Apprentice Architectural Metal Welder/Fabricator
Metfabs
THORP ARCH (LS23 7FL)
Closes in 18 days (Friday 14 August 2026 at 11:59pm)
Posted on 23 July 2026
Contents
Summary
This is an excellent opportunity to learn a highly skilled trade while working on prestigious architectural metalwork projects. You will receive hands-on training in fabrication, welding, engineering drawings, workshop processes, and site installation techniques, developing the skills required for a career in the metalwork industry.
- Wage
-
£16,640 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 to Friday, detailed working hours to be discussed.
40 hours a week
- Start date
-
Tuesday 1 September 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
Key responsibiities:
- Assist in the manufacture of bespoke architectural metalwork including staircases, balustrades, balconies, handrails, and structural steelwork
- Learn MIG and TIG welding techniques under supervision
Read and interpret technical drawings and fabrication details - Use hand tools, power tools, and workshop machinery safely and effectively
- Measure, cut, prepare, and assemble metal components
- Assist with grinding, finishing, and polishing metalwork to a high standard
- Support experienced fabricators with workshop and site-based projects
- Maintain a clean, organised, and safe working environment
- Follow all health and safety procedures and wear appropriate PPE
- Attend college training as part of the apprenticeship programme
What We're Looking For
- Genuine interest in engineering, fabrication, or welding
- Positive attitude and willingness to learn
- Good practical and problem-solving skills
- Reliable with excellent timekeeping
- Ability to work as part of a team
- Commitment to completing an apprenticeship qualification
- Desirable experience of using hand tools or working on practical projects and/or CAD or technical drawing knowledge
Where you'll work
UNIT 212
THORP ARCH TRADING ESTATE
THORP ARCH
LS23 7FL
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
YORK 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
You will attend York College on a day release basis during college term time and the remainder of your training will take place in the workplace.
You will learn:
- Architectural metal fabrication techniques
- MIG and TIG welding processes
- Reading and interpreting fabrication drawings
- Material handling and workshop operations
- Quality control and finishing techniques
- Health and safety best practices
- Installation methods for architectural metalwork
- Industry-standard fabrication and welding skills
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
- 3 other subjects (grade 4)
- English (grade 4)
- Maths (grade 4)
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
- Problem solving skills
- Logical
- Team working
- Initiative
- Good time-keeping
Other requirements
- Please ensure you are able to travel to our premises; public transport may not be available to our location
About this employer
Established in 1995, Metfabs is a leading specialist in architectural metalwork, delivering high-quality bespoke staircases, balustrades, balconies, structural steelwork, and feature metalwork projects throughout the UK. We manufacture and install a wide range of architectural metalwork solutions from our dedicated facility in Wetherby.
After this apprenticeship
Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).
Successful completion of the apprenticeship may lead to an ongoing position as a Fabricator/Welder with opportunities for further training, coded welding qualifications, site installation work, and career progression within Metfabs.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
YORK COLLEGE
apprenticeships@yorkcollege.ac.uk
01904 770368
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000044591.
Apply now
Closes in 18 days (Friday 14 August 2026 at 11:59pm)