Apprentice Plater

Summary

The Successful Apprentice will be actively and enthusiastically engaged in all activities, to ensure that you learn the practical skills, underpinning knowledge and understanding required to qualify as a Plater. Whilst ensuring health and safety and statutory regulations and procedures are followed throughout.

Wage

£14,922.60 a year

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Hourly rate will increase with each completed year of the apprenticeship in line with Cammell Laird and The Engineering College expectations and standards

Training course

Metal fabricator (level 3)

Hours

Monday – Thursday, 08:00 - 16:30 and Friday, 08:00 - 14:30

38 hours a week

Start date

Monday 8 September 2025

Duration

3 years 6 months

Positions available

10

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

To be dependable and responsible, (punctual and reliable)
Learn and follow all health and safety procedures required to keep yourself and others safe
Familiarise yourself with all equipment; learning how to conduct pre-user checks and report all defects
Learn how to safely use all plant and equipment
Positively commit with mentor, training officers, supervisor and HR to complete all elements of the training programme in a timely manner
Attend full time, block release and/or day release in college, work diligently to complete, modules, units and elements of theoretical learning and underpinning knowledge in a timely manner
Following an initial period of ‘Basic Engineering Skills Training
Become proficient in fabricating using various procedures, marking off, accurate dimensional control, cutting using thermal or mechanical process, attain standards to meet company specifications
Follow instructions and advice of supervisors; make a positive contribution in the production process
Successfully complete trade and coding qualification tests if required to meet Company needs, classification society requirements and specifications
Conduct yourself in a professional manner in all contacts with course personnel, clients, inspectors, supervisors, maintaining the excellent reputation of the company

Where you'll work

Cammell Laird Shipyard
Campbeltown Road
Birkenhead
Wirral
CH41 9BP

Training

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

College or training organisation

MARITIME + ENGINEERING COLLEGE NORTH WEST

Your 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.

Your training plan

Metal Fabricator Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard:

You will be based full time for the first year at The Engineering College, Monks Ferry,Birkenhead CH41 5LH
Year 1 - full time at The Engineering College
Year 2 & 3 – 4 days at Cammell Lairds, 1 day at The Engineering College
Year 4 – full time at Cammell Lairds
On the job training with support of mentors

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

English (grade 4 or above)
Maths (grade 4 or above)

Desirable qualifications

GCSE in:

Science (grade 4 or above)

Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.

Skills

Communication skills
Attention to detail
Organisation skills
Problem solving skills
Logical
Team working
Initiative

Other requirements

All applicants applying should have the below A pride in their work • A co-operative attitude/behaviour • Ability to work as part of a team or with autonomy, with consideration of diversity • A keen interest in engineering • Analytical and problem solving skills • Good communication skills • Independent learner • Determination to complete a task • Able to work under pressure and to tight deadlines • A very high standard of timekeeping & attendance

About this company

Cammell Lairds is Known across the globe, the company was founded by Scottish entrepreneurs William Laird and his son John and has been operating since 1828s. Since its inception, Cammell Laird has built more than 1,350 ships including many famous and innovative vessels. Cammell Laird has been at the forefront of UK shipbuilding and ship repair for more than 120 years. As such, it has played a pivotal role in supporting the Wirral community, sustaining vital jobs and creating a lifeline for the Wirral economy.

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

After this apprenticeship

Previously our apprentices have gone onto roles in the Technical Office, QA, Management and Supervision roles

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

MARITIME + ENGINEERING COLLEGE NORTH WEST

Elaine Kerr

e.kerr@theengineeringcollege.co.uk

07770349902

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000323429.

Apply now

Closes in 8 days (Monday 16 June 2025)

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