Level 3 Metal Fabricator Apprentice

Colchester Institute Enterprises Limited; Colchester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading architectural metalwork company is offering a Level 3 Metal Fabricator Apprenticeship in Colchester. This role involves hands-on training, working with fabricating machines, and learning essential skills in metalwork. You will gain qualifications, including a Level 3 Diploma, while contributing to high-quality metal products. After successful completion, opportunities for permanent employment and further training are available. The apprenticeship ensures adherence to health and safety standards within a supportive learning environment.

Benefits

3x salary life insurance (after successful probation)

Up to 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Access to Health Hero 24/7 GP service

Employee Assistance helpline

Long service/employee of the month awards

Responsibilities

• Setting up to operate fabricating machines.
• Laying out, measuring, and marking dimensions on materials.
• Inspecting parts for conformance to specifications.
• Ensuring safe working practices.
• Operating safety equipment.
• Handling shop hand and machine tools.

Skills

Analytical skills

Logical

Initiative

Non-judgmental

Physical fitness

Education

GCSE in Maths and English (grade A*-C/9-4)

Job description

Gain the foundation knowledge of metal fabrication, where you will be part of the team making the products before they are installed on site. What you do matters and working with guidance from your mentor, you are part of the foundation of our business. Our company designs and manufactures a range of architectural metalwork across London.

• 3x salary life insurance (after successful probation).

Training course Metal fabricator (level 3)

Hours Monday to Friday 07:30 - 16:00 with a 1 hour unpaid lunch break each day.

40 hours a week

Tuesday 1 September 2026

Duration

3 years 6 months

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

Day to day role responsibilities will include:

• Setting up to operate fabricating machines including brake press, guillotine and band saws to cut, bend and straighten metal as required.
• Lay out, measure, and mark dimensions and reference lines on materials/ panels according to drawings or templates, using calculators, scribes, dividers, squares and rulers.
• Inspect individual parts, assemblies and installations for conformance to specifications, quality standards and building codes, using measuring instruments.
• Ensure safe working practices and all H&S policies are always adhered to.
• Operate safety equipment safely.
• Work to health and safety standards.
• Ensuring work meets required quality level.
• Ensuring all good working practices and procedures relating to your work are adhered to.
• Safely operate and be proficient in the use of all shop hand and machine tools.
• Perform any other tasks deemed within your technical capabilities as required.

Where you'll work

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

• 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.
• The apprentice will be working towards the Level 3 Metal Fabricator Apprenticeship Standard.
• This apprenticeship will also include Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering and Level 3 Extended Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering.
• College attendance will be at the Colchester Institute - Colchester Campus one day per week during term time.

Requirements

GCSE in:

Maths and English (grade A*-C/9-4)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

• Analytical skills
• Logical
• Initiative
• Non judgemental
• Physical fitness

Other requirements

• Must be physically fit as role will involve some heavy lifting, ability to be on your feet all day and work in a factory location. Power tools will be an essential part of working. It will take time to learn the trade and some tasks may seem monotonous, although full exposure to the range of work will be given over time depending on the individual’s ability.

About this employer

At Alloy Fabweld, we specialise in delivering complex architectural metalwork with precision, care and ingenuity. From concept to installation, every element is designed and manufactured in‑house at our solar‑powered facility, ensuring complete control, consistent quality and a commitment to sustainability. Trusted by leading contractors and architects across the UK, we make metal work harder, smarter and safer.

• Up to 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (Pro rata).
• Access to Health Hero 24/7 GP service.
• Employee Assistance helpline.
• Long service/employee of the month awards.

After this apprenticeship

• To become a permanent member of the team, and there will be opportunities to progress into other roles and for further training and development opportunities.

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

COLCHESTER INSTITUTE

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000009051.

Apply now

Closes on Friday 1 May 2026

After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.