Metal Fabricator Apprenticeship (Appledore)

CompanyNavantia UK

LocationAppledore, England, United Kingdom

Posted At3/2/2026

UK Visa Sponsorship Analytics

Occupation Type

Sheet metal workers

Occupation Code Skill LevelMedium Skilled

Sponsorship EligibilityIneligible for Sponsorship

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Description

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 a 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 a 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. T

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.

Yard tour date Friday 27th March approx. 1hr long
Interview & Assessment dates to be between 6th April - 17th April - Approx. 3hrs

Start dates will be around August/September 2026.

Job Description

Reporting to: The Apprenticeship Supervisor and Manager

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
Developing 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

Essential

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

Additional Information

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.