Weldrite - Level 3 - Technical Engineering Apprentice (CAD) in Wolverhampton

Weldrite (Midlands) Ltd is a small company producing metal stillages and cages for the storage and transportation of goods. The main operation is welding metal parts together to assemble a wide variety of cages of different sizes. The materials used are mainly metal tubing, sheet metal and metal mesh. We are a progressive company continuing to invest in up-to-date equipment and in improving the skills of our employees. We are proud of the high level of quality of our products and delivery time given to our customers.

The equipment used in production areas includes: MIG Welders, hand grinders, various metal cutting machines, pedestal drills, Fork Lift Trucks, enclosed paint spray booth, and the Plasma Cutter. The current system used for CAD/CAM is Autocad LT but we will soon be investing in a 3D system called Solidworks.

The role uses Computer Aided Design technology to prepare customer designs in preparation for production. There will also be an active role helping to operate our CNC plasma cutter including using CAM to load cutting dimensions onto the machine, as well as loading and unloading sheet metal, grinding and cleaning operations. You will be highly trained to work in the world of manufacturing. The initial training will be broad-based and could lead to a first appointment as a Technician.

The main operators are MIG welders and they are supported by material handling personnel who prepare the parts. The material preparation includes the use of cutting machines, hand grinders, and pedestal drillers. The apprentice will become familiar with all these operations whilst on site. They will also be assisting in the operation of the Plasma Cutter which cuts out metal shapes. The design drawing is loaded into the system and converts the information into a programme file (Computer Aided Manufacturing) which tells the machine what shape and dimensions to cut. The loading and unloading of the sheet metal onto the cutting bed and the use of a hand grinder to smooth edges will also be part of the role.

Working Week: Mon - Thur 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Fri 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM

Qualifications Required: 5 GCSEs at 9 – 4 / A* - C (5 or above preferred), must include maths, English language, and ideally Science, or equivalent related qualification.

Personal Qualities:

• Willing to work hard and show interest in their duties.
• Get to work regularly and on time.
• A good attitude to working with and taking instruction from management and colleagues.
• Willingness to learn and put in the appropriate effort to gaining their qualification and learning about the business.

Skills Required:

• Problem-solving
• Teamwork
• Willing to learn
• Practical skills

Training to be Provided: Together with invaluable commercial and practical experience, you’ll gain several academic and vocational qualifications throughout your time with your employer and Make UK, which are fully paid for, including:

• Advanced Manufacturing Engineering Practical Foundation Training – in year 1, in 6 week blocks to include 4 weeks at Make UK and 2 weeks in company.
• Advanced Manufacturing Engineering Workplace Competence Training - in years 2 to 4 in company.
• Level 3 BTEC Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering Development Knowledge - in Years 1, 2 & 3 on block release to Make UK.
• In-house training in line with your requirements.
• Further qualifications deemed necessary by your employer.

On completion of your studies, you will achieve your full apprenticeship certification that will prove competence as a Level 3 Engineering and Manufacturing Support Technician.

Future Prospects: The plasma cutting role may expand to a more supervisory position as the workload increases and therefore include NVQ level 4 qualification, and also future advancement to HNC. The company plans to expand into other complementary products and therefore opportunities could be available within the other group companies.