Tradesperson Apprentice Level 3 qualification in Welding and Fabrication
Able Engineering
SWADLINCOTE (DE11 9EQ)
Closes in 16 days (Monday 2 March 2026)
Posted on 10 February 2026
Contents
Summary
Able Engineering’s five-year apprenticeship lets you earn while you learn, gaining hands-on workshop experience and a Level 3 qualification in Metal Fabrication.You’ll be mentored by experts, develop real skills, and build a long-term career in engineering with clear progression and strong earning potential.
- Wage
-
£15,311.40 to £24,761.88, depending on your age
National Minimum Wage
Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)
There are 5 pay increase opportunities throughout the apprentiship if certain working criteria are met.
- Training course
- Metal fabricator (level 3)
- Hours
-
Monday to Thursday, 7.30am - 4.00pm and Friday, 7.30am - 3.00pm
39 hours a week
- Start date
-
Tuesday 1 September 2026
- Duration
-
5 years
- Positions available
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3
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
- As an apprentice, you’ll work hands-on in a professional engineering workshop, learning welding, fabrication, and assembly from experienced tradespeople
- You’ll support real projects, develop practical skills, use industry equipment, and gradually take on more responsibility as you grow into a qualified tradesperson
Where you'll work
CADLEY HILL ROAD
SWADLINCOTE
DE11 9EQ
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
CHESTERFIELD 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’ll receive hands-on training four days a week at Able Engineering’s modern workshop in Swadlincote, working alongside skilled tradespeople on real projects
- One day a week, you’ll attend Burton College for classroom-based learning, giving you the technical knowledge and qualifications to support your practical training
More training information
- The apprenticeship runs for five years and is carefully structured to build your skills step by step. In the first three years, you’ll focus on workshop-based training, mastering fabrication and welding skills on real projects while also attending college one day a week to complete your Level 3 qualification. In the final two years, once you’ve achieved your Qualification, you’ll transition to on-site work, gaining more real-world experience and continuing to develop your expertise
- Throughout the programme your progress is regularly assessed and you’ll receive skill-based pay increases as you reach key milestones
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
- English (grade 5)
- Maths (grade 5)
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
- Team working
- Initiative
- Patience
About this employer
Able Engineering is a well-established UK engineering and fabrication company with over 40 years of expertise in stainless steel and alloy fabrication. They provide end-to-end solutions, supporting projects from initial concept and design through manufacturing, installation, commissioning and on-site management, tailoring their services to each client’s unique needs.
The organisation places a strong emphasis on core values such as safety, quality, innovation, honesty and integrity, ensuring that every project is delivered to high standards while maintaining a secure working environment for both clients and employees.
Founded in 1979 and continuously evolving with advanced technologies and skilled personnel, Able Engineering has built a reputation for excellence in the stainless steel fabrication sector, combining traditional engineering strengths with modern, innovative approaches.
Overall, Able Engineering is recognised as a dependable partner for bespoke engineering solutions, committed to quality workmanship, client satisfaction and industry best practices.
After this apprenticeship
- Once qualified you will become an improver welder, you will then move on to being a Tradesperson
- There are then leading hand and Master Tradesperson opportunities as your skills develop
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
CHESTERFIELD COLLEGE
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000012470.
Apply now
Closes in 16 days (Monday 2 March 2026)
After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.