Weld Apprenticeship

About Navantia UK

Navantia UK is a new force in British industry, supporting the UK’s defence, energy and maritime ambitions. We’re 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, and Mechanical Engineering. On average it takes 1 year 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, you can proceed with a Level 3 in this specific trade area.

The level 3 apprenticeship typically takes 2–2.5 years, with the exact length depending on your ability, the type of apprenticeship and the location in which you complete it. Your time will be split between study with your training provider and practical work in the yard. We have dedicated college partners at each yard to develop your skills and provide support throughout your apprenticeship.

• Interview & Assessment dates: 13th April – 24th April (Approx. 3 hrs)

Start dates will be around August/September 2026.

Reporting to:
The Apprenticeship Manager and Apprenticeship Supervisor

Job purpose:

Working with metals to create high‑strength welds in two welding positions, using at least one arc welding process to support production at Navantia UK.

• Hands‑on experience through a safe workplace placement, providing vocational training and education, practical on‑the‑job training
• One‑to‑one dedicated mentoring
• Access to shipyard training facilities
• Opportunity to earn while you learn

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

• Learn to produce good quality welds using two welding process/material type combinations (TIG, MMA, MIG/MAG, FCAW) with 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 ISO 9606, ASME IX, BS4872 or AWS D1.1 (recognised as licences to practice in welding)
• Achieve a quality of work that meets international standards for dimensional and surface inspection (Visual, Magnetic Particle Inspection and Dye Penetrant Inspection)
• Learn the proper procedure in positioning, preparing and checking welding equipment
• Learn the proper procedure in receiving, handling and maintaining consumables
• Learn how to prepare, check and protect materials and work area for welding
• Learn to complete and check finished welds, ready for inspection, and report into the production control system
• Ensure health and safety requirements are fully accounted for in all activities

• Hold a minimum 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
• 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