SMART MANUFACTURING LTD
Wage: £16,224 a year
Training course: Metal fabricator (level 3)
Hours: Monday - Thursday, 8.00am - 5.00pm and Friday, 8.00am - 1.00pm.
Start date: Tuesday 5 May 2026
Duration: 3 years
Positions available: 2
An apprentice welder/fabricator learns to cut, weld, and assemble metal components under supervision. They support skilled tradespeople, read basic drawings, maintain tools, and develop safe, accurate fabrication skills for future qualification.
Wage £16,224 a year Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab) Depending on experience Training course Metal fabricator (level 3) Hours Monday - Thursday, 8.00am - 5.00pm and Friday, 8.00am - 1.00pm. 39 hours a week Start date Tuesday 5 May 2026 Duration 3 years Positions available 2
An apprentice welder/fabricator will assist in cutting, welding, and assembling metal parts, follow drawings, prepare materials, and operate workshop tools.
Daily tasks include:
Measuring Grinding Cleaning work areas Maintaining equipment, and supporting senior fabricators while learning safe working practices and improving welding accuracy and technique
CLOVELLY ROAD INDUSTRIAL ESTATEBIDEFORDDEVONEX39 3HN
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Course contents 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.
Qualifications included:
Metal Fabricator Apprenticeship Standard Company Training Plan & Assessment Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering - Development Knowledge (1 day per week for 2 years at college) Development Competence Qualification (workplace) End Point Assessment at the end of the apprenticeship
GCSE in:
Maths, English & Science (grade 4 or Above)
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Communication skillsAttention to detailOrganisation skillsProblem solving skillsNumber skillsLogicalTeam workingInitiativePatiencePhysical fitnessInterest in EngineeringInterest in Tig WeldingHardworkingPositive Attitude
This is a fantastic opportunity to join one of North Devon’s longest-established engineering companies, operating some of the most advanced automated equipment in the industry.Established in 1986 by Martin Murch, Smart Manufacturing Ltd is a family-operated business with his eldest son as the Production Director. We strongly uphold and incorporate core family values such as trust, loyalty, honesty, and respect into our business ethos. Our state-of-the-art facility, spanning over 30,000 sq. ft, is designed to offer a flexible resource. Combined with our highly skilled personnel, it ensures efficient manufacturing, whether for a single small component or a large integrated system and mass-produced parts. Smart Manufacturing offers a comprehensive range of services in fabrication, sheet metal, and machining. Our capabilities include profiling CAD-generated shapes using our in-house laser and punch machines, as well as hand-finishing hygienic polished components. We manage a variety of turnkey projects, from initial concept design and client consultation to prototyping, small production runs, volume production, analysis, testing, and final delivery. We work closely with our customers to provide a versatile and efficient service, ensuring the final product meets or exceeds specifications and customer requirements. Smart Manufacturing is well-regarded for its ventilation, dust extraction, and air conditioning systems, we provide a complete design, manufacture, and installation service, with air handling systems ranging from fully ducted to single-split units, suitable for food, pharmaceutical, and other high-tech industries. Quality is paramount in all our work at Smart Manufacturing, and our products and services comply with BS EN ISO 9001 standards
https://smart-manufacturing.co.uk/ (opens in new tab)
Team leader Shop floor supervisor Quality inspection supervisor
Interested in this role?