Apprenticeship Summary
Develop the skilled fabricators who build the future
The Metal Fabricator - Level 3 Apprenticeship is designed for employers looking to recruit and develop highly skilled engineering professionals capable of fabricating, assembling and producing a wide range of metal products and structures used across manufacturing, engineering and construction industries.
Metal Fabricators play a vital role in producing everything from bridges, cranes and ships to machinery components, structural steelwork, vehicle parts and industrial equipment. Their expertise supports a wide variety of sectors where precision, quality and safety are essential.
Is this apprenticeship right for your business?
If your organisation operates within manufacturing, engineering, fabrication, construction, aerospace, automotive or heavy industry, this apprenticeship provides an excellent solution for developing specialist technical skills.
Metal Fabricators work with a wide variety of materials including steel, stainless steel, aluminium and titanium. They manufacture products ranging from small precision-engineered components to large-scale structural fabrications used in major infrastructure projects.
What will Apprentices Learn?
Apprentices develop the knowledge, technical skills and professional behaviours required to carry out fabrication work safely, accurately and efficiently.
Training combines practical workplace experience with structured off-the-job learning, enabling apprentices to develop occupational competence while contributing to real engineering projects.
The programme is delivered on a day release basis.
Programme content includes:
- Engineering health, safety and environmental practices
- Fabrication principles and processes
- Engineering drawings and technical documentation
- Material properties and selection
- Marking out and preparation techniques
- Cutting, shaping and forming metals
- Assembly and fitting processes
- Fabrication tooling and equipment
- Quality assurance and inspection techniques
- Engineering mathematics and science
- Problem-solving and diagnostic techniques
- Manufacturing processes and standards
- Teamworking and communication
Apprentices learn how to manufacture products and structures to exact specifications while maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety.
Professional Skills Development
Throughout the programme apprentices develop:
- Precision fabrication techniques
- Technical interpretation skills
- Quality control and inspection methods
- Engineering problem-solving abilities
- Safe working practices
- Teamworking and collaboration
- Attention to detail
- Professional behaviours and accountability
These transferable skills support career progression across a wide range of engineering and manufacturing roles.
Entry Requirements
Apprentices should be employed in a suitable role that allows them to demonstrate the knowledge, skills and behaviours required by the occupational standard.
Apprentices should also hold a grade 4 or equivalent in both GCSE English and maths.
Apprentices may be required to work towards English and maths qualifications as part of their apprenticeship where appropriate. We will provide advice on the requirements that apply to your apprentice and support them throughout their learning journey.
How is the Apprentice Assessed?
Apprentices are assessed throughout the programme through workplace activities, reviews, qualification achievement and portfolio development.
End-Point Assessment includes:
- Practical Observation – assessing the apprentice's application of technical knowledge and skills in the workplace.
- Professional Discussion – exploring knowledge, skills and behaviours demonstrated throughout the apprenticeship.
These assessments confirm occupational competence and readiness to work as a skilled Metal Fabricator.
Need Help Finding the Right Apprentice?
Our Apprenticeship Onboarding Team can support you through every stage of the recruitment process, including promoting your vacancy to prospective candidates, including talent within our existing student cohort here at the College.
Whether you're recruiting your first apprentice or expanding your workforce, we'll help you find the right candidate for your business.
Ready to get started?
If you're looking to recruit an apprentice or upskill an existing employee, our Employer Engagement Team is here to help.
Get in touch today to discuss your workforce needs, funding options and upcoming start dates.
Funding and Employer Incentives
Apprenticeships are a cost-effective way to recruit new talent or develop your existing workforce, with significant government funding available for eligible employers.
Our Employer Engagement Team will explain the funding and incentives available to your organisation. View our latest Apprenticeship Funding and Employer Incentives for the most up-to-date information.
Career Progression
The Metal Fabricator Apprenticeship provides an excellent foundation for progression within engineering and manufacturing industries.
Potential progression opportunities include:
• Senior Metal Fabricator
• Sheet Metal Fabricator
• Welding Specialist
• Manufacturing Technician
• Engineering Technician
• Production Supervisor
• Engineering Team Leader
• Higher-Level Engineering Apprenticeships
• Engineering Management Pathways
The programme supports employers in developing future technical specialists, supervisors and operational leaders.