Metal fabricator level 3 apprentice

BALFOUR BEATTY PLC

Hereford (HR4 9SW)

Closes on Wednesday 15 April 2026

Posted on 4 March 2026

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Contents

Summary

The role of a Metal Fabricator apprentice is a varied role.  You will review drawings, prepare and cut metal, set up equipment, and weld using MIG/TIG/stick methods. You will also assemble components, inspect quality, finish surfaces, follow safety rules, document work, collaborate with teams, and maintain a clean workspace.

Wage

Competitive

Competitive wage offered

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course
Metal fabricator (level 3)
Hours
Monday-Friday 8am-4pm 30 mins lunch unpaid

37 hours a week

Start date

Monday 7 September 2026

Duration

3 years 6 months

Positions available

3

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

Here is a general overview of the typical responsibilities and tasks that a welder fabricator might perform:

  • Reviewing Plans and Specifications: 
  • Start the day by reviewing blueprints, technical drawings, and project specifications to understand the requirements for the fabrication job.
  • Material Preparation:
  • Select and prepare the appropriate metal materials for fabrication. This may involve cutting, grinding, or shaping the raw materials to the required specifications.
  • Setting Up Equipment:
  • Ensure that welding and fabrication equipment, such as welding machines, grinders, and cutting tools, are in good working condition. Set up the workspace for the day's tasks.
  • Welding:
  • Perform welding tasks according to project requirements. This may involve using various welding techniques, such as MIG (Metal Inert Gas), TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas), or stick welding, depending on the materials and project specifications.
  • Assembly:
  • Assemble fabricated metal components by welding or other joining methods. Follow the provided blueprints or instructions to ensure accurate assembly.
  • Quality Control:
  • Inspect completed work to ensure it meets quality standards and adheres to project specifications. Address any defects or issues in the fabrication process.
  • Cutting and Shaping:
  • Use cutting tools, such as plasma cutters or oxy-fuel torches, to cut and shape metal pieces as needed. Precision in cutting is essential for accurate fabrication.
  • Grinding and Finishing:
  • Smooth and finish welded surfaces using grinders and other finishing tools. This step is crucial for achieving the desired appearance and removing any imperfections.
  • Collaboration:
  • Work closely with other members of the fabrication team, including supervisors, engineers, and other welder fabricators, to ensure smooth workflow and effective communication.
  • Problem-Solving:
  • Address and resolve any issues or challenges that arise during the fabrication process. This may involve adjusting techniques, modifying materials, or seeking guidance from supervisors.
  • Safety Compliance:
  • Adhere to safety protocols and guidelines to ensure a safe working environment. This includes the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and following established safety procedures.
  • Documentation:
  • Maintain accurate records of work performed, including measurements, materials used, and any modifications made during the fabrication process.
  • Clean-Up:
  • Clean and organize the workspace at the end of the day, ensuring that tools and equipment are properly stored and the area is ready for the next day's work.
  • Continuous Learning:
  • Stay updated on new welding techniques, technologies, and industry trends. Attend training sessions or workshops to enhance skills and knowledge.

The day-to-day role of a welder fabricator involves a combination of technical skills, attention to detail, and collaboration with team members to produce high-quality fabricated metal products. The specific tasks can vary, but the overall goal is to create structures or components according to design specifications.

 

 

Where you'll work

Hereford Steelworks
Holmer Road
Hereford
HR4 9SW

Training

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

Training provider

HEREFORDSHIRE AND WORCESTERSHIRE GROUP TRAINING ASSOCIATION 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

Formal training is delivered at HWGTA, located at Holmer Road, Hereford HR4 9SX:

Level 3 comprises of:

Duration approximately 40-45 months.

Year 1, between 22–39 weeks are spent at HWGTA Training Centre developing practical engineering skills, alongside one day per week in the classroom, completing the theoretical elements of the EAL Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering.
Year 2, predominantly based in your company, returning to the Training Centre one day per week to continue and complete the specialised elements of their Level 3 Diploma (Development Knowledge).

Years 3–4
Based full-time in your company, developing practical skills and knowledge in preparation for the End Point Assessment to gain your Level 3 qualification.

Additional training for functional skills in English and Maths will be undertaken if needed.

There is also a five-day teambuilding residential trip that is held in the spring of each year offered to all apprentices on programme.

Requirements

Desirable qualifications

GCSE in:

English and Maths (grade 4 or C above)

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

Skills

  • Organisation skills
  • Team working

About this employer

You will be working at Painter Bros, Hereford Steelworks site. 

We are specialists in structural steel manufacture with the capacity to produce in excess of 8,000 tonnes of steelwork each year.

Our 14-acre site has a wide range of machinery meaning we can manufacture and store almost any type of structural steelwork, including galvanised specialist structural steelwork that requires precision manufacturing.

We have a proven expertise in delivering:

Overhead line electrification (OLE) steelwork for the rail industry.

Callender Hamilton lattice girder bridges.

Telecommunication masts and towers.

Overhead line transmission towers.

Substation equipment support and cable support steelwork

Our employees include specialists such as platers, welders and operators of Computer Numerical Controlled (CNC) machining stands. To ensure the right skills are in place for tomorrow, we have apprentices in both technical and craft roles.

 

To ensure the highest levels of quality, we operate a Factory Production Control (FPC) system which has been certified in accordance with EN 1090-1:2009+A1:2011. We are able to manufacture and market structural steelwork to the requirements of Execution Class 3 of EN 1090-2:2018. We operate a Quality Management System which is certified to ISO 9001:2015 standards.

After this apprenticeship

Could lead to full-time employment for the right candidate

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

HEREFORDSHIRE AND WORCESTERSHIRE GROUP TRAINING ASSOCIATION LIMITED

Lisa Wilkinson

lisa.wilkinson@hwgta.org

01432377002

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000013577.

Apply now

Closes on Wednesday 15 April 2026