Plate Welder Apprenticeship (Level 3)

The Plate Welder Level 3 Apprenticeship prepares learners to manually weld plate and structural components to high standards of quality, safety, and compliance. This apprenticeship develops skilled welders capable of working across a range of materials, joint types, and welding positions, meeting internationally recognised standards used throughout engineering and manufacturing industries.

This programme combines practical, hands-on experience in the workplace with structured off-the-job training, supporting apprentices to become competent, reliable, and safety-conscious welding professionals.

A Plate Welder is responsible for producing high-quality welds on plate and structural components using approved manual welding processes. Working to Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS), apprentices will learn to prepare materials, set up and operate welding equipment, and carry out welding in a range of positions and joint configurations.

Throughout the apprenticeship, learners develop a strong understanding of welding metallurgy, material properties, welding defects, inspection techniques, and quality assurance processes. Equal emphasis is placed on health, safety, environmental responsibility, and compliance with statutory and organisational requirements.

Apprentices are trained to work with multiple welding processes and materials, apply international quality standards, interpret technical documentation and drawings, and contribute to continuous improvement within their organisation. Professional behaviours such as accountability, teamwork, problem-solving, and ongoing development are embedded throughout the programme.

Typical job roles on completion include:

• Plate Welder
• Structural Welder
• Class B Welder
• Coded Multi-Positional Plate Welder

This apprenticeship is suitable for individuals who are looking to develop a career in welding within the engineering and manufacturing sector.

Typically, learners should:

• Be employed in a relevant engineering or manufacturing role with welding activities
• Have a good standard of English and Maths (or be willing to work towards Functional Skills where required)
• Demonstrate an interest in welding, fabrication, or structural engineering
• Be able to work safely and follow instructions within an industrial environment
• Show commitment to learning, developing technical skills, and working to quality standards

Previous welding experience is beneficial but not essential, as full training and support will be provided throughout the apprenticeship.

On successful completion of the Plate Welder Level 3 Apprenticeship, apprentices will be able to:

• Produce high-quality welds in plate and structural components using at least two welding processes, such as TIG, MMA, MIG/MAG, FCAW or PAW
• Weld using at least two different materials, including carbon steels, alloy steels, stainless steels, aluminium alloys, nickel alloys or other specialist materials
• Weld confidently in multiple positions, including vertical and overhead
• Work to internationally recognised welding and inspection standards (e.g. ISO, ASME, AWS)
• Inspect welds, identify defects, and take corrective action where required
• Work safely and compliantly within industrial environments
• Follow approved procedures, quality systems, and documentation
• Take responsibility for their work, contribute to productivity, and support continuous improvement

Successful apprentices will be fully competent, industry-ready Plate Welders, equipped with the technical knowledge, practical skills, and professional behaviours required to progress within the engineering and manufacturing sector.