Engineering Trades Apprenticeship - Welders, Pipefitters and Fabricators - SCQF Level 7

Job Description

Ready to learn a skilled trade? On our 4-year Engineering Trades Apprenticeship, you’ll develop specialist engineering trade skills and gain hands-on experience maintaining the Royal Navy's fleet. This is no ordinary engineering apprenticeship. Our engineers are at the forefront of building and maintaining the Royal Navy’s fleet. As part of our busy team, you'll contribute to the build, maintenance, and refit of UK Royal Navy and international naval vessels, including the Type 31 Frigate Programme and UK Submarine Dismantling Programme. You will have the opportunity to work on a variety of projects such as new builds and upgrades to existing vessels, along with other commercial engineering projects. This varied and exciting programme covers trades including Fabricating, Pipefitting, and Welding.

You'll be assigned one of these trade routes to specialise in. Find out more about each of the trades below. You’ll be asked to indicate your preferences during the recruitment process.

Fabricator

You’ll learn how to manufacture a wide range of components and construct both minor and major ship structures. You’ll fabricate metal structures, work with structural and sheet metal, and use cutting, bending, and assembling processes. On the job, you will learn how to operate handheld tools and CNC cutters, as well as manual or powered hamming tools and press brakes. Additionally, you’ll gain experience in welding, binding with adhesives, riveting, fastening, bending seams, and other fabrication tools and techniques.

Pipefitter

You’ll learn how to install, assemble, fabricate, maintain, and repair mechanical piping that carries fuel, chemicals, water, steam, and air in heating, cooling, lubricating, and various other process piping systems. You’ll develop a range of skills, including how to interpret engineering drawings and fabricate pipes, as well as pipe brazing.

You can expect variety, working on ships, submarines, and in the workshop, as well as servicing systems within the dockyard.

Welder

You’ll be trained in various welding processes and techniques while developing a comprehensive understanding of welding, including the operation of specialist welding tools and equipment. Your work will range from factory-based manufacturing to major structural welding on Royal Navy vessels. With such varied tasks, no two days will be the same, and you'll play a vital role in supporting the Royal Navy's operations.

Whatever route you take, you'll gain knowledge and skills in:

1. Health and safety
2. Planning and documentation
3. Engineering mathematical and scientific principles
4. Methods and techniques
5. Structure, properties and characteristics of materials
6. Diagnostic methods to overcome problems
7. Interpreting engineering drawings and data
8. Adhering to and refining processes and procedures

What you’ll need:

• A minimum of 4 5s at grade C or above, including Maths, English, and a Science or Technical subject (or equivalent).
• A genuine interest in your chosen trade, along with a willingness to learn, ask questions, and collaborate.
• The ability to follow instructions and plan work with safety as a top priority.
• A team player who demonstrates respect and professionalism toward colleagues, customers, and supervisors.
• Many of our early careers roles are subject to Security Clearance and Trade Control restrictions which mean that your place of birth, citizenship, or you hold or have held may impact which roles you are eligible for.

Further details are available at United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). For our early careers roles, you must be able to achieve BPSS and many of them require you to be eligible for Security Clearance.

What you’ll get:

• We’ll provide you with a supportive and engaging environment where you can grow your career.
• Fully funded qualification
• Personal development training and opportunities
• Minimum 28 days holiday allowance including bank holidays
• Competitive pension scheme
• Employee share scheme
• Flexible benefits including cycle to work scheme and employee shopping savings portal

You’ll also have the chance to get involved in our STEM outreach activities and volunteering opportunities, which our apprentices find incredibly rewarding.

Your career development:

It’s hard to beat the variety of fantastic opportunities and business experiences you’ll receive. You can expect real-world encounters and exposure to exciting projects that will really help you navigate where you want to take your career. Plus, when you join us, you’ll be automatically enrolled onto our Apprentice Development Programme.

Through a series of digital and face-to-face sessions, presented by wellbeing and performance experts and our external partners, we will equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to thrive and perform at your very best on your programme and beyond.