Weld Apprenticeship

Navantia UK

Navantia UK is a new force in British industry, supporting the UK’s defence, energy and maritime ambitions. We’re doing this by creating state‑of‑the‑art sovereign defence capabilities, investing in the UK to modernise industrial facilities, and bolstering the nation’s energy security. Established in 2022, Navantia UK is a subsidiary of Navantia SA, a Spanish state‑owned company with over 300 years of naval shipbuilding history.

In January 2025, Navantia UK completed the acquisition of Harland & Wolff and its four historic facilities in Belfast, Appledore, Methil, and Arnish. By combining Harland & Wolff’s proud heritage and facilities with Navantia’s global expertise, Navantia UK is well‑positioned to strengthen Britain’s defence, maritime and energy industrial capabilities, supporting jobs and economic growth across the UK.

The apprenticeship journey starts with a Level 2 in Engineering Operations. This is a general engineering apprenticeship covering Electrical, Technical Design, Fabrication, Welding, and Mechanical Engineering. On average this takes 1 year to complete. If you have already completed a Level 2 in Engineering Operations or equivalent, you will not have to repeat this.

Once you have completed the Level 2 in Engineering Operations, you can proceed with a Level 3 in this specific trade area. The length of each apprenticeship depends on your ability, the type of apprenticeship, and the location you complete it in. Level 3 Trade‑specific apprenticeship on average takes 2 – 2.5 years.

Your time will be split between study with your training provider and time putting your skills into practice in the yard. We have dedicated college partners at each yard where you can develop your skills and receive support throughout your apprenticeship.

• Dates
  : 13th April – 24th April (approx. 3 hrs)
• Yard Tour Week
  :
  Commencing 6th April (approx. 1 hr)

August/September 2026

The Apprenticeship Manager and Apprenticeship Supervisor

Working with metals to create high‑strength welds in two welding positions, using at least one arc welding process in order to support production at Navantia UK.

• Hands‑on experience through a safe workplace placement, providing vocational training and education
• One‑to‑one dedicated mentoring
• Shipyard training facilities
• Opportunity to earn while you learn

There are numerous pathways for General Welders who may wish to pursue higher‑level careers in welding, including Progression to Multi‑Positional Welder, High Integrity Welder or Welding Instruction and Teaching, Welding Inspection, and Managing and Supervising Welding Operations.

• Produce good quality welds using two welding process/material type combinations (TIG, MMA, MIG/MAG, FCAW) and (Carbon and Low Alloy steel, High Alloy Ferritic/Martensitic Steel, Austenitic Stainless Steel, Nickel and Nickel Alloys, Aluminium and Aluminium Alloys) in two welding positions (Downhand, Horizontal, Vertical, Overhead)
• Attain a qualification in accordance with one of the following standards: ISO 9606 / ASME IX / BS 4872 / AWS D1.1 (these qualifications are regarded as licences to practice in welding)
• Achieve a quality of work to meet international standards for dimensional and surface inspection (Visual, Magnetic Particle Inspection and Dye Penetrant Inspection)
• Learn the proper procedure in positioning, preparing and checking the welding equipment
• Learn the proper procedure in receiving, handling and maintaining consumables
• Learn how to prepare, check and protect materials and work area ready for welding
• Learn to complete and check the finished weld ready for inspection and report into the production control system
• Ensure that health and safety requirements are fully accounted for in all the above

• Hold a minimum of GCSE grade C/4, National 5 (or Equivalent) in Mathematics and English
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to use your own initiative and a strong drive to succeed are all essential
• Enthusiasm and determination to learn
• Self‑starter and motivated person
• Ability to get…