Weld Apprenticeship (Appledore)

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.

Your time will be split between study with your training provider and time putting your skills into practice in the yard. We have dedicated college partners at each yard where you can develop your skills and to provide you with support throughout your apprenticeship.

• 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.

Reporting to: The Apprenticeship Manager and Apprenticeship Supervisor

Job purpose: Working with metals to create high-strength welds in 2 welding positions, using at least 1 arc welding process in order 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

Progression: There are numerous pathways for General Welders who may wish to pursue higher level careers in welding. These include progression to Multi-Positional Welder, High Integrity Welder or Welding Instruction and Teaching, Welding Inspection and Managing and Supervising Welding Operations.

Job Duties

• Learn how to produce good quality welds using two welding process/material type combinations (TIG, MMA, MIG/MAG, FCAW) and (Carbon and Low Alloy steel, High Alloy Ferritic/Martensitic Steel, Austenitic Stainless Steel, Nickel and Nickel Alloys, Aluminium and Aluminium Alloys) in two welding positions (Downhand, Horizontal, Vertical, Overhead)
• Attain a qualification in accordance with one of the following standards: ISO 9606 / ASME IX / BS4872 / AWS D1.1 (these qualifications are regarded as licences to practice in welding)
• Achieve a quality of work to meet international standards for dimensional and surface inspection (Visual, Magnetic Particle Inspection and Dye Penetrant Inspection)
• Learn the proper procedure in positioning, preparing and checking the welding equipment

Essential

• Hold a minimum a 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 are all essential
• Enthusiasm and determination to learn
• Self-starter and motivated person
• 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

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.

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.