Apprentice Metal Fabricator
A F SWITCHGEAR LIMITED
Nottinghamshire (NG17 2HU)
Closes on Saturday 1 August 2026
Posted on 18 March 2026
Contents
Summary
To work in conjunction with West Notts College to attain a qualification in metal fabrication (development & knowledge).
- Wage
-
£15,600 a year
- Training course
- Metal fabricator (level 3)
- Hours
-
08:00 – 16:00 Monday to Friday.
37 hours 30 minutes a week
- Start date
-
Tuesday 1 September 2026
- Duration
-
3 years 6 months
- Positions available
-
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
- Structure, properties and characteristics of common metals.
- Looking at typical problems which may arise.
- Approved diagnostic methods.
- Importance of using approved processes.
- How roles and functions in the organisation interact
- The need to continually review fabrication and general engineering processes in workplace meetings.
- Tools and techniques for cutting, shaping, assembling and finishing materials.
- Pattern development processes, tooling and equipment and cutting and forming techniques, tooling and equipment.
- Assembly, finishing and inspection techniques.
- Factors influencing the selection of forming process and principles, procedures, and testing of different joint techniques.
- Using equipment associated with manual or mechanised joining techniques, including maintenance and consumables.
- Effects of heating and cooling metals.
- How to interpret relevant engineering data and documentation.
- Attend college and produce work of a high standard
- To adhere to the Job Pack information, including signing Job Pack forms.
- To refer to and follow the Company Personnel Instructions where appropriate.
- To remain on the job in a productive role.
- To assist the Works Supervisor, Lead Operative and mentors.
- To listen to the mentors and develop skills.
- To inform Works Supervisor, Lead Operative and mentors of any urgently required equipment.
- To inform the Works Supervisor, Lead Operative and mentors of any
- concerns regarding parts/build/ people/equipment.
To effectively maintain the tidiness, safety and cleanliness of the work areas. - As required, sign for the receipt of delivered goods, deliver goods to the required area, and forward any signed paperwork to the Works Supervisor.
- Working closely with the Fabrications Manufacturing Team, including Works Supervisor, Lead Operatives, mentors other Works Operatives as well as Fabrication Contracts Engineer and the Engineering team.
- Ensure full compliance with the company’s Business Management System within your area of responsibility
Where you'll work
A F Switchgear Limited
Nunn Brook Road
Sutton In Ashfield
Nottinghamshire
NG17 2HU
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
WEST NOTTINGHAMSHIRE COLLEGE
Training course
Metal fabricator (level 3)
Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)
What you'll learn
Course contents
- Work safely at all times, comply with health & safety legislation, regulations and organisational requirements.
- Comply with environmental legislation, regulations and organisational requirements.
- Obtain, check and use the appropriate documentation (such as job instructions, drawings, quality control documentation).
- Carry out relevant planning and preparation activities before commencing work activity.
- Undertake the work activity using the correct processes, procedures and equipment.
- Carry out the required checks (such as quality, compliance or testing) using the correct procedures, processes and/or equipment.
- Deal promptly and effectively with problems within the limits of their responsibility using approved diagnostic methods and techniques and report those which cannot be resolved to the appropriate personnel.
- Complete any required documentation using the defined recording systems at the appropriate stages of the work activity.
- Restore the work area on completion of the activity and where applicable return any resources and consumables to the appropriate location.
- Identify and follow correct Metal work instructions, specifications, drawing etc.
- Mark out using appropriate tools and techniques.
- Cut and form Metal for the production or maintenance of fabricated products.
- Produce and assemble Metal products to required specification and quality requirements.
- Identify and follow correct joining instructions, specifications, drawing etc.
- Carry out the relevant preparation before starting the joining fabrication activity.
- Set up, check, adjust and use joining and related equipment.
- Weld joints in accordance with approved welding procedures and quality requirements.
- Work safely at all times, comply with health & safety legislation, regulations and organisational requirements.
- Comply with environmental legislation, regulations and organisational requirements.
- Obtain, check and use the appropriate documentation (such as job instructions, drawings, quality control documentation).
- Carry out relevant planning and preparation activities before commencing work activity.
- Undertake the work activity using the correct processes, procedures and equipment.
- Carry out the required checks (such as quality, compliance or testing) using the correct procedures, processes and/or equipment.
- Deal promptly and effectively with problems within the limits of their responsibility using approved diagnostic methods and techniques and report those which cannot be resolved to the appropriate personnel.
- Complete any required documentation using the defined recording systems at the appropriate stages of the work activity.
- Restore the work area on completion of the activity and where applicable return any resources and consumables to the appropriate location.
- Identify and follow correct Metal work instructions, specifications, drawing etc.
- Mark out using appropriate tools and techniques.
- Cut and form Metal for the production or maintenance of fabricated products.
- Produce and assemble Metal products to required specification and quality requirements.
- Identify and follow correct joining instructions, specifications, drawing etc.
- Carry out the relevant preparation before starting the joining fabrication activity.
- Set up, check, adjust and use joining and related equipment.
- Weld joints in accordance with approved welding procedures and quality requirements.
Training schedule
This programme is delivered via a day release delivery model, which means that one day per week, your attendance is required at our Engineering Campus. This attendance is required during term time only.
You will work with expert assessors and tutors to develop new knowledge, skills and behaviours within the profession.
You will experience a blended learning model.
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
- English (grade 4)
- Maths (grade 4)
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
- Attention to detail
- Team working
- Initiative
About this employer
Established in 1974, AF Switchgear specialises in the design, build and testing of bespoke LV distribution solutions. We have the building capacity, capabilities, and in-house expertise to meet all of your LV distribution requirements. AF Switchgear has a proven track record with over 50 years of service and an annual turnover of £128 million.
We manufacture:
– LV Switchgear
– Package Substations
– Power Distribution Units (PDU)
– Panel Boards
– Tap-off Units (for Busbar systems)
– Power Quality Solutions
In addition to our products, we offer all of our customers effective service and support from a dedicated team. We can offer surveyance, maintenance, and a 24/7/365 call-out service for emergencies.
After this apprenticeship
At the end of the apprenticeship, there may be an opportunity to progress into a full-time, permanent role.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
WEST NOTTINGHAMSHIRE COLLEGE
Ryan
apprenticeships@wnc.ac.uk
01623 900479
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000021753.
Apply now
Closes on Saturday 1 August 2026