Apprentice Welder

Summary

You will complete formal training while gaining practical welding and fabrication experience. Supported by mentoring and on-the-job learning, you will assist skilled tradespeople with preparing, fabricating, and welding components, while helping maintain a safe and efficient workshop. 

Wage

£15,600 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age

National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices

Training course

Metal fabricator (level 3)

Hours

To be discussed with employer.

37 hours 30 minutes a week

Start date

Thursday 1 October 2026

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

• Ensure compliance with all WHS policies as outlined in the HR Manual and Employment Policy guide.
• Participate and contribute in all WHS Toolbox meetings.
• Participate in department WHS, Fire and Evacuation and Emergency training.
• Demonstrate a high degree of safety awareness.
• Attend and complete all training requirements for your apprenticeship.
• Engage fully in mentoring and coaching provided by qualified tradespeople.
• Maintain accurate training records and logbooks as required by your apprenticeship programme.
• Assist with setup, operation, and maintenance of welding equipment under supervision.
• Support qualified welders during fabrication processes, including material handling, assembly, and positioning.
• Learn and practice various welding techniques and fabrication processes in line with your training plan.
• Prepare materials by cleaning, grinding, cutting, and marking as directed.
• Assist in the setup and layout of components for welding or fabrication.
• Clean and maintain tools, equipment, and workstations to support workshop efficiency.
• Assist in general fabrication activities including measuring, cutting, and basic fitting.
• Collaborate with other team members to meet project deadlines and quality standards.
• Participate in continuous improvement and team initiatives.

Where you'll work

UNIT C VALLEY POINT
VALLEY DRIVE
SWIFT VALLEY INDUSTRIAL ESTATE
RUGBY
CV21 1TN

Training

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

Training provider

NORTHAMPTON COLLEGE

Training course

Metal fabricator (level 3)

What you'll learn

• 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.

Training schedule

1 day per week at Northampton College Booth Lane.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

• English (grade 4)
• Maths (grade 4)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

• Attention to detail
• Team working
• Initiative

Other requirements

• Standing for extended periods 
• Repetitive movements (grinding, welding, cutting) 
• Bending, lifting, pushing, pulling 
• Operating machinery and hand tools