Fabricator Review

As a fabricator in a shipyard my role is to fabricate, repair, install or remove various metal components onboard warships and submarines for our customer the Royal Navy

All skills I have learnt are completely new as I had no prior experience. These are all trade related skills on the tools

I enjoy the versatility of the work I do on a day to day basis. However I do not as much enjoy the college side of the apprenticeship

The apprentice lasts 4 years, I’d say the organisation is pretty good minus some poor organisation/ communication from time to time mainly from the college side of it

Babcock provide a good amount of support if needed

Not a huge deal in fairness. Depending on who you go to for support, some lecturers at the college will go out their way to support you whereas others are not as concerned

I feel that the theory we learn in college is important due to needing to have strong knowledge on the trade. We do a stupid amount of maths which I think is completely unnecessary as I’ve never needed it in work. The practical work is not relevant either

Not that I am aware of no!

Yes

The work can be exciting and challenging , you can learn on the job so no experience required, and the rate of pay is really good for apprentices

Make sure you read up on the trade you are applying for us you can’t change once your in, so ensure you will enjoy it! Also be prepared for 3 tough years balancing college work and NVQ work with your normal work life. It’s worth it afterwards though