Welding / Fabrication Apprentice

A W ENGINEERING (HEREFORD) LTD

HEREFRDSHIRE (HR2 9NQ)

Closes on Friday 1 May 2026

Posted on 19 March 2026


Summary

Responsible for developing and applying the core technical skills required to perform welding and fabrication tasks to a professional standard. Duties include preparing materials for welding through accurate measuring, marking, cutting, and drilling operations.

Wage

£16,640 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 to Friday between 7.30am – 4pm.

40 hours a week

Start date

Monday 3 August 2026

Duration

3 years 9 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

This role requires the ability to interpret and follow fabrication drawings to ensure components are produced according to design specifications. Emphasis is placed on:

  • Precision
  • Correct use of tools and equipment
  • Maintaining quality standards throughout the fabrication process

Key responsibilities include material preparation, understanding measurement techniques, and ensuring proper fit-up of components prior to welding. The role also involves continuously improving fabrication skills through practical application and repetition while adhering to safety and workplace procedures.

Where you'll work

STONEY STREET
MADLEY
HEREFRDSHIRE
HR2 9NQ

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 Metal Fabricator Level 3 qualification.

More training information

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

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

Requirements

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
  • Problem solving skills
  • Number skills
  • Logical
  • Team working
  • Initiative
  • Non judgemental
  • Patience
  • Physical fitness

About this employer

Established 1993. Hereford based family Engineering Business, Manufacturing Agricultural

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

After this apprenticeship

Potential for career progression upon successful completion of the apprenticeship.

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 VAC2000021866.

Apply now

Closes on Friday 1 May 2026