Metal fabricator
Level 3 · AdvancedEngineering and manufacturing 3.5 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
Metal fabricators cut, form, shape, and join metal materials to create structures, components, and assemblies used across construction, manufacturing, and engineering. Apprentices learn welding, cutting, bending, and assembly techniques working from drawings and specifications. Qualified fabricators can progress to welding inspection, supervisory, or estimating roles.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Interpreting engineering drawings and fabrication specifications
Welding processes including MIG, TIG, and MMA
Cutting and forming metals using machine and hand tools
Marking out, measuring, and checking fabricated components
Understanding material properties and weld distortion control
Health and safety including working at height and hot works
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Mark out metal materials from drawings before cutting
Cut, drill, grind, and bend metal to specification
Weld components together using appropriate processes
Check fabrications for accuracy using measuring tools
Dress and clean weld seams to required finish
Follow site and workshop safety rules including PPE use
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 3 (Advanced) - roughly A-level level. Employers usually look for some GCSEs (often English & maths around grade 4/C) or a Level 2 apprenticeship first. English & maths can sometimes be finished during training.
What’s next: Can lead to a Level 4/5 (Higher) apprenticeship, or straight into the role.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
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