Pipefitting & Welding Apprentice

SULZER PUMPS (UK) LIMITED

West Yorkshire (LS11 8BR)

Closes in 27 days (Friday 6 March 2026)

Posted on 6 February 2026


Summary

Start your engineering career with a hands‑on Pipe & Weld Apprenticeship at Sulzer Leeds. Learn welding, pipefitting and fabrication while earning and gaining recognised qualifications. If you’re practical, motivated and want real industry experience, this is the ideal first step.

Wage

£14,526.20 to £23,492.04, depending on your age

National Minimum Wage

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Enjoy planned pay rises throughout your apprenticeship, with a market‑leading, competitive salary waiting for you upon completion.

Training course
Metal fabricator (level 3)
Hours
Monday - Thursday, 07:00 - 15:30 & Friday, 07:00 - 12:00. One half hour unpaid break per day.

37 hours a week

Start date

Monday 7 September 2026

Duration

4 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

  • Learning and applying various welding techniques (e.g., TIG, MIG, MMA) on different materials (e.g., carbon steel, stainless steel)
  • Assisting experienced Pipefitters and Welders in the fabrication, assembly, and installation of pipework systems according to technical drawings and specifications
  • Interpreting engineering drawings, schematics, and blueprints to determine pipe layouts, dimensions, and welding requirements
  • Measuring, cutting, threading, bending, and joining pipes using appropriate tools and machinery
  • Inspecting and testing pipe systems for leaks and compliance with quality standards
  • Adhering to all health, safety, and environmental regulations and company policies
  • Maintaining a clean and organised work area
  • Attending and actively participating in college-based training and assessments to achieve relevant qualifications
  • Developing a strong understanding of different pipe materials, fittings, and their applications
  • Assisting with general workshop duties and supporting the wider manufacturing team as required

Where you'll work

Manor Mill Lane Leeds
West Yorkshire
LS11 8BR

Training

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

Training provider

APPRIS CHARITY LIMITED

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

  • An apprenticeship includes regular training with a college or other training organisation
  • At least 20% of your working hours will be spent training or studying

More training information

Year 1:

5 Days a week at Appris Training Centre, Bradford

Year 2 to Year 4 - Workplace learning:

  • Internal training, development and mentoring with highly skilled engineers in a variety of project and support based areas and other engineering related duties and requirements
  • This will meet the Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours required for the apprenticeship
  • In your 4th Year, you will continue to work towards your occupational competency in engineering and prepare for independent end-point assessments

Requirements

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
  • Analytical skills
  • Logical
  • Team working
  • Physical fitness

About this employer

Sulzer is a global leader in fluid engineering, renowned for its expertise in pumps, agitators, compressors, and critical rotating equipment across various industries. With a legacy spanning over 190 years, Sulzer operates in more than 180 locations worldwide, delivering cutting-edge engineering solutions that drive efficiency and sustainability. In 2026, Sulzer was once again recognised as one of the UK’s Top Employers by the Top Employers Institute, reflecting its commitment to excellence in employee development, workplace culture, and career progression.

http://www.sulzer.com (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

  • Increasing pay throughout the apprenticeship
  • 33 Days Annual Leave
  • Company-wide Bonus Schemes 
  • Pension plan
  • Onsite 24/7 Gym
  • Onsite Canteen
  • Free Parking

After this apprenticeship

  • Clear progression routes, with many past apprentices now thriving in leadership and specialist roles

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

APPRIS CHARITY LIMITED

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000013735.

Apply now

Closes in 27 days (Friday 6 March 2026)

After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.