the nuclear industry. This is a four-year scheme where the first year will be spent learning a range of hands-on engineering skills. Years 2 to 4 of your training will be spent at in the central workshops at Sellafield where you will work with skilled Pipefitters.

Annual wage

£19,207 a year

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Increasing to £21,162 in year 2, £25,472 in year 3 and £26,326 in year 4. Higher rates are applied to those aged 21 and over. You’ll have the opportunity to benefit from an annual bonus, linked to company performance, of up to £4000*

Training course

Engineering construction pipefitter (level 3)

Hours

You will be required to work typical site-based hours at Sellafield Ltd, which is 7:30am-3:40pm Monday to Friday. However, you may be requested to start earlier and work hours. Shifts TBC

37 hours a week

Possible start date

Monday 8 September

Duration

4 years

Positions available

1

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

You will be trained to:

Develop and manufacture patterns.
Fabricate pipework.
Assemble and install pipework.
As part of the role you will need to wear personal protective equipment when working in active areas (such as full PVC suiting, gloves and respirators) and work in confined spaces or at heights.

As an integral part of your apprenticeship your progress will be monitored and assessed against the Apprenticeship requirements. You will compile an evidence folder, demonstrating your areas of learning with accredited certificates of completion for elements of your training. You will undertake knowledge, skills and behaviour assessments where you will be expected to clearly demonstrate your capability to perform as a Pipefitter Apprentice.

Where you’ll work

Sellafield Site / Surrounding offices in West Cumbria

CA20 1PG

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

GENII ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY TRAINING LIMITED

Your training course

Engineering construction pipefitter (level 3)

Equal to A level

Course contents

Comply with appropriate health and safety, risk and quality requirements,
Correctly select and safely use tools and equipment for the fabrication, assembly, installation and decommissioning of pipework components and systems,
Plan, organise and undertake the fabrication, assembly, installation, maintenance and decommissioning of pipework components and systems,
Read, interpret and apply engineering drawing information,
Shape pipework components using hand and power tools to cut, drill, shape and finish components to the required tolerance, specification and standard,
Assemble and install pipework using the appropriate methods, techniques and equipment in accordance with the specification including welded, threaded, bolted and clamped jointing solutions,
Ensure the integrity of joints in accordance with specifications, in line with specified quality procedures and to precise tolerances,
Undertake the testing and inspection of the fabricated and/or installed pipework using the appropriate techniques,
Work with others and contribute to effective working relationships within an Engineering Construction environment,
Apply techniques for the temporary or permanent removal of an engineering construction piping related system or component,
Communicate by keeping others informed about work plans or activities which may affect them and seek assistance from others without causing undue disruption to normal work activities.

Your training plan

This is a four-year scheme where the first year will be spent learning a range of hands-on engineering skills.

1st Year – training is delivered at our local of-site training facility.
2nd, 3rd & 4th Years – Site placement in central workshops at Sellafield.

You will obtain the following qualifications:

Level 3 ST0162 Engineering Construction Pipefitter Apprenticeship
Level 3 Technical Certificate
Level 3 NVQ
Award for Nuclear Industry Awareness (ANIA) Level 2 Qualification
Level 3 Diploma in Installing Engineering Construction plant and Systems (RQF) – Pipefitting Level 3 Diploma provided as a recognised accredited standard

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE or equivalent in:

English Language (grade 4)
Mathematics (grade 4)
Science or Engineering (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
Problem solving skills
Logical
Team working
Initiative

Other requirements

You may at times need to wear personal protective equipment, necessary for work in active areas (such as full PVC suiting, gloves and respirators). Work in confined spaces or at heights. Candidates will be required to achieve appropriate security and medical clearances; these will be instigated on receiving a conditional offer of employment.

About this company

Sellafield Ltd is a global centre for nuclear engineering management. We pioneered the harnessing of nuclear power to generate electricity for the country. Now the world is watching as we set international standards in high-hazard reduction. In short, we’re at the forefront of the industry.

https://careers.sellafieldsite.co.uk/ (opens in new tab)

Disability Confident

A fair proportion of interviews for this apprenticeship will be offered to applicants with a disability or long-term health condition. This includes non-visible disabilities and conditions.

You can choose to be considered for an interview under the Disability Confident scheme. You’ll need to meet the essential requirements to be considered for an interview.

After this apprenticeship

Following successful completion of your apprenticeship, we will look to retain you in a professional full-time position at Sellafield Ltd.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

SELLAFIELD LIMITED

GBS Recruitment

recruitment@sellafieldcloud.co.uk

019467 81000

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000290918.

Apply now

Closes on Sunday 16 February

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

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