Metal Fabricator Apprenticeship (Belfast)

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 apprenticeship journey starts with a Level 2 in Engineering Operations. This is a general engineering apprenticeship covering Electrical, Technical Design, Fabrication, Welding and Mechanical Engineering. On average it takes 12 to 18 months to complete. If you have already completed a Level 2 in Engineering Operations or equivalent, you will not have to repeat it. Once you have completed the Level 2, you can proceed with a Level 3 in this specific trade area. The length of each apprenticeship depends on your ability, the type of apprenticeship and the location where you complete it. A Level 3 trade‑specific apprenticeship typically takes 2 to 2.5 years. Your time will be split between study with your training provider and work on the shipyard. We have dedicated college partners at each yard to develop your skills and provide you with support throughout your apprenticeship.

Interview & Assessment dates – 13th April to 24th April (approx. 3 hours)

Yard Tour Week – Commencing 6th April (approx. 1 hour)

Start dates will be around August/September 2026.

Job purpose: Manufacture anything that can be fabricated out of metal to support production at Harland & Wolff.

What will you learn doing this apprenticeship:

• Gain hands‑on experience through a safe workplace placement, providing vocational training and education
• Practical on‑the‑job training
• One‑to‑one dedicated mentoring
• Shipyard training facilities
• Opportunity to earn while you learn
• Attend college as timetabled

Job Duties:

• Work safely at all times complying with health and safety legislation, regulations, organisational and environmental requirements
• Plan and prepare for metal fabrication activities before commencing work
• Check materials conform to specified grades, dimensions and thicknesses identified on detailed engineering drawings
• Use correct methods for moving and handling resources and materials
• Set up, check and adjust equipment for safe and reliable fabrication of metal products or components; maintain equipment in a reliable and safe condition throughout
• Interpret technical drawings, patterns, templates and specifications to mark out, produce and assemble complex fabricated products that meet required specification and quality requirements
• Use appropriate tools, equipment and techniques to shape and form (hot or cold) metal materials, demonstrating and applying knowledge of material properties and characteristics
• Monitor resources and activities throughout fabrication, identifying areas for improving the production process where possible
• Cut, drill, shape and prepare metal materials during fabrication activities using manual and power tools, thermal and laser cutting, calculating dimensions and tolerances with mathematics and instruments/equipment
• Operate appropriate tools and equipment to join metal parts using a range of mechanical fasteners and fixing techniques as specified, and in accordance with approved joining procedures and quality requirements
• Operate thermal joining equipment to join metal parts using appropriate techniques to the standards required by the specifications for the fabrication activity being carried out
• Inspect and test joins for security against required standards
• Carry out quality checks on component parts and completed assemblies
• Deal with problems that occur within the fabrication activity in line with the responsibilities of the role
• 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 GCSE grade C/4, National 5 (or equivalent) in Mathematics and English
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to use your own initiative and a strong drive to succeed
• Enthusiasm and determination to learn
• Self‑starter and motivated
• Ability to get on with colleagues and customers
• Commitment to upholding high health and safety standards
• Responsibility, reliability and dedication

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

Additional Information:

• 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, focuses 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 online please contact us at people.skills@harland-wolff.com and one of the team will be in contact to help you.