Welds that hold a bridge up
An apprenticeship is a real, paid job. The apprentice works for an employer and trains with us at the same time, and comes out with a nationally recognised qualification and the experience to go with it.
The short answer
Individual employers will set the selection criteria for their apprentices. Most candidates will have achieved grade C or above in English and Maths and a STEM-related subject at Level 2 prior to commencement of apprenticeship. Some employers may mandate training or qualifications at level 3 in English and/or mathematics.
The employer sets the real bar, so treat this as a guide. If somebody is close but not quite there, it is still worth the conversation.
Structural steel, marine, defence, process plant, engineering construction, mining, transport and machinery manufacture.
The core of the occupation, on work where the quality of the weld is the whole point rather than a finish detail.
Covers manual welding of plate and structural components, quality standards
Fabrication, construction or repair of fabricated plate assemblies and extrusions, across major capital plant items and facilities.
Covers fabricated plate assemblies, extrusions, construction and repair
Buildings, stadia, bridges, piers and jetties; ships, submarines and wind turbine towers; armoured vehicles; storage tanks; cranes and lifting beams; aerospace, rail and automotive.
Covers structural steel, marine, defence, process plant, engineering construction, transport
Plate welders are employed in organisations from small companies through to large multinationals, which makes it a durable trade to hold.
Covers small companies to multinational employers
Every apprenticeship ends with an independent assessment of the knowledge, skills and behaviours learned on the programme, carried out by an organisation with no connection to us or to the employer. Everything before it exists to get the apprentice ready for it.
Work launched in class and completed in the job, building the evidence the assessor will look at.
The employer, the apprentice and the tutor. Half an hour. Progress, targets, and anything getting in the way.
Marked by a tutor who is not theirs, so the feedback is honest and the real thing holds no surprises.
Most of our apprentices carry on, usually with the same employer and usually into a wider role. Which route is right depends on the job being done, so it is worth a conversation rather than a guess.
Not sure what comes after this one? Tell us the role and we'll tell you honestly which of our apprenticeships, higher apprenticeships or university-level courses fits next.
It takes two, an employer and an apprentice. Pick your side.
Recruiting, or formalising the training of someone already in post? Start with a conversation. We'll check the role, sort the funding, and get them enrolled.
Speak to us today 0800 358 7979
Or advertise a vacancy through us and we'll handle the recruitment.
An apprenticeship is a job, so an employer has to take you on before you can start. Already employed in this kind of role? Your manager can put you forward directly.
No vacancy that suits? Register your interest and we'll tell you when one comes up.
