Apprentice Fabricator/Welder
SMART MANUFACTURING LTD
DEVON (EX39 3HN)
Closes in 9 days (Monday 9 March 2026)
Posted on 24 February 2026
Contents
Summary
An Apprentice welder/fabricator learns to cut, weld, and assemble metal components under supervision. They support skilled tradespeople, read basic drawings, maintain tools, and develop safe, accurate fabrication skills for future qualification.
- Wage
-
£15,311.40 a year
Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)
Depending on experience
- Training course
- Metal fabricator (level 3)
- Hours
-
Monday - Thursday, 8.00am - 5.00pm and Friday, 8.00am - 1.00pm
39 hours a week
- Start date
-
Monday 16 March 2026
- Duration
-
3 years
- Positions available
-
2
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
An Apprentice welder/fabricator will assist in cutting, welding, and assembling metal parts, follow drawings, prepare materials, and operate workshop tools.
Daily tasks include:
- Measuring
- Grinding
- Cleaning work areas
- Maintaining equipment, and supporting senior fabricators while learning safe working practices and improving welding accuracy and technique
Where you'll work
CLOVELLY ROAD INDUSTRIAL ESTATE
BIDEFORD
DEVON
EX39 3HN
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
ENGINEERING TRUST TRAINING 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
Qualifications included:
- Metal Fabricator Apprenticeship Standard
- Company Training Plan & Assessment
- Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering - Development Knowledge (1 day per week for 2 years at college)
- Development Competence Qualification (workplace)
- End Point Assessment at the end of the apprenticeship
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
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
- Organisation skills
- Problem solving skills
- Number skills
- Logical
- Team working
- Initiative
- Patience
- Physical fitness
- Interest in Engineering
- Interest in Tig Welding
- Hardworking
- Positive Attitude
Other requirements
- Potential need for site work across the UK. Equivalent qualifications are accepted.
- Predicted grades may be used at the application stage, but any job offer will be conditional on achieving the required results before September 2026.
About this employer
- This is a fantastic opportunity to join one of North Devon’s longest-established engineering companies, operating some of the most advanced automated equipment in the industry.
Established in 1986 by Martin Murch, Smart Manufacturing Ltd is a family-operated business with his eldest son as the Production Director. - We strongly uphold and incorporate core family values such as trust, loyalty, honesty, and respect into our business ethos.
- Our state-of-the-art facility, spanning over 30,000 sq. ft, is designed to offer a flexible resource. Combined with our highly skilled personnel, it ensures efficient manufacturing, whether for a single small component or a large integrated system and mass-produced parts.
- Smart Manufacturing offers a comprehensive range of services in fabrication, sheet metal, and machining. Our capabilities include profiling CAD-generated shapes using our in-house laser and punch machines, as well as hand-finishing hygienic polished components.
- We manage a variety of turnkey projects, from initial concept design and client consultation to prototyping, small production runs, volume production, analysis, testing, and final delivery.
- We work closely with our customers to provide a versatile and efficient service, ensuring the final product meets or exceeds specifications and customer requirements.
- Smart Manufacturing is well-regarded for its ventilation, dust extraction, and air conditioning systems, we provide a complete design, manufacture, and installation service, with air handling systems ranging from fully ducted to single-split units, suitable for food, pharmaceutical, and other high-tech industries.
- Quality is paramount in all our work at Smart Manufacturing, and our products and services comply with BS EN ISO 9001 standards
After this apprenticeship
- Team leader
- Shop floor supervisor
- Quality inspection supervisor
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
ENGINEERING TRUST TRAINING LIMITED
Mason Curtiss
m.curtiss@theengineeringtrust.org
07795 887318
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000017507.
Apply now
Closes in 9 days (Monday 9 March 2026)
After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.