Official Trade Apprenticeship Standard
Welder & Fabricator Apprenticeship Pathway
Everything you need to know about starting a Welder & Fabricator apprenticeship: entry qualifications, wage progression, Levy funding rules, and training provider options.
Apprenticeship Standard Details
DURATION
36 Months
START WAGE
£19,000/yr
SOC CODE
5213
Entry Requirements:
- GCSE Grade 3 in English and Maths
- Good hand-eye coordination and spatial reasoning
Typical Learning Modules:
• Engineering Inspection
• MIG/MAG Welding Techniques
• TIG Pipe Welding
• Thermal Cutting
• Weld Metallurgy
Certification Outcome
Level 3 NVQ & Codified Weld Test Certificate (ISO 9606)
Top Training Providers
- TWI (The Welding Institute)
- Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC)
- Derby College
Apprenticeship Standards & Source Attribution
Primary Source: Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) Occupational Standards • UK National Apprenticeship Service.
Wage Information: Minimum wage benchmarks reflect the UK National Minimum Wage for Apprentices (2026/27). Qualified pay rates reflect ONS ASHE survey data.
Last Reviewed: August 2026 • Next Review: April 2027
See our data verification principles on our Editorial Methodology page.