Fabricator
(Level 3)

Typical job roles

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

This occupation is found in a range of sectors such as advanced manufacturing engineering, engineering construction, and maritime.

The broad purpose of the occupation is to carry out metal fabrication work using things such as rolled steel joists, columns, channels, steel plate and metal sheet etc.

Work includes manufacturing or repair of bridges, oil rigs, ships and submarines, petro-chemical installations, cranes, platforms, aircraft, automotive and machinery parts, sheet metal enclosures, equipment supports, and anything that can be fabricated out of metal. Fabricators can work alone or in teams, in factories or on operational sites. Fabricators use a large range of metals including steel, aluminium and titanium at a range of thicknesses from 0.5mm up to over 20mm. The size and weight of the fabrications can range from components that can easily be picked up by hand, to massive structures that require several cranes to manipulate.

In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with planners, supervisors, inspectors, designers, welders, pipefitters, fitters, machinists, riggers, steel erectors, stores personnel, painters and many others involved in manufacturing, production, maintenance and repair.

More Information

Typical Tasks

• Fabricate, install and repair a wide variety of sheet fabrications and equipment
• Mark out shapes on metal before cutting out
• Cut, shape and join materials using hand and automated equipment

Entry criteria

4 or 5 GCSEs at grade 9 to 4 (A* to C) including English and Mathematics for a Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard

Typical duration

42 months

Career/progression opportunities

This Fabricator (Level 3) standard has been designed to meet the professional standards of the Engineering Council for registration as an Engineering Technician (EngTech) in partnership with the appropriate institutions as shown below:

• Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) (for electrical and mechanical)
• Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) (for piping and mechanical)
• Royal Aeronautical Society

Dependent on employer requirements, progression onto higher level qualifications (HNC, HND, Degree) or a Higher/Degree Apprenticeship