Metal Fabrication Apprentice
HYDRAM ENGINEERING LIMITED
County Durham (DL17 0SG)
Closes on Friday 15 May 2026
Posted on 10 April 2026
Contents
Summary
Sheet metal manufacture is a technical role involving the manipulation of metal to produce complex parts & assemblies. The apprenticeship offers the chance to develop skills in the use of CNC controlled equipment as well as learning the skill of welding/fabrication of complex assemblies, which enables the production of precision components.
- Wage
-
£15,808 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age
National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices
- Training course
- Metal fabricator (level 3)
- Hours
-
Monday - Thursday, 08:00 - 16:30 and Friday, 08:00 - 15:00
38 hours a week
- Start date
-
Tuesday 1 September 2026
- Duration
-
3 years 6 months
- Positions available
-
2
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
As a Metal Fabrication Apprentice, you will take part in a comprehensive training programme designed to develop you into a skilled fabricator with a strong focus on welding. You will work closely with experienced mentors gaining hands-on experience in welding and supporting manufacturing processes.
Your commitment to both the business and the training provider is essential to successfully complete your apprenticeship.
What will the apprentice be doing?
Welding & Fabrication (Primary Focus):
- Learn and develop skills in a range of welding techniques (e.g. MIG, TIG, spot welding)
- Prepare materials for welding, including cutting, cleaning, and setting up components
- Interpret engineering drawings and follow fabrication instructions.
- Assemble and fabricate metal components to required specifications
- Carry out basic inspection of weld quality and finished fabrications
Fabrication & Machinery Support (Secondary Exposure):
- Gain experience in supporting fabrication processes
- Press Brake operations
- Laser cutting and punching
- CNC & Tool Room
Supporting Production Areas:
Work collaboratively with other departments, including assembly and paint, to understand the full manufacturing process
Health & Safety Compliance:
- Follow all site health & safety, environmental, and quality procedures always
- Maintain a clean and organised work area
Training Participation:
- Attend all required classroom sessions and complete coursework set by the training provider
- Work towards achieving relevant welding and fabrication qualifications
As an apprentice within Hydram Engineering, you will be guided and supported with every aspect of your role. Mentoring is provided to ensure your learning journey is as efficient and rewarding as possible.
Where you'll work
Avenue 1
Chilton Industrial Estate
Ferryhill
County Durham
DL17 0SG
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
EAST DURHAM 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
- Working in partnership with East Durham College you will study against the Level 3 Metal Fabrication Standard
- This will require day release in college one day per week, and you will also be visited by a Trainer Assessor in the workplace once a month
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
- English (grade 4 / C and above)
- Maths (grade 4 / C and above)
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
- Problem solving skills
- Logical
- Team working
- Patience
About this employer
Established in 1977 and employing over 200 people in its 135,000 sq. ft facility, Hydram Engineering offers the full range of subcontract engineering services to market leading companies in industries such as rail, bus, lighting, furniture, power generation and earth-moving machinery. The company is committed to providing outstanding manufacturing services working closely with customers to establish long-term partnerships.
Sheet metal fabrication company Hydram Sheet Metalwork supplies metal products, components and precision sheet metal fabrications on a subcontract basis to market leading companies in industries such as railway, public transport, lighting, furniture, earth-moving machinery/off-highway vehicles and white goods. The sheet metal fabricator is committed to providing outstanding manufacturing services, working closely with customers to establish long-term partnerships and aiming to be the one of the best sheet metal fabrication companies in the UK.
After this apprenticeship
- Possible further study at Higher Apprenticeship and to specialise knowledge within the Sheet Metal Sector and to develop and expand skills and knowledge learn
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
EAST DURHAM COLLEGE
Adam Heslop
adam.heslop@eastdurham.ac.uk
0191 5185589
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000025804.
Apply now
Closes on Friday 15 May 2026