Approx. duration: 42 months
Start date: September
Attendance: Day release at Ipswich Campus
Entry requirements:
- Individual employers will set their selection criteria for applicants
- Apprentices need to be employed for a minimum of 30 hours a week and have a contract of employment
- Entry onto the Apprenticeship is subject to a thorough skills scan assessment to clarify course suitability
- Entry onto the Apprenticeship is subject to 4 GCSEs including Maths and English 9-4/A-C or Functional Skills Level 2
- Apprentices aged 16-18 years are subject to the mandatory requirement to study towards and achieve English and Maths Functional Skills at Level 2 where the Apprentice only holds the level 1 qualifications (GCSE grades D-G/3-1)
- Following the updated ESFA Apprenticeship rules, from 11th February 2025. Apprentices who begin their apprenticeship training when aged 19+ will no longer be subject to this mandatory requirement. It is now the decision of the apprentice and their employer at the start of their apprenticeship to choose to study towards a Maths and English qualification
On programme learning:
- Metal Fabricator Level 3 Standard
- Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering Level 3
- English and Maths (if required) Level 2
End-point assessment:
Delivered by City and Guilds
Progression:
On completion of this apprenticeship a Metal Fabricator could progress onto higher level apprenticeships in Engineering as an example.
Course Summary:
The work involves the manufacturing or repair of various structures and equipment, including but not limited to
- Bridges
- Ships
- Cranes
- Platforms
- Aircraft
- Automotive and machinery parts
- Sheet metal enclosures
- Equipment supports
Fabricators may work independently or as part of a team, either in factories or on operational sites. They work with a wide range of metals, such as steel, aluminium, and titanium, in varying thicknesses from 0.5mm to over 20mm. The size and weight of the fabrications can vary greatly, from small components that can be lifted by hand to massive structures that require multiple cranes for handling.
This role requires the individual to take responsibility for the quality and accuracy of their work, ensuring it aligns with the relevant specifications, such as engineering drawings or international standards. Fabricators are also tasked with safeguarding the health, safety, and environmental (HS&E) well-being of themselves and those around them.