Apprentice Welder in Drighlington

NG Bailey is the UK's largest independent engineering and services business. We work on ground-breaking projects and provide innovative solutions using the latest tools and technologies. Our values—Passion, Integrity, Responsibility and Excellence—guide how we work and behave. We recognise the importance of apprentices in our workforce and partner with a national network of colleges to offer leading training in the industry. Apprenticeships are available to anyone over 16 and offer a wage while you work full-time in your chosen trade. You will develop your skills in a real working environment from day one and apply what you learn at college directly to your work.

Join NG Bailey's Engineering Team at our Drighlington Weld Shop, where we fabricate steelwork and welded components for major UK projects—from hospitals and universities to industrial facilities, transport networks and nuclear sites. During the apprenticeship you may spend time at our Oakenshaw offsite manufacturing facility for broader exposure to different fabrication and modular processes. Every day is practical, varied and rewarding. You'll work alongside experienced welders and fabricators, learning how welded assemblies are produced safely, accurately and to high standards.

As an NG Bailey apprentice you will:

• Train with one of the UK's top performing colleges or training providers.
• Learn about our award-winning approach to health, safety and quality.
• Develop strong technical and practical skills with support from highly skilled welders and mentors.
• Build confidence working within a friendly, supportive team.
• Experience a real manufacturing environment, including early starts and occasional travel when required.
• Gain exposure to different fabrication and modular processes across Drighlington and Oakenshaw.

You will learn to:

• Identify different materials, grades and their applications.
• Select and use the correct welding consumables for different welding processes.
• Safely operate hand and power tools relevant to welding and fabrication.
• Use machinery for cutting and preparing materials, including saws, grinders and edge preparation equipment.
• Operate Plasma and Oxy Acetylene cutting equipment safely.
• Read and interpret working drawings for a range of metal fabrications.
• Measure, calculate and prepare materials from engineering drawings.
• Assemble components into fabrications in line with specifications.
• Set up MIG/MAG, MMA (Arc) and TIG welding equipment.
• Carry out welds to a high standard across a range of welding processes.
• Understand common welding defects and how to prevent them.
• Work towards qualifying to a range of Welding Procedures relevant to the role.

We are looking for people who:

• Are curious, practical and keen to learn new skills.
• Share our values of Passion, Integrity, Responsibility and Excellence.
• Are organised with good timekeeping and reliability.
• Communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing.
• Enjoy working as part of a team in a busy workshop environment.
• Can follow instructions and work safely under pressure.
• Can take initiative and work independently when needed.

You will attend Calderdale College to complete the Level 3 Metal Fabricator Apprenticeship. In addition, you will regularly attend in-house training and development as part of the programme.

To apply you need 3 GCSEs (or equivalent) Grade C/4 or above in English Language, Maths and Science.

Please note about eligibility for an apprenticeship:

• Must be able to complete the apprenticeship within the required time, including the End-Point Assessment.
• Must have a valid and eligible residency status and the right to work in England.
• Must be ordinarily resident in the UK or its territories for at least 3 years before starting the apprenticeship.

Further eligibility details can be found online at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apprenticeship-funding-rules. Any offer of employment will be subject to satisfactory eligibility checks.

If you are applying for this role, review our application hints and tips for guidance on what good looks like. We encourage you to read the available guidance before applying.

If we like what we see on your application, you will be invited to undertake a telephone interview. If we wish to progress, you will be invited to attend an assessment centre for shortlisting to final interviews.

Please note this vacancy may close before the advertised closing date if a large number of applications are received. Early application is therefore recommended.

NG Bailey is an Equal Opportunities employer. All applicants will receive equal treatment within the application and selection process.