Metal Fabricator Apprenticeship

What knowledge and skills are covered?

A Metal Fabricator will demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the following;

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 – Consumables used in Manual or Mechanised joining

K23 – Metallurgy associated with joining

K24 – Effects of heating and cooling metals

The competency to achieve the following skills in the workplace:

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 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

Qualifications

English and Maths qualifications

Apprentices without level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level prior to taking the End-Point Assessment.  For those with an education, health and care plan or a legacy statement, the apprenticeship’s English and maths minimum requirement is Entry Level 3. A British Sign Language (BSL) qualification is an alternative to the English qualification for those whose primary language is BSL.

Other qualifications (Title / Level)

• Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (Development Knowledge); Level 3 Extended Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (Development Knowledge) / 3

Professional recognition

IMechE – Eng Tech

IET –  Eng Tech

Royal Aeronautical Society – Eng Tech

What are the entry requirements?

Individual employers will set the recruitment and selection criteria for their Apprenticeships. In order to optimise success, candidates will typically have 4 GCSEs at Grade C/4 or equivalent, including Mathematics, English and a Science.

How often do I have to attend college?

College attendance will be required over the duration of the course and will be determined post-application.

Overview of the role

Manufacturing anything that can be fabricated out of metal such as bridges, oil rigs and ships.

How is my business going to benefit from an Apprentice?

All Metal Fabricator apprentices are expected to perform the following occupational duties in the workplace:

Duty 1 Work safely at all times complying with health and safety legislation, regulations, organisational and environmental requirements

Duty 2 Plan and prepare for the METAL fabrication activities before commencing work

Duty 3 Check materials conform to the specified grades, dimensions and thicknesses identified on detailed engineering drawings

Duty 4 Use the correct methods for the moving and handling resources and materials

Duty 5 Set up, check AND adjust the equipment for use in the safe and reliable fabrication of METAL products or components and maintaining the equipment in a reliable and safe condition throughout

Duty 6 Interpret technical drawings, patterns, templates and specifications to mark out, produce and assemble complex fabricated products to meet the required specification and quality requirements

Duty 7 Use appropriate tools, equipment and techniques to shape and form (HOT or COLD) metal materials, demonstrating and applying knowledge of material properties and characteristics throughout

Duty 8 Monitor resources and activities throughout the fabrication of products or components, identifying areas for improving the production process where possible

Duty 9 Cutting, drilling, shaping and preparing METAL materials during fabrication activities using manual and power tools, thermal and laser cutting, as required calculating dimensions and tolerances using knowledge of mathematics and instruments/equipment

Duty 10 Operate appropriate tools and equipment to join metal parts using a range of mechanical fasteners and fixing techniques required by the specifications appropriate to the fabrication activity being carried out and in accordance with approved joining procedures and quality requirements

Duty 11 Operate thermal joining equipment to join metal parts using a range of appropriate techniques to the standards required by the specifications for the fabrication activity being carried out

Duty 12 Inspect and test joins for security against required standard

Duty 13 Carry out quality checks on component parts and completed assemblies

Duty 14 Deal with problems that occur within the fabrication activity in line with responsibilities of the role

Duty 15 Restore the work area and equipment to a safe and reliable condition on completion of the activity

Duty 16 Complete documentation at the appropriate stages of the work activity

All Metal Fabricator apprentices are expected to demonstrate the following behaviours in the workplace:

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.

What will this cost my business?

Does the apprentice have to attend college?

College attendance will be required over the duration of the course and will be determined post-application.

What about support in the workplace?

Skilled and knowledgeable staff must be available to support the apprentice as they complete work-based tasks.

Why should I choose Colchester Institute to support my recruitment and retention?

How will I be assessed?