Apprentice Fabricator

Acres Engineering Limited

DERBY (DE73 8JB)

Closes on Saturday 27 June 2026

Posted on 13 May 2026

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Contents

Summary

Acres Engineering want to recruit an apprentice fabricator to learn and develop the skills required to support the manufacture of high-quality, innovative products in line with engineering drawings, specifications and company standards. 

Wage

£16,640 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age

National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Pay Matrix which increments every 3 months depending on performance.

 

Training course
Plate welder (level 3)
Hours
Monday to Friday - 7am to 3.30pm 2x 25 minute breaks

40 hours a week

Start date

Tuesday 1 September 2026

Duration

3 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

Working within Acres’ culture of continuous improvement and professionalism, you will contribute to a clean, safe and organised working environment while building technical capability, discipline and a strong work ethic. Your day-to-day duties will include:

  • Work under supervision within the Fabrication department, supporting fabrication and welding activities to assist in the delivery of projects to the required quality, time and safety standards.
  • Develop understanding of fabrication processes, welding techniques, materials, drawings and quality expectations, working collaboratively with Design, Assembly, Paint and Production teams to support overall manufacturing flow.
  • Assist with fabrication activities including, preparing materials, marking out, cutting and basic forming, assembling components prior to welding in line with drawings and instructions.
  • Support welding activities, including, assisting with set-up of welding equipment, holding, positioning and tacking components, observing and learning MIG and TIG welding techniques.

Where you'll work

UNIT A
CASTLE LANE
MELBOURNE
DERBY
DE73 8JB

Training

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

Training provider

DCG

Training course

Plate welder (level 3)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents
  • Work safely at all times, comply with health, safety and environmental legislation, regulations and organisational requirements.
  • Can obtain, check and use appropriate documentation (such as job instructions, drawings, quality control documentation).
  • Plan and prepare welding activities before commencing the work.
  • Obtain, position and assemble welding equipment and associated safety protection needed for activity.
  • Prepare, check and protect materials and work areas ready for welding.
  • Inspect assembly to be welded and undertake remedial work to comply with specification, or implement quality steps if rejected.
  • Receive, inspect, condition and maintain consumables.
  • Set, test and monitor key welding parameters as detailed within the Welding Procedure Specification.
  • 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.
  • Use manual processes and equipment to remove material (powered and non‐powered).
  • Achieves a quality of work to meet international standards e.g. ISO5817, ISO9606, ASME IX, AWS D1.1 for dimensional, surface inspection (e.g. Visual, Magnetic Particle, Dye Penetrant) and volumetric inspection (e.g. Radiography, Ultrasonic inspection).
  • Complete progressive and final checks on the weld prior to release for formal inspection and report into the production control system 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.
  • Produce welds in plate and/or structural components using two welding processes from TIG, PAW, MMA, MIG/MAG, FCAW.
  • Produce welds in plate and/or structural components using two materials from Carbon Steel, Low Alloy Steel, High Alloy Ferritic/Martensitic Steel, Austenitic Stainless Steel, Nickel & Nickel Alloys, Aluminium & Aluminium alloys, Titanium & Titanium Alloys, Copper & Copper Alloys.
  • Produce welds in plate and/or structural components covering three plate welding positions which must include Vertical (either upward or downward progression) and overhead.
  • Produce plate welds in 3 main joint configurations (Single or Double Sided Butt, Single or Double Sided T‐Butt & Fillet)
  • Work safely at all times, comply with health, safety and environmental legislation, regulations and organisational requirements.
  • Can obtain, check and use appropriate documentation (such as job instructions, drawings, quality control documentation).
  • Plan and prepare welding activities before commencing the work.
  • Obtain, position and assemble welding equipment and associated safety protection needed for activity.
  • Prepare, check and protect materials and work areas ready for welding.
  • Inspect assembly to be welded and undertake remedial work to comply with specification, or implement quality steps if rejected.
  • Receive, inspect, condition and maintain consumables.
  • Set, test and monitor key welding parameters as detailed within the Welding Procedure Specification.
  • 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.
  • Use manual processes and equipment to remove material (powered and non‐powered).
  • Achieves a quality of work to meet international standards e.g. ISO5817, ISO9606, ASME IX, AWS D1.1 for dimensional, surface inspection (e.g. Visual, Magnetic Particle, Dye Penetrant) and volumetric inspection (e.g. Radiography, Ultrasonic inspection).
  • Complete progressive and final checks on the weld prior to release for formal inspection and report into the production control system 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.
  • Produce welds in plate and/or structural components using two welding processes from TIG, PAW, MMA, MIG/MAG, FCAW.
  • Produce welds in plate and/or structural components using two materials from Carbon Steel, Low Alloy Steel, High Alloy Ferritic/Martensitic Steel, Austenitic Stainless Steel, Nickel & Nickel Alloys, Aluminium & Aluminium alloys, Titanium & Titanium Alloys, Copper & Copper Alloys.
  • Produce welds in plate and/or structural components covering three plate welding positions which must include Vertical (either upward or downward progression) and overhead.
  • Produce plate welds in 3 main joint configurations (Single or Double Sided Butt, Single or Double Sided T‐Butt & Fillet)

Training schedule

You will spend 4 days each week in the workplace and 1 day each week training at Derby College's Roundhouse Campus.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

  • English (grade 4/C)
  • Maths (grade 4/C)

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
  • Logical
  • Team working
  • Resilience
  • Hand-eye co-ordination
  • Positive attitude
  • Punctual
  • Reliable

Other requirements

  • The role is hands-on and practical, working in a busy engineering workshop environment
  • You will be required to stand for long periods and be physically active throughout the day
  • The role involves manual handling, including lifting and moving materials (training provided)
  • You will be working with metal components, which can be heavy, sharp or dirty
  • The environment can be noisy, and appropriate PPE must be worn at all times
  • You will be required to wear safety equipment, including, safety boots, gloves, eye protection, welding mask (as you progress)
  • Work may involve exposure to heat (welding processes), sparks and grinding, fabrication equipment and machinery
  • You must be comfortable working in a structured, safety-focused environment
  • The role requires attention to detail and concentration to meet quality standards
  • You will be expected to follow instructions, drawings and processes carefully
  • The role includes working as part of a team, supporting others to meet deadlines
  • You must be reliable and punctual, as your work impacts wider production flow
  • There will be a requirement to learn both on the job and through formal training/college attendance
  • Occasional overtime or flexible working may be required to meet project deadlines

About this employer

Acres Engineering Ltd is a specialist turnkey manufacturing SME based in Melbourne, Derbyshire. The company delivers high-value fabricated and engineered solutions to world-leading organisations across sectors including aerospace, automotive, defence and energy.

Operating within a modern, well-equipped engineering facility, Acres provides end-to-end capability from design and manufacture through to assembly and installation. The business focuses on complex, medium to high volume projects where engineering expertise adds significant value.

Acres Engineering employs a skilled and growing team and is known for its hands-on, collaborative working environment, where individuals are encouraged to develop practical skills and contribute to continuous improvement.

The company is recognised for both its engineering excellence and its commitment to people. Acres is a Gold Award holder of the Armed Forces Covenant, actively supporting veterans and reservists, and has also been recognised at a national level through the King’s Award for Enterprise (Promoting Opportunity) for its work in creating pathways into engineering for individuals from diverse and non-traditional backgrounds.

Through its People First approach, Acres Engineering continues to invest in apprenticeships, skills development and community engagement, demonstrating how a small business can deliver meaningful impact alongside technical excellence.

 

https://acres.engineering (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

  • Private Health Scheme after 6 months’ probation completed.
  • Employee of the month scheme with prizes.
  • Free Hot lunch each day.
  • Staff 'thank you' days.
  • Bike to Work scheme.

After this apprenticeship

Following completion of this apprenticeship, you could work as a qualified welder or progress to gain further engineering maintenance or people management skills.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

DCG

Fliss Rogers

fliss.rogers@derby-college.ac.uk

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000031010.

Apply now

Closes on Saturday 27 June 2026