Apprentice Welder

Description

Job description:

William Cook Cast Products are looking for an Apprentice Welder to complete a Level 3 Metal Fabricator apprenticeship. The candidate will join the casting and foundry operations team. This role is ideal for someone looking to develop practical welding skills within a heavy industrial manufacturing environment. The successful candidate will receive hands-on training in welding techniques, metal preparation, repair of cast components, and safe workshop practices while supporting experienced welders and production staff.

Role & responsibilities:

• Learn and perform MIG/MAG, TIG, and MMA welding techniques under supervision
• Prepare castings for welding by grinding, cleaning, and positioning materials
• Read and interpret engineering drawings and work instructions
• Operate workshop tools and welding equipment safely and efficiently
• Inspect welded components for quality and accuracy
• Maintain a clean, organised, and safe working environment
• Follow all company health & safety procedures and PPE requirements
• Support general foundry and production activities as required
• Participate in apprenticeship training, assessments and continuous development programmes

Working Conditions:

• Factory and foundry environment
• Use of PPE including welding helmets, gloves, and safety footwear
• Standing for extended periods and handling heavy materials may be required

Skills required:

• Good attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship
• Ability to work as part of a team and follow instructions
• Strong awareness of health and safety practices
• Basic understanding of hand tools and workshop equipment is desirable

Personal qualities the candidate must have:

• Interest in welding, engineering, or manufacturing
• Willingness to learn and develop technical skills
• Be willing to take feedback and learn from different experiences

Employer description:

For nearly two centuries William Cook’s core competence has been casting steel. Today, most of William Cook’s components and systems for defence, rail and other industries still call for high-specification alloys and superalloys.

William Cook’s three main divisions, employing over 600 people, generate revenues of £60m per year. The company’s private ownership and lack of debt permit a consistent programme of investment.

This investment isn’t just in William Cook’s five advanced manufacturing plants. It’s in university research, sponsored students and award-winning apprentices; investment that will keep William Cook World Class.

Things to consider:

During the first year you will be required to attend the University of Sheffield AMRC Training Centre in Sheffield, full time for an initial block of study.  You will return to your workplace one Friday per month.  After the initial block training you will attend the AMRC Training Centre for one day a week to undertake the knowledge study. The remaining four days will be spent in company learning on the job.

Please note the AMRC Training Centre reserves the right to close applications ahead of the published closing date.

Qualification Requirements:

Advanced apprenticeships entry requirements

You will need both of the following:

• GCSE English language C or 4 or above
• GCSE Maths C or 4 or above.

Applicants are also required to successfully complete a series of assessments at the University of Sheffield’s AMRC Training Centre, as well as an employer recruitment and selection process to secure a place on an apprenticeship programme.