Company Description

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 apprenticeship journey starts with a Level 2 in Engineering Operations. This is a general engineering apprenticeship covering Electrical, Technical Design, Fabrication, Welding, Mechanical Engineering. On average this takes 18 months - 2 years to complete. If you have already completed a Level 2 in Engineering Operations or equivalent, you will not have to repeat this.

Once you have completed the Level 2 in Engineering Operations, you can proceed with a Level 3 in this specific trade area. The length of each apprenticeship depends on your ability, the type of apprenticeship and the location you complete it in. Level 3 Trade specific apprenticeship on average takes 2 – 2.5 years.

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 where you can develop your skills and to provide you with support throughout your apprenticeship.

Yard Tour Week Commencing 13th April - Approx. 1hrs
Interview & Assessment dates to be between 27th April - 29th April - Approx. 3hrs

Start dates will be around August/September 2026.

Job Description

Reporting to: The Apprenticeship Manager and Apprenticeship Supervisor

Job purpose: Working with metals to create high-strength welds in 2 welding positions, using at least 1 arc welding process in order to support production at Harland & Wolff.

What will you learn doing this apprenticeship : ·

Gain hands-on experience through a safe workplace placement, providing vocational training and education Practical on the job training
One-to-one dedicated mentoring
Shipyard training facilities
Opportunity to earn while you learn

Progression: There are numerous pathways for General Welders who may wish to pursue higher level careers in welding. These include progression to Multi-Positional Welder, High Integrity Welder or Welding Instruction and Teaching, Welding Inspection and Managing and Supervising Welding Operations.

Job Duties

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

Qualifications

Essential

Hold a minimum a of 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 are all essential
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
Ability to express ideas or facts in a clear manner
Professional and pro-active work ethic

Additional Information

On Offer

Competitive hourly rate
Company pension
Health care cash plan (optional)
33 days holiday
Life assurance
Great opportunity to kick start your career

We are an Opening Doors employer, committed to equal opportunity and an inclusive workplace. Our approach, shaped by our values of service, trust, excellence, agility, dedication, and you, we focus on removing barriers and recognising potential. We are committed to fairness at every stage, including providing reasonable adjustments and actively working to eliminate discrimination.

We believe talent is everywhere, and by widening access to opportunity and welcoming diverse experiences, we aim to create a workplace where every person feels valued and has an equal chance.

If you experience difficulties or are unable to apply for a role on-line please contact us at and one of the team will be in contact to help you.

We believe talent is everywhere, and by widening access to opportunity and welcoming diverse experiences, we aim to create a workplace where every person feels valued and has an equal chance.

If you experience difficulties or are unable to apply for a role on-line please contact us at and one of the team will be in contact to help you.

Navantia UK

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