Summary
We are seeking self motivated and hard working individuals to join Darchem Engineering’s 4 year apprenticeship program. The successful applicants will join a market leader in the design and manufacture of a wide range of engineered products.
Wage
£14,526.20 to £23,492.04 a year
Annual £14,526.20 (£7.55 per hour), this is also subject to an annual increase.
Training course
Metal fabricator (level 3)
Hours
During the 1st year you will work to the Hartlepool College timetable. This will typically 9am to 5pm. However whilst on Site at Darchem your working hours will be Monday - Thursday 7.30am - 4.15pm and Friday 7.30am - 11.30am.
37 hours a week
Start date
Monday 1 September 2025
Duration
4 years
Positions available
5
Work
Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.
What you’ll do at work
* Using and interpreting engineering drawings.
* Complying with statutory regulations.
* Working efficiently and effectively.
* Marking out.
* Cutting sheet metal.
* Forming sheet metal.
* Producing sheet metal assemblies.
* Developing and marking out templates.
* Resistance spot welding.
* TIG Welding.
Where you’ll work
Ironmasters Way
Stillington
Stockton on Tees
TS21 1LB
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
College or training organisation
HARTLEPOOL COLLEGE OF FURTHER EDUCATION
Your training course
Metal fabricator (level 3)
Equal to A level
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.
Your training plan
The 1st year of the apprenticeship programme will be spent full-time at Hartlepool College completing extensive job related training.
The 2nd, 3rd and 4th year will involve day release at Hartlepool College in order to complete a level 3 qualification in Metal Fabrication, you may also have the opportunity to progress on to a HNC qualification.
Throughout the Apprenticeship you will complete extensive on and off the job training as well as having the opportunity to partake in further training and skills development.
As an Apprentice Sheet Metal Worker/Welder you will display the ability to work on own initiative and the ability to learn new skills. Your duties will include all areas of the fabrication and manufacture of the various parts for use in the Aerospace, Nuclear, Thermal Insulation or Automotive industries.
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE or equivalent in:
* English (grade 4+)
* Mathematics (grade 4+)
* Science (grade 4+)
Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.
Skills
* Communication skills
* Attention to detail
* Team working