Apprentice Melting Operative
SHEFFIELD FORGEMASTERS ENGINEERING LIMITED
South Yorkshire (S9 2RW)
Closes in 25 days (Tuesday 10 March 2026)
Posted on 12 February 2026
Contents
Summary
The purpose of this apprenticeship is to develop as a safe, competent and reliable Melting Operative within the Melt Shop, supporting both Primary and Secondary steelmaking operations.
- Wage
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£17,199 a year
- Training course
- Metal casting, foundry and patternmaking technician (level 3)
- Hours
-
Monday to Friday 7:45am till 4pm, the role will eventually involve working shifts.
37 hours 30 minutes a week
- Start date
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Monday 24 August 2026
- Duration
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3 years
- Positions available
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1
Work
Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.
What you'll do at work
In the role you will support ladle preparation, ingot mould setup, teeming activities, crane operations and other key processes are carried out safely, effectively and in line with operational standards.
Through hands-on training and formal qualifications, the apprentice will learn to contribute to the successful production of liquid steel while maintaining high levels of safety, compliance and teamwork.
You’ll be supporting primary steelmaking operations using the 105-tonne Electric Arc Furnace and assisting with secondary steelmaking processes involving the VAD, VOD and Ladle Furnace.
The role includes preparing and setting up ladles for safe, effective steel pouring, helping with ingot mould setup, stripping and teeming, and taking on general crane-driving duties while learning more complex slinging operations.
You’ll complete essential training such as FLT, Bucket Truck and Confined Spaces courses, and help configure pitside areas to keep production safe and efficient.
Working as part of a team, you’ll follow standard process instructions, maintain high operational standards and promote strong Health & Safety practices. As your skills grow, you’ll take on additional duties and responsibilities to support the wider steelmaking operation.
Where you'll work
PO BOX 286
Brightside Lane
Sheffield
South Yorkshire
S9 2RW
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
SHEFFIELD COLLEGE, THE
Training course
Metal casting, foundry and patternmaking technician (level 3)
Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)
Training schedule
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
- Reliable
- Enthusiastic
- Eager to learn
- Self-motivated
- Positive attitude
- Time management
Other requirements
Gain standard security clearance including a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Pass a pre-placement medical with our on-site occupational health department.
About this employer
We manufacture some of the world’s largest steel castings and forgings, ranging from 1 to 350 tonnes. You don’t need to be a metallurgist expert to know that is really big and really heavy! When it comes to steel production anything that’s heavy and technically complex is where we add real value to our customers. We produce a wide range of products for mills and presses, nuclear, defence, power generation, offshore oil and gas and materials processing industries. It is this diversity of products that allows us to offer a number of different opportunities across our business. Check out our website for more information and images of the exciting work we do here. We have a long and established history within Sheffield spanning over 170 years…. In 2021 we were acquired by the Ministry of Defence (MOD). This has given our business a new focus, marking an exciting and monumental time for our future. We have also secured over £400m of new investment over the next 10 years to support our defence-critical assets, including plans for a new heavy forge line and building, a flood alleviation scheme and major machine tool replacements. There really is no better time to join us!
After this apprenticeship
Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship and competency review, it is expected the individual will move into a full-time role.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
SHEFFIELD COLLEGE, THE
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000015298.
Apply now
Closes in 25 days (Tuesday 10 March 2026)
After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.