Weld Apprenticeship; Appledore

Overview

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 3‑year apprenticeship programme will be a full Level 3 apprenticeship consisting of an EAL level 2 award in Engineering Operative Technical Certificate (embedded during year
1), followed by a 2‑year EAL Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (years 2 &
3). Alongside these college qualifications there will also be a EAL Level 3 Diploma in Maritime Defence (Portfolio). College attendance will be one session per week during the apprenticeship.

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 to support you throughout your apprenticeship.

• Yard tour date:
  Friday 27th March (approx. 1 hr long)
• Interview & Assessment dates: 6th April – 17th April (approx. 3 hrs)

Start dates will be around August/September 2026.

Reporting to: The Apprenticeship Manager and Apprenticeship Supervisor

Job purpose: Working with metals to create high‑strength welds in two welding positions, using at least one arc welding process to support production at Harland & Wolff.

What you will learn doing this apprenticeship:

• Hands‑on experience through a safe workplace placement, providing vocational training and education.
• One-to-one dedicated mentoring.
• Access to 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, Welding Instruction and Teaching, Welding Inspection, and Managing & Supervising Welding Operations.

• Learn to produce good quality welds using two welding process/material type combinations (TIG, MMA, MIG/MAG, FCAW) and (Carbon & Low Alloy steel, High Alloy Ferritic/Martensitic Steel, Austenitic Stainless Steel, Nickel and Nickel Alloys, Aluminium & Aluminium Alloys) in two welding positions (Downhand, Horizontal, Vertical, Overhead).
• Attain a qualification in accordance with ISO 9606, ASME IX, BS4872 or AWS D1.1.
• Achieve a quality of work to meet international standards for dimensional and surface inspection (Visual, Magnetic Particle Inspection, 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 for welding.
• Learn to complete and check the finished weld for inspection and record into the production control system.
• Ensure that health and safety requirements are fully accounted for in all activities.

Essential

• Hold a minimum 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.
• Enthusiasm and determination to learn.
• Self‑starter and motivated person.
• Ability to get on with colleagues and customers.
• Commitment to upholding high health and safety standards.
• Responsibility, reliability and dedication.

Key Interpersonal/Behavioural Skills

• Ability to establish an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal.
• Effectiveness in identifying possible problems for upward reporting/investigation.
• Abilit…