At a Glance
- Tasks: Learn metal fabrication skills and contribute to shipbuilding projects.
- Company: Join Navantia UK, a leader in defence and maritime innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, pension, healthcare plan, and 33 days holiday.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to equal opportunities and personal growth.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in a dynamic industry with real impact.
- Qualifications: GCSE Maths and English at grade C/4 or above required.
The predicted salary is between 800 - 1400 £ per month.
Navantia UK is a new force in British industry, supporting the UK’s defence, energy and maritime ambitions. We’re doing this by creating state-of-the-art sovereign defence capabilities, investing in the UK to modernise industrial facilities, and bolstering the nation's energy security. Established in 2022, Navantia UK is a subsidiary of Navantia SA, a Spanish state-owned company with over 300 years of naval shipbuilding history. In January 2025, Navantia UK completed the acquisition of Harland & Wolff and its four historic facilities in Belfast, Appledore, Methil, and Arnish. By combining Harland & Wolff’s proud heritage and facilities with Navantia’s global expertise, Navantia UK is well-positioned to strengthen Britain’s defence, maritime and energy industrial capabilities, supporting jobs and economic growth across the UK.
The 3-year apprenticeship programme will be a full Level 3 apprenticeship consisting of an EAL level 2 award in Engineering Operative technical certificate (embedded during year 1), followed by a 2-year EAL Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (year 2 & 3). Alongside these college qualifications, there will also be an EAL Level 3 Diploma in Maritime Defence (Portfolio). College attendance will be one per week during the apprenticeship.
During your time as an apprentice, you will learn about the shipbuilding process and the skills required to construct ships and other large steel structures (plate & profile sections) to form individual components and the subsequent assembly of those components to form sub-units, such as frames, plates, girders, tubulars, that will form sub-assemblies and the final structural assembly of the finished product. As an Apprentice Fabricator, you will be motivated and dedicated to learning in order to gain the relevant qualification at the end of the apprenticeship period.
You are required to attend college where you will undertake practical work and theory-based learning. Not all study time will fit into your normal working week. Apprentices are expected to manage their own time both in and out of the week in order to meet programme requirements.
Job purpose: Fabrication out of metal in order to support production at Navantia UK.
What will you learn doing this apprenticeship:
- Learn how to produce components using hand fitting techniques
- Learn how to produce metal components and assemblies
- Learn how to prepare and use thermal cutting equipment
- Learn C.A.D Computer Aided Drawing
- Learn fabrication and welding principles
Job Duties:
- Work safely at all times complying with health and safety legislation, regulations, organisational and environmental requirements
- Learn how to plan and prepare for the metal fabrication activities before commencing work
- Develop the ability to check materials conform to the specified grades, dimensions and thicknesses identified on detailed engineering drawings
- Learn how to use the correct methods for the moving and handling resources and materials
- Develop the ability to set up, check and adjust the equipment for use in the safe and reliable fabrication of metal products or components and maintaining the equipment in a reliable and safe condition throughout
- Learn how to interpret technical drawings, patterns, templates and specifications to mark out, produce and assemble complex fabricated products to meet the required specification and quality requirements
- Develop the ability to use appropriate tools, equipment and techniques to shape and form (hot or cold) metal materials, demonstrating and applying knowledge of material properties and characteristics throughout
- Learn how to monitor resources and activities throughout the fabrication of products or components, identifying areas for improving the production process where possible
- Develop the ability in cutting, drilling, shaping and preparing metal materials during fabrication activities using manual and power tools, thermal and laser cutting, as required calculating dimensions and tolerances using knowledge of mathematics and instruments/equipment
- Develop the ability to operate appropriate tools and equipment to join metal parts using a range of mechanical fasteners and fixing techniques required by the specifications appropriate to the fabrication activity being carried out and in accordance with approved joining procedures and quality requirements
- Develop the ability to operate thermal joining equipment to join metal parts using a range of appropriate techniques to the standards required by the specifications for the fabrication activity being carried out
- Learn how to inspect and test joins for security against required standard
- Learn how to carry out quality checks on component parts and completed assemblies
- Learn how to deal with problems that occur within the fabrication activity in line with responsibilities of the role
- Develop the ability to restore the work area and equipment to a safe and reliable condition on completion of the activity
- Complete documentation at the appropriate stages of the work activity
Qualifications:
- Hold a minimum of a grade (C)4/5 in GCSE Math’s and English
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to use your own initiative and a strong drive to succeed.
- Enthusiasm and determination to learn and develop skills in fabrication.
- Ability to get on with colleagues and customers
- Commitment to complete all college work that is set within the programme requirements.
- To participate in scheduled reviews that will access competences, behaviours and college progression
- An agreement to complete your training diligently and punctually
- To at all times, conduct yourself at work, college and within the local community in a responsible manner and promote to the best of your ability, the interests of the company.
Key Interpersonal/Behavioural Skills:
- Ability to establish an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal
- Effectiveness in identifying possible problems for upward reporting/investigation
- Ability to express ideas or facts in a clear manner
- Professional and pro-active work ethic
On Offer:
- Competitive hourly rate
- Company pension
- Health care cash plan (optional)
- 33 days holiday
- Life assurance
- Great opportunity to kick start your career
We are an Opening Doors employer, committed to equal opportunity and an inclusive workplace. Our approach, shaped by our values of service, trust, excellence, agility, dedication, and you, we focus on removing barriers and recognising potential. We are committed to fairness at every stage, including providing reasonable adjustments and actively working to eliminate discrimination. We believe talent is everywhere, and by widening access to opportunity and welcoming diverse experiences, we aim to create a workplace where every person feels valued and has an equal chance.
If you experience difficulties or are unable to apply for a role on-line please contact us at people.skills@harland-wolff.com and one of the team will be in contact to help you.
Locations
Metal Fabricator Apprenticeship (Appledore) employer: Navantia UK
Navantia UK is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to kick-start your career in metal fabrication within the historic and innovative environment of Appledore. With a strong commitment to employee growth, competitive benefits including a company pension, health care cash plan, and 33 days of holiday, we foster a culture of inclusivity and support, ensuring every apprentice feels valued and empowered to succeed in their professional journey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Metal Fabricator Apprenticeship (Appledore)
✨Get Hands-On Experience
If you’re looking to break into the skilled trades, seek out volunteer opportunities or part-time gigs that let you flex your hands-on skills. Local community projects or workshops can give you some valuable experience and show potential employers your commitment and passion for the trade!
✨Join Trade Associations
Diving into local trade associations is a great way to connect with professionals in your field. These organisations often host events, training sessions, and networking opportunities that can put you right in front of hiring companies—who knows, you might even bump into someone from Navantia UK!
✨Leverage Your Connections
Talk to friends, family, and acquaintances about your apprenticeship search. Sometimes, the best gigs come from word-of-mouth referrals. Let everyone know you’re on the hunt; you’d be surprised at who might have a contact in the industry!
✨Apply Through Our Website!
Make sure to check out Navantia UK's career page for the latest apprenticeship openings. We always have various roles available, and applying directly through our site can help you stand out as a candidate eager to start learning and working with us!
We think you need these skills to ace Metal Fabricator Apprenticeship (Appledore)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills:In skilled trades, your hands-on abilities say a lot. Be sure to highlight any relevant experience you've had—whether that's in school, past jobs, or personal projects. If you've got a knack for a certain technique or trade, make it shine on your CV!
Certifications Count!:If you’ve got any relevant certifications or training, don’t hesitate to showcase them. Details like your health and safety qualifications or any specific trade courses you've completed can set you apart from the competition. Just make sure they’re super clear and easy to find on your application!
Express Your Enthusiasm:For an apprenticeship, your motivation is key. Use your cover letter to explain why you’re eager to learn and grow in your chosen trade. Talk about what excites you about the industry and how working at Navantia UK can help you achieve your goals.
Tailor Your Application for Navantia UK:When you’re applying, make sure to personalise your application for Navantia UK. Do a bit of research on the company’s values and goals in skilled trades, and mention how your aspirations and values align with theirs. This shows you’ve done your homework and are genuinely keen on joining their team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Navantia UK
✨Show Off Your Hands-On Skills
As we're diving into the skilled trades for your apprenticeship, make sure you highlight any practical experience you’ve had. Whether you’ve done DIY projects or worked with tools before, let them know how comfortable you are getting your hands dirty and solving real-world problems.
✨Be Ready for Practical Assessments
Expect a hands-on assessment during the interview or as part of your apprenticeship application. You might be asked to demonstrate a specific skill or technique relevant to the trade—so brush up on your practical skills and come prepared to showcase what you’ve got!
✨Learn About the Tools of the Trade
Familiarise yourself with the common tools and equipment used in your trade before the interview. They might ask about your experience with certain tools or methods, so having a basic understanding and mentioning any tools you’ve used can really set you apart.
✨Express Your Willingness to Learn
As an apprentice, showing your eagerness to learn is crucial! Talk about your motivation for joining the industry and any steps you've taken to educate yourself, like online resources or workshops, to demonstrate you’re ready to grow with the company.
