Welding Apprenticeship in Gravesend

About Cory

Cory is one of the UK’s leading resource management, recycling and energy recovery companies. We have a proud history of hiring and developing apprentices, which goes back to the roots of our company over 125 years ago. We currently operate our Riverside 1 energy from waste facility in Belvedere, south‑east London. Our new Riverside 2 plant is currently being commissioned and will be opening later in 2026. The combined Riverside facility will become one of the largest energy from waste operations in Europe. We have also been constructing the largest Transfer Station in the UK in Barking, which will provide the waste to fuel Riverside 2 which will also be opening this year. There are other exciting projects in the works that you’ll gain exposure to over your time on the apprenticeship, such as Carbon Capture and our Heat Network projects. It’s a fantastic time to join Cory and you’ll play a key part in Cory’s future success.

Apply today for our September 2026 intake. This year, we’re looking for an Apprentice Welder to be based at Ship Repair Yard in Gravesend. You’ll gain training with one of the top training providers to provide tailored training for your apprenticeship. You’ll spend time studying for industry‑recognised qualifications while honing your skills in the workplace.

A 3-year Level 3 Engineering Fabrication and Welding apprenticeship, based at our Ship Repair facility in Gravesend on the River Thames. This is a hands‑on role within a busy, operational marine environment, where you’ll learn the essential skills to fabricate, assemble and repair steel structures used across our fleet of tugs, barges and associated equipment, as well as vessels for external customers. Working alongside experienced platers and welders, you’ll develop your technical knowledge through a combination of practical training and off‑the‑job learning, building toward a nationally recognised qualification.

Throughout the apprenticeship, you’ll gain experience across key fabrication and welding activities, including interpreting engineering drawings, preparing and shaping materials, and carrying out welding processes to industry standards. You’ll support the day‑to‑day maintenance and repair of vessels and plant equipment, contributing to both Cory operations and commercial third‑party work. The apprenticeship offers a competitive starting salary, increasing each year as your skills develop, alongside regular reviews with your manager to ensure you’re progressing and supported every step of the way.

It’s worth noting that while you’ll be based at Gravesend for the majority of the time, you’ll need to be flexible to travel to our Charlton Barge Yard, where our fleet of tugs is based and to other Cory sites. If you have a driving licence, that would be a bonus (but it’s not essential).

Training Delivery

Our apprenticeships are delivered by IPS, a leading apprenticeship provider based in Rochester, Kent. You’ll attend college on day release, returning to site between college days to build your experience doing real work. It’s a great way to become familiar with your role and, importantly, your colleagues at Cory to gain a better understanding of our business.

Job requirements

• You must have (or expect to obtain) GCSE passes at grade 4 or higher in the following subjects: Mathematics.

It is important to note that we cannot accept applications from candidates holding a Bachelors or Masters degree as apprenticeships are funded by the UK Government and are aimed to teach new skills. Cory is an inclusive workplace for people of all backgrounds and walks of life. As a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, we actively encourage job applications from veterans and reservists, to whom we will provide additional assistance when needed.

You may see a long list of job requirements and feel discouraged because you don’t match every single bullet point. We welcome your application if you feel you could make a positive impact in the role. We don’t use AI to screen, score or select candidates — our recruitment is 100% human‑led.