Advanced Apprenticeship (Level 3) Metal Fabricator

Knowledge

K1: The importance of complying with statutory, quality, organisational and health and safety regulations.

K2: General engineering mathematical and scientific principles, methods, techniques, graphical expressions, symbols formulae and calculations.

K3: The structure, properties and characteristics of common materials.

K4: The typical problems that may arise within their normal work activities/environment.

K5: Approved diagnostic methods and techniques used to help solve engineering problems.

K6: The importance of only using current approved processes, procedures, documentation and the potential implications if they are not adhered to.

K7: The different roles and functions in the organisation and how they interact.

K8: Why it is important to continually review fabrication and general engineering processes and procedures.

K9: The correct methods of moving and handling materials.

K10: Processes for preparing materials to be marked out.

K11: The tools and techniques available for cutting, shaping, assembling and finishing materials.

K12: Allowances for cutting, notching, bending, rolling and forming materials.

K13: Describe Pattern development processes, tooling and equipment.

K14: Describe Cutting and forming techniques, tooling and equipment.

K15: Describe Assembly and finishing processes, tooling and equipment.

K16: Inspection techniques that can be applied to check shape and dimensional accuracy.

K17: Factors influencing selection of forming process.

K18: Principles, procedures and testing of different joining techniques (Mechanised or Manual).

K19: Equipment associated with Manual or Mechanised joining techniques including maintaining equipment in a reliable and safe condition.

K20: Consumables used in Manual or Mechanised joining.

K21: Effects of heating and cooling metals.

K22: Metallurgy associated with joining.

K23: Different types of Welds and joints.

K24: How to interpret relevant engineering data and documentation.

Skills

S1: Work safely at all times, comply with health & safety legislation, regulations and organisational requirements.

S2: Comply with environmental legislation, regulations and organisational requirements.

S3: Obtain, check and use the appropriate documentation (such as job instructions, drawings, quality control documentation).

S4: Carry out relevant planning and preparation activities before commencing work activity.

S5: Undertake the work activity using the correct processes, procedures and equipment.

S6: Carry out the required checks (such as quality, compliance or testing) using the correct procedures, processes and/or equipment.

S7: 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.

S8: Complete any required documentation using the defined recording systems at the appropriate stages of the work activity.

S9: Restore the work area on completion of the activity and where applicable return any resources and consumables to the appropriate location.

S10: Identify and follow correct Metal work instructions, specifications, drawing etc.

S11: Mark out using appropriate tools and techniques.

S12: Cut and form Metal for the production or maintenance of fabricated products.

S13: Produce and assemble Metal products to required specification and quality requirements.

S14: Identify and follow correct joining instructions, specifications, drawing etc.

S15: Carry out the relevant preparation before starting the joining fabrication activity.

S16: Set up, check, adjust and use joining and related equipment.

S17: Weld joints in accordance with approved welding procedures and quality requirements.

Behaviours

B1: Personal responsibility and resilience – Comply with the health and safety guidance and procedures, be disciplined and have a responsible approach to risk, work diligently regardless of how much they are being supervised, accept responsibility for managing time and workload and stay motivated and committed when facing challenges.

B2: Work effectively in teams – Integrate with the team, support other people, consider implications of their own actions on other people and the business whilst working effectively to get the task completed.

B3: Effective communication and interpersonal skills – An open and honest communicator, communicates clearly using appropriate methods, listen well to others and have a positive and respectful attitude.

B4: Focus on quality and problem solving – Follow instructions and guidance, demonstrate attention to detail, follow a logical approach to problem solving and seek opportunities to improve quality, speed and efficiency.

B5: Continuous personal development – Reflect on skills, knowledge and behaviours and seek opportunities to develop, adapt to different situations, environments or technologies and have a positive attitude to feedback and advice.

Advanced manufacturing and engineering companies

• Construction and civil engineering firms

• Shipbuilding and maritime industries

• Aerospace, automotive, and defence sectors

• Oil, gas, and energy infrastructure projects

This pathway builds highly skilled engineers capable of producing safe, precise, and high-quality metal fabrications that power industries worldwide.

After completing this Apprenticeship, learners can progress onto higher-level qualifications such as the Level 4 Engineering Manufacturing Technician or specialist Welding Inspection and Fabrication Management training.

With experience, career routes include Fabrication Supervisor, Welding Inspector, or Project Engineer, supporting complex manufacturing and construction projects.