Metal Fabricator Apprentice
RICHARDS SHEET METAL LTD
LANCASHIRE (BB9 0LD)
Closes on Friday 29 May 2026
Posted on 22 April 2026
Contents
Summary
We are a long-established, family-run SME with a strong reputation for quality and reliability in our field. We are looking for a motivated and hands-on Fabrication Apprentice to join our team and develop practical skills within a supportive workshop environment.
- Wage
-
£21,320 a year
- Training course
- Metal fabricator (level 3)
- Hours
-
Monday - Thursday 8am-5pm
Friday 8am-1pm.
41 hours a week
- Start date
-
Tuesday 1 September 2026
- 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
This role offers the opportunity to learn all aspects of fabrication, including working with a range of materials, tools, and machinery. Under the guidance of experienced fabricators, the apprentice will assist in the manufacture, assembly, and finishing of components, while gaining an understanding of technical drawings, health & safety standards, and production processes.
The successful candidate will be eager to learn, reliable, and committed to building a career in fabrication. Over time, they will develop the skills and confidence to contribute to high-quality workmanship that reflects the company’s long-standing values.
As an apprentice, you’ll work at a company and get hands-on experience. You’ll gain new skills and work alongside experienced staff.
What you’ll do at work
- Fabrication & Assembly: Cut, bend, and assemble raw metal materials using tools and machinery.
- Reading Blueprints: Interpret technical drawings and engineering specifications.
- Welding & Joining: (e.g., MIG, TIG)
- Equipment Maintenance: Set up, operate, and maintain fabrication tools and machinery, ensuring a clean and safe workspace.
- Quality Control: Inspect finished products to ensure they meet quality standards and specifications.
Other requirements
- Flexible and willing to take on a variety of tasks.
- Eager to learn and develop new practical skills.
- Good attention to detail and a commitment to quality work.
- Positive attitude and willingness to follow instructions.
- Physically fit and comfortable working in a workshop environment.
Please note that applications with AI-generated answers will not be shortlisted for the interviewing stage.
Where you'll work
UNIT 3 VALLEY MILLS
SOUTHFIELD STREET
NELSON
LANCASHIRE
BB9 0LD
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
BURNLEY 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
Training will be delivered by Themis at Burnley College.
Training schedule to be confirmed on appointment.
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
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
- Team working
- Flexible
- Eager to learn
Other requirements
Please note applications with AI-generated answers will not be shortlisted for the interviewing stage.
About this employer
Richards Sheet Metal provide laser cutting, CNC fabrication, and welding services.
https://www.lasercuttingmetalservices.co.uk/ (opens in new tab)
After this apprenticeship
Potential for full-time employment on successful completion of the apprenticeship.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
BURNLEY COLLEGE
Themis Team
themis@burnley.ac.uk
01282 733005
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000027485.
Apply now
Closes on Friday 29 May 2026