Fabrication and Welding Apprentice

RITHERDON & CO LTD

LANCS (BB3 1QW)

Closes on Friday 30 January 2026

Posted on 17 December 2025


Summary

This vacancy is for an Apprentice Metal Fabricator (Fabrication & Welding) based in Darwen.

The broad purpose of the occupation is to carry out metal fabrication work using things such as rolled steel joists, columns, channels, steel plate and metal sheet etc.

Wage

£15,311.40 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age

National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course
Metal fabricator (level 3)
Hours
Monday - Thursday, 07:50 - 16:30. Friday, 07:50 - 15:30.

39 hours a week

Start date

Monday 9 February 2026

Duration

4 years

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

Fabricators use a large range of metals including steel, aluminium and titanium at a range of thicknesses from 0.5mm up to over 20mm.

The successful candidate will train and become competent at welding, components and castings, learning to weld both MIG & TIG to a very high standard.

You will also be trained to learn:

  • Basic engineering drawing
  • Measuring and marking out
  • Knowledge of engineering materials
  • Handling of engineering information

Additional skills covered may include:

  • Fitting using hand skills
  • Producing sheet metal components and assemblies using a range of welding techniques and principles

Your job role will consist of different tasks such as:

  • Welding components
  • Welding Castings
  • MIG and TIG

Where you'll work

LORNE ST
DARWEN
LANCS
BB3 1QW

Training

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

Training provider

TRAINING 2000 LIMITED

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 training schedule has not been finalised. Check with this employer if you’ll need to travel to a college or training location for this apprenticeship.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

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

Desirable qualifications

GCSE in:

Science (grade 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
  • Team working
  • Initiative

About this employer

Established in 1895, we have been a technically-driven, UK manufacturer of various types of electrical enclosure and related products for many decades. Our product ranges have evolved considerably over our 125 year history, driven by solving problems for the industries we work with.

https://ritherdon.co.uk/ (opens in new tab)

After this apprenticeship

Engineers are inventors, designers and problem solvers, people who make a difference to the way we live. As trained professionals, engineers are well paid and highly respected. Many get top jobs and even run their own companies. If you enjoy working as part of a team, like solving problems and have a practical flair, you will find engineering has a lot to offer.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

TRAINING 2000 LIMITED

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000005613.

Apply now

Closes on Friday 30 January 2026

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