Fabrication and Welding Apprentice

R & D SHEET METALS LTD

WEST YORKSHIRE (HD8 9TR)

Closes in 21 days (Saturday 16 August 2025 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 25 July 2025


Summary

We are offering an exciting opportunity for a motivated individual to join our team as an Apprentice Sheet Metal Fabricator & Welder. This is a 3-year apprenticeship program that combines hands-on experience in our modern workshop with one day per week of academic study at Kirklees College.

Wage

Competitive

Competitive wage offered

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course
Metal fabricator (level 3)
Hours
Monday - Friday.

39 hours a week

Start date

Monday 15 September 2025

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

  • Fabrication of sheet metal components using aluminium, mild steel, and stainless steel
  • MIG and TIG welding techniques
  • Operation of CNC machinery, including laser cutters, punch presses, and press brakes
  • Reading and interpreting technical drawings and CAD files
  • Assembling complex products to tight tolerances
  • Understanding quality and safety standards in a manufacturing environment

Where you'll work

2A COLLIERS WAY
CLAYTON WEST
HUDDERSFIELD
WEST YORKSHIRE
HD8 9TR

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Training provider

KIRKLEES 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

You will be studyiung one day a week at Kirklees College Engineering Centre, Huddersfield.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

  • English (grade 4 / C or above)
  • Maths (grade 4 / C or above)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

  • Communication skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Organisation skills
  • Logical
  • Team working
  • Initiative

About this employer

R&D Sheetmetal Ltd is a leading precision sheet metal fabrication company based in Huddersfield. We specialise in the design and manufacture of high-quality products for the pharmaceutical, medical, and security sectors, including Downflow Booths, High Containment Isolators, Autopsy Tables, and High Security Doors and Enclosures.

http://www.randdsheetmetal.co.uk/ (opens in new tab)

After this apprenticeship

Full-time employment if successful on the apprenticeship.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

KIRKLEES COLLEGE

Mark

mcooney@kirkleescollege.ac.uk

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000332741.

Apply now

Closes in 21 days (Saturday 16 August 2025 at 11:59pm)

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