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Apprenticeship

Level 3 Plate Welding Apprenticeship Standard

Welds that hold a bridge up

An apprenticeship is a real, paid job. The apprentice works for an employer and trains with us at the same time, and comes out with a nationally recognised qualification and the experience to go with it.

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The short answer

36 monthsPlus assessment: Additional time after the training period
Fully funded for most employersSmaller employers pay nothing towards the training.
Level 3Nationally recognised
Before they start

What an apprentice needs

Individual employers will set the selection criteria for their apprentices. Most candidates will have achieved grade C or above in English and Maths and a STEM-related subject at Level 2 prior to commencement of apprenticeship. Some employers may mandate training or qualifications at level 3 in English and/or mathematics.

The employer sets the real bar, so treat this as a guide. If somebody is close but not quite there, it is still worth the conversation.

What they’ll learn

Structural steel, marine, defence, process plant, engineering construction, mining, transport and machinery manufacture.

  1. They will manually weld plate and structural components to high quality

    The core of the occupation, on work where the quality of the weld is the whole point rather than a finish detail.

    Covers manual welding of plate and structural components, quality standards

  2. They will fabricate, construct and repair

    Fabrication, construction or repair of fabricated plate assemblies and extrusions, across major capital plant items and facilities.

    Covers fabricated plate assemblies, extrusions, construction and repair

  3. They will work across heavy industry

    Buildings, stadia, bridges, piers and jetties; ships, submarines and wind turbine towers; armoured vehicles; storage tanks; cranes and lifting beams; aerospace, rail and automotive.

    Covers structural steel, marine, defence, process plant, engineering construction, transport

  4. The trade fits any size of employer

    Plate welders are employed in organisations from small companies through to large multinationals, which makes it a durable trade to hold.

    Covers small companies to multinational employers

Assessment

Nobody springs anything on anyone

All apprentices must undertake an independent endpoint assessment which is an assessment of the knowledge, skills and behaviours which have been developed throughout the apprenticeship. The purpose of the assessment is to make sure the apprentice meets the standard set by employers and are fully competent in the occupation.

1
Throughout

Coursework and portfolio

Work launched in class and completed in the job, building the evidence the assessor will look at.

2
Every 8 to 10 weeks

A review with you

The employer, the apprentice and the tutor. Half an hour. Progress, targets, and anything getting in the way.

3
Before the end

A full mock

Marked by a tutor who is not theirs, so the feedback is honest and the real thing holds no surprises.

Getting started

What it takes, on both sides

If you're the employer

  • A real role that covers the standard. Your Employer Relationship Officer will check it before anyone enrols.
  • Time released for teaching, on a timetable you'll have from day one.
  • Half an hour every 8 to 10 weeks for a three-way review.
  • Your say-so when the apprentice is ready for their final assessment.

If you want to be the apprentice

  • A job. An apprenticeship is employment, so you need an employer before you can start.
  • Already working in this kind of role? Your manager can put you forward directly.
  • An initial skills scan with us, so we know where you're starting from.
  • No employer yet? That's the usual starting point, and finding one is the part we help with.
Where it leads

This is a step, not a destination

Most of our apprentices carry on, usually with the same employer and usually into a wider role. Which route is right depends on the job being done, so it is worth a conversation rather than a guess.

Not sure what comes after this one? Tell us the role and we'll tell you honestly which of our apprenticeships, higher apprenticeships or university-level courses fits next.

Progression

Where this course can take you

  1. Before you start
  2. This course Level 3
  3. Further study

Check you have what you need in the entry requirements.

Not sure? Talk to us and we will help you find the right starting point.

Further study

See all 12 courses

At University Campus North Lincolnshire

At University Campus Doncaster

Careers it can lead to

  • Metal Plate Workers, Smiths, Moulders and Related Occupations £38,500 a year
  • Welding Trades £32,900 a year
  • Sheet Metal Workers £34,600 a year
  • Pre-press Technicians £26,700 a year
See all 7 careers
  • Engineering Technicians £39,700 a year
  • Tool Makers, Tool Fitters and Markers-out £35,900 a year

With further study or experience

  • Skilled Metal, Electrical and Electronic Trades Supervisors £43,900 a year

Typical pay is the UK median for each job (Lightcast, October 2026).

How to start this apprenticeship

It takes two, an employer and an apprentice. Pick your side.

I'm an employer

Put someone on this programme

Recruiting, or formalising the training of someone already in post? Start with a conversation. We'll check the role, sort the funding, and get them enrolled.

Speak to us today 01724 281111

Or advertise a vacancy through us and we'll handle the recruitment.

I want to be an apprentice

You'll need an employer first

An apprenticeship is a job, so an employer has to take you on before you can start. Already employed in this kind of role? Your manager can put you forward directly.

No vacancy that suits? Register your interest and we'll tell you when one comes up.