Apprentice Welder/Metal Fabricator
B F S ENTERPRISE (FABRICATIONS) LTD
SUFFOLK (NR34 7TL)
Closes in 31 days (Sunday 30 November 2025 at 11:59pm)
Posted on 23 October 2025
Contents
Summary
An amazing opportunity to join our Company & learn the welding skills to develop into a Welder fabricator.
- Wage
-
£15,311.40 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age
National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices
Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)
• The salary for this post will be reviewed after each calendar year • Pension scheme • Holiday entitlement is dependent on service
- Training course
- Metal fabricator (level 3)
- Hours
-
Monday - Thursday, 8.00am - 4.30pm and Friday, 8.00am - 3.30pm.
39 hours a week
- Start date
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Tuesday 3 February 2026
- Duration
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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
Working alongside our tradesmen you will benefit and learn from their experience and skills and gain experience to perform practical in-house fabrication on a wide variety of steel fabrication products.
Duties will include:
- Understand classification rules, welding procedures, material certification, reading and understanding technical drawings, weld symbols, establishing datums, material types and applicable sizes and dimensions
- Develops layout and plans sequence of operations, establish correct consumables, utilising best equipment / machinery and workspace. Best methods of fabrication whilst asking support trades to carry out functions to support build methods
- Provides information to buyers for the materials and consumables required to undertake tasks
- Set up jigs, locate and marks bending / cutting lines onto part material pieces. Able to dimensional control take readings prior to building of a structure and continue to monitor structural movement and alignment throughout build process
- Checks operability of equipment, setting guards and check for testing certs/tags on electrical equipment, cleaning out and removing redundant materials from machinery. Sets up and operates fabricating machines guillotine, flanger, press brake, roller, profile machine, over head cranes, portable equipment welding machines, MMA, MIG, TIG Miggy tracks, magnetic welding tracks, sub merged arc welding. Oxy/Propane/Acetylene flame cutters, setting up gauges, hose flash back arrestors, drilling machines, pipe cutters
- Operating hand tools – hammers, chisels, grinders, theodolites, spirit levels, rules, measuring tapes, scribers, punches and centre dabs, hacksaws, files, clamps – sash, G clamp and fairing aids whilst using straps and slings for securing or lifting
The post holder may be required to perform duties other than those given in the job description. The particular duties and responsibilities attached to the post may vary from time to time without changing the general character of the duties or the level of responsibility entailed
Where you'll work
COLONIAL HOUSE
ANSON WAY
BECCLES BUSINESS PARK
SUFFOLK
NR34 7TL
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
EAST COAST 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
- The Level 3 Metal Fabricator Apprenticeship is primarily delivered in the workplace with 1 day a week college attendance for the three years
- You will work towards gaining a Level 3 Metal Fabricator Apprenticeship Standard, as well as a Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (Development Knowledge)
More training information
The entry requirements for this apprenticeship are GCSE grade 4/C or Level 2 Functional Skills in English and mathematics
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
- English (grade 4)
- Mathematics (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
- IT skills
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills
- Problem solving skills
- Number skills
- Logical
- Team working
- Creative
- Initiative
- Non judgemental
- Patience
- Physical fitness
- Full UK Driving Licence
Other requirements
Applicants will need to be fit as the job demands a lot of standing and physical activity. There may be a need to work some overtime as and when required The job is in a location where transport will need to be considered. The nature of the job role dictates that you could be working in a workshop / drydock outdoors and offsite. If you are selected to attend a second interview you will be asked to complete a work trial for one day.
About this employer
Established in 1979 BFS initially manufactured ships components such as Wheelhouses, A frames, propeller Nozzles and rudder stock assemblies. Geographically located very close to the most Easterly point of the UK, the next step forward was the transition into the Oil & Gas industry. Having accrued a reputation for quality products along with a loyal group of experienced personnel, BFS were awarded a contract to complete the hook-up of a new offshore platform. This involved the manufacture and installation of over 100 tonnes of structural steel and associated pipework. This project kick started the business development within the Oil Gas and petrochemical industries. To support this growth in 1987 BFS enrolled on the dti enterprise scheme to introduce a formal Quality Management System into the business. In 1992 BFS were accredited to BS5750 by Lloyds Register Quality Assurance (LRQA) and progressed seamlessly to the ISO 9001 standard. The company has recently integrated the Construction Products Regulations (CPR) EN 1090 CE marking into its Quality Management System. Operating from a modern 23000 square foot manufacturing facility and coupled to a workforce with a subtle blend of experience and youth. The business is well placed to deliver its objectives of supplying a diverse range of quality products, on time, throughout the Oil Gas and Renewables industries.
After this apprenticeship
- Upon successful completion of your apprenticeship, you will continue employment with us
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
EAST COAST COLLEGE
Fay Wade
f.wade@bfs-fabs.com
01502 716383
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000348089.
Apply now
Closes in 31 days (Sunday 30 November 2025 at 11:59pm)
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