Apprentice Welder in Drighlington

NG Bailey is the UK’s largest independent engineering and services business. Our apprenticeship opportunities help develop behaviours, skills, knowledge and experience to build a successful career. We work with a national network of colleges to offer high‑quality training. Apprenticeships are available for anyone over 16 years of age, offering a wage and full‑time work in your chosen trade. You will gain hands‑on experience in a real working environment from day one and apply college learning directly at 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 your apprenticeship you may also spend time at our Oakenshaw offsite manufacturing facility for broader exposure to fabrication and modular manufacturing 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.

Responsibilities and learning opportunities:

• 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 technical and practical skills with support from 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.
• 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.

Who we are looking for:

• 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.

Education and training:

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.

Eligibility and compulsory checks:

• 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 the GOV.UK guidance page on apprenticeship funding rules. Any offer of employment will be subject to satisfactory eligibility checks.

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

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