At a Glance
- Tasks: Learn welding and fabrication skills while working hands-on with experienced mentors.
- Company: Join Freeflow Pipe Systems, a respected heavy engineering company.
- Benefits: Earn £16,224 in your first year with potential wage increases and valuable qualifications.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive culture where everyone is equal and grow your career.
- Why this job: Be part of a declining trade and gain skills that are in high demand.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Maths required; relevant experience is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 16224 - 16224 £ per year.
We are a heavy engineering company that manufactures carbon steel pipework for the water industry. Pipe fabrication and welding is a trade that is on decline; we want to pass the skills from our current workforce onto the new generation. Freeflow is a place of respect and a culture where everyone is equal.
Wage: £16,224 for your first year; may increase depending on your age.
Hours: Monday - Thursday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Friday 8:00 am to 3:30 pm (39 hours a week).
Start date: Thursday 1 October 2026
Duration: 11 months
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:
- Learn to weld pipework with MIG, MAG, TIG, and Stick on a thickness range from 6 mm up to 35/40 mm carbon steel plate
- Progress onto the fabrication side once you have mastered welding and are fully qualified
- Start from small fabrications and work your way up as you master more complex work
- Receive tools and support to learn and grow
- Be mentored by an experienced trainer who has overseen apprentices for 10 years
Where you'll work: AUTOBASE INDUSTRIAL PARK TIPTON ROAD TIVIDALE OLDBURY B69 3HU
Training: You will attend specialist training at Advance II Campus, Dudley College, DY1 4AD, one day per week during term time. Upon successful completion, receive an Engineering Operative – Fabrication & Welding Level 2 Apprenticeship qualification. Assigned an assessor who will visit the workplace every 6–8 weeks to support you. Functional skills may be required alongside this apprenticeship.
Requirements:
- GCSE in English (grade D/3/Level 1 Functional Skills)
- GCSE in Maths (grade D/3/Level 1 Functional Skills)
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills: Mature
Reference code: VAC2000034580
Welder/Fabricator Apprentice - FREEFLOW PIPE SYSTEMS LTD employer: Dudleycol
At Freeflow Pipe Systems Ltd, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that fosters a culture of respect and equality. Our apprenticeship programme offers hands-on experience in a declining trade, with dedicated mentorship from seasoned professionals, ensuring you gain invaluable skills in welding and fabrication. Located in Oldbury, our supportive work environment and commitment to employee growth make us an ideal choice for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in heavy engineering.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Welder/Fabricator Apprentice - FREEFLOW PIPE SYSTEMS LTD
✨Tip Number 1
Get your hands dirty! If you can, try to gain some experience in welding or fabrication before applying. It’ll not only boost your confidence but also show Freeflow that you're genuinely interested in the trade.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former apprentices at Freeflow or similar companies. They can give you insider tips on what to expect and how to stand out during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your welding knowledge. Familiarise yourself with different welding techniques like MIG, MAG, TIG, and Stick. Showing that you know your stuff will impress the hiring team!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Freeflow family and ready to learn from the best.
We think you need these skills to ace Welder/Fabricator Apprentice - FREEFLOW PIPE SYSTEMS LTD
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Welding:When writing your application, let us know why you're excited about becoming a Welder/Fabricator. Share any experiences or projects that sparked your interest in welding and fabrication. We love to see genuine enthusiasm!
Highlight Relevant Qualifications:Make sure to mention your GCSEs in English and Maths, as well as any other relevant qualifications or experiences. If you've done any hands-on work or have skills related to welding, don’t hold back – we want to hear about it!
Be Yourself:We value authenticity, so don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your application. Share a bit about who you are and what makes you unique. We’re looking for individuals who will fit into our culture of respect and equality.
Apply Through Our Website:To make sure your application gets to us, apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure you don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dudleycol
✨Know Your Welding Basics
Before heading into the interview, brush up on your welding techniques and terminology. Familiarise yourself with MIG, MAG, TIG, and Stick welding processes, as well as the types of materials you'll be working with. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you engage in technical discussions.
✨Show Your Willingness to Learn
As an apprentice, your eagerness to learn is crucial. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve approached learning new skills in the past. Share examples of when you’ve taken initiative or sought help to improve your abilities. This will resonate well with the company’s culture of mentorship and growth.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare a few thoughtful questions about the apprenticeship programme and the company culture. Inquire about the types of projects you might work on or how the mentoring process works. This demonstrates your enthusiasm for the position and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.
✨Dress Appropriately and Be Punctual
Even though this is a hands-on role, first impressions matter. Dress smartly but comfortably for the interview, and make sure to arrive on time. Being punctual shows respect for the interviewer's time and reflects your professionalism, which is essential in any workplace.
