Engineering Trades Apprenticeship - Welders and Fabricators in Kirkcaldy

Programme title: Engineering Trades Apprenticeship – Welders and Fabricators

Level: SCQF Level 7

Salary:

• Year 1: £15,974
• Year 2: £22,857
• Year 3: £25,728
• Year 4: £29,274
• Post apprenticeship: £39,129

Location: Rosyth, Scotland

Application closing date: 12th March 2026

Programme start date: August 2026

Ready to learn a skilled trade? On our 4-year Engineering Trades Apprenticeship, you’ll develop specialist skills in fabricating and welding and gain hands-on experience maintaining the Royal Navy’s fleet.

About the programme

This is no ordinary apprenticeship. Our engineering technicians are at the forefront of building and maintaining the Royal Navy’s fleet. As part of our busy team, you'll contribute to the build, maintenance, and refit of UK Royal Navy and international naval vessels, including the Type 31 Frigate Programme and UK Submarine Dismantling Programme. You will have the opportunity to work on a variety of projects such as new builds and upgrades to existing vessels, along with other commercial engineering projects. This varied and exciting programme covers trades including fabricating and welding. You'll be assigned one of these trade routes to specialise in. Find out more about each of the trades below. You’ll be asked to indicate your preference during the recruitment process.

Fabricator

You’ll learn how to manufacture a wide range of components and construct both minor and major ship structures. You’ll fabricate metal structures, work with structural and sheet metal, and use cutting, bending, and assembling processes. On the job, you will learn how to operate handheld tools and CNC cutters, as well as manual or powered hamming tools and press brakes. Additionally, you’ll gain experience in welding, binding with adhesives, riveting, fastening, bending seams, and other fabrication tools and techniques.

Welder

You’ll be trained in various welding processes and techniques while developing a comprehensive understanding of welding, including the operation of specialist welding tools and equipment. Your work will range from factory-based manufacturing to major structural welding on Royal Navy vessels. With such varied tasks, no two days will be the same, and you'll play a vital role in supporting the Royal Navy's operations.

Key skills and competencies

Whatever route you take, the apprenticeship programme will equip you with valuable knowledge and practical skills in areas such as:

• Health and safety
• Planning and documentation
• Engineering mathematical and scientific principles
• Methods and techniques
• Structure, properties and characteristics of materials
• Diagnostic methods to overcome problems
• Interpreting engineering drawings and data
• Adhering to and refining processes and procedures

In addition to technical expertise, the programme also focuses on developing key soft skills, including — but not limited to — clear communication, effective teamwork, problem-solving, attention to detail, and a commitment to ongoing personal development and reflective learning.

Your education and training

This structured apprenticeship combines college-based learning with practical, on-the-job experience. Upon successful completion, apprentices will earn the EAL SVQ Level 3 and the SDS Level 3 Modern Apprenticeship Certificate in Fabrication and Welding Engineering, both aligned to SCQF Level 7. In your first year, you will be predominantly based at college. Welding and Fabrication Apprentices will attend Forth Valley College in Falkirk, focusing on achieving the National Certificate (NC) in Fabrication and Welding and Performance Engineering Operations Level 2. This foundational year equips you with essential knowledge and technical skills for the workplace. From your second year onwards, you will transition to full-time training at Rosyth Dockyard with a block of attendance at Forth Valley College. This phase is designed to help you apply what you’ve learned in a practical setting, providing valuable real-world experience. During this year, apprentices are also invited to apply for a Higher National Certificate (HNC) qualification. If successful, you’ll attend college one day per week throughout the third and fourth years of your apprenticeship.

Future prospects

After successfully completing the programme, you will qualify as an Engineering Technician, specialising in your chosen field (fabricating or welding). Qualified technicians perform specialised work across a broad range of processes, procedures, and systems and continuously develop their technical skills and expertise. You can expect to earn a competitive salary of £39,129 upon completing the programme. Additionally, there may be opportunities to pursue higher-level qualifications, enabling you to advance your career within Babcock across a variety of roles and functions.

What you’ll need

• A minimum of 4 National 5s at grade C or above, including Maths, English, and a Science or Technical subject.
• A genuine interest in your chosen trade, along with a willingness to learn, ask questions, and collaborate.
• The ability to follow instructions and plan work with safety as a top priority.
• A team player who demonstrates respect and professionalism toward colleagues, customers, and supervisors.

Many of our apprenticeship programmes are subject to Security Clearance and Trade Control restrictions which mean that your place of birth, nationality, citizenship, or residency you hold or have held may impact which programmes you are eligible for. For this programme, you must be able to achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and Security Check (SC) clearance. Further details are available at United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

What you’ll get

We will provide you with a supportive and engaging environment where you can grow your career. In addition, you’ll benefit from:

• Fully funded qualification
• Personal development training and opportunities
• Minimum 28 days holiday allowance including bank holidays
• Competitive pension scheme
• Employee share scheme
• Flexible benefits including cycle to work scheme and employee shopping savings portal

You’ll also have the chance to get involved in our STEM outreach activities and volunteering opportunities, which our apprentices find incredibly rewarding.

Your career development

It’s hard to beat the variety of fantastic opportunities and business experiences you’ll receive. You can expect real world encounters and exposure to exciting projects that will really help you navigate where you want to take your career. Plus, when you join us, you’ll be automatically enrolled onto our Apprentice Development Programme. Through a series of digital and face to face sessions, presented by wellbeing and performance experts and our external partners, we will equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to thrive and perform at your very best on your programme and beyond.

Application process and closing dates

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and the programme may close early if we receive a high volume of interest. To give yourself the best chance of being considered, we strongly recommend submitting your application and completing any required online assessments as soon as possible.