At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team fabricating and assembling structural steel for shipbuilding projects.
- Company: Navantia UK, a leader in shipbuilding with exciting long-term opportunities.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, overtime rates, travel allowances, and potential for long-term work.
- Other info: Initial project lasts 34 months, with potential for 68 years of work ahead.
- Why this job: Be part of a major shipbuilding programme with the chance to grow your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in plating, fabrication, or heavy engineering preferred.
Are you the right candidate for this opportunity? Make sure to read the full description below.
Location: Belfast
Start: September/October 2026
Initial Project: Approximately 34 months
Gross Rate: £28.02 per hour PAYE (incl. of holiday)
Gross Overtime Rate: £42.03 per hour PAYE (incl. of holiday)
Travel / Accommodation / Subsistence: £406.40 per week
Potential weekly value: £1,947.50 - £2,577.95 depending on hours worked
We are recruiting experienced Platers / Steelworkers / Fabricators for a major shipbuilding requirement with Navantia UK in Belfast. The initial requirement is expected to run for approximately 34 months, potentially taking the project through towards January, although exact durations are still being finalised.
Importantly, this initial scope sits ahead of a much larger shipbuilding programme. Navantia are moving into a significant programme of work in Belfast which is expected to run for approximately 68 years. For people who perform well on the initial project, there is therefore the potential to move directly onto the longer-term shipbuilding programme as requirements continue to increase. This could be a particularly strong opportunity for Platers and Fabricators looking for both immediate work and the possibility of much longer-term continuity in Belfast.
The Work
- Heavy structural fabrication and assembly within a shipbuilding environment, including:
- Fabrication and assembly of structural steel
- Reading and working from engineering drawings
- Marking out, cutting and forming steel
- Fabrication of brackets, supports, walkways, gratings and structural components
- Structural modifications and installation work
- Tack welding, grinding and preparation work where required
- Working as part of a wider shipbuilding and fabrication team
Previous shipbuilding or shipyard experience would be beneficial, although candidates from strong heavy engineering and structural fabrication backgrounds will also be considered.
Example Weekly Earnings
- 50-hour week: 40 hours £28.02 = £1,120.80; 10 hours £42.03 = £420.30; Travel / accommodation / subsistence = £406.40; Total weekly value: £1,947.50
- 65-hour week: 40 hours £28.02 = £1,120.80; 25 hours £42.03 = £1,050.75; Travel / accommodation / subsistence = £406.40; Total weekly value: £2,577.95
Requirements
- Strong Plater / Fabricator / Steelworker experience
- Structural steel fabrication experience
- Ability to read and work from engineering drawings
- Heavy engineering, marine or shipbuilding experience preferred
- Candidates must be able to complete the required onboarding and security clearance process
If you are interested, please apply with your latest CV. We are currently building the workforce for the initial Belfast scope and would like to speak with suitable candidates as soon as possible.
Plater / Fabricator Belfast employer: MDE Consultants Ltd
MDE Group is an exceptional employer, offering skilled Electricians the opportunity to work on a cutting-edge energy storage project in Iron Acton, South Gloucestershire. With competitive pay at £50 per hour and a focus on safety and quality, employees can expect a supportive work culture that values expertise and encourages professional growth through hands-on experience in the renewable energy sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Plater / Fabricator Belfast
✨Get Your Hands Dirty
In skilled trades, practical experience is everything. Consider volunteering or doing odd jobs in your area to build up your skills and visibility. Local businesses often appreciate helping hands and it might just lead to a full-time gig!
✨Join Trade Associations
Look into joining organisations specific to your trade (like the National Federation of Builders or similar). They often have job boards, networking events, and apprenticeships that can put you in touch with employers who value skilled workers. Plus, being part of these communities adds credibility to your profiles!
✨Showcase Your Work Online
Craft a portfolio that highlights your craftsmanship—before and after photos, project descriptions, and client testimonials are all golden! Share this on platforms that cater to skilled trades, like Instagram or dedicated forums, to attract potential employers looking for your skillset.
✨Apply Directly and Follow Up
Don’t just rely on job boards—visit local businesses, introduce yourself, and drop off your CV. Building rapport face-to-face can work wonders in the skilled trades sector. And remember, following up after applying through our website shows dedication; it might just give you an edge over other candidates!
We think you need these skills to ace Plater / Fabricator Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills with Certificates:In the skilled trades world, your practical skills and certifications are key! Make sure you highlight any relevant qualifications or training you've completed. If you’ve got a trade-specific certificate, like an NVQ or City & Guilds, include it in your CV to catch MDE Consultants Ltd's eye.
Tailor Your CV to the Job:Don’t just send out a generic CV; tailor it specifically for the skilled trades role at MDE Consultants Ltd. Emphasise your hands-on experience, the tools and techniques you’re proficient in, and any notifiable compliance standards you've met. This shows that you’ve put thought into your application.
Highlight Your Projects or Achievements:Don’t forget to showcase any significant projects or achievements in your cover letter. Whether it’s completing a complex installation or meeting deadlines on a large project, these details make a big difference. They help paint a picture of your expertise and dedication!
Keep It Concise and Relevant:When applying for a full-time role in skilled trades, keep your writing to the point. Hiring managers appreciate clear, concise applications. Focus on relevant experiences and skills, and avoid fluff. Remember, they’re looking for someone who can get the job done—so show them you can!
How to prepare for a job interview at MDE Consultants Ltd
✨Master the Hands-On Skills
In skilled trades, practical skills matter a ton. Be ready to showcase your hands-on abilities during the interview—whether it's through a practical test or a demonstration of your craftsmanship. Bring your best examples of past projects to discuss them in detail!
✨Know Your Tools Like the Back of Your Hand
Employers in the skilled trades often want to hear about your proficiency with specific tools and equipment. Brush up on the tools relevant to your field and be prepared to discuss your experiences using them. This shows you’re not just experienced but also safe and competent.
✨Be Ready to Talk About Safety Practices
Safety is paramount in skilled trades. Be prepared to discuss your knowledge of safety regulations and how you've implemented them in previous roles. This will demonstrate your commitment to a safe working environment—a quality that employers highly value.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
When tackling skilled trade roles, employers want to know about your ability to think on your feet. Be ready with examples of how you've solved unexpected problems on the job. This will illustrate your adaptability and resourcefulness, key traits for a full-time position at MDE Consultants Ltd.
