Fabricator Review

Marking out, and fabricating stainless steel components and work pieces in order to refit/overhaul the galley of the frigates and submarines within the navy. We also refurbish any products that come off the ships that can be re-used. It is all bespoke stainless steel work which is custom made.

I have learnt many new skills within fabrication, using tools and working with metal. I have also learnt a good amount of mathematical skills of which are used regularly within the work place. The skills I’ve learnt can be applied within the work place daily, and to any job I may come across in the future.

I have enjoyed my programme overall, but there has been difficulties throughout created through Covid, and also through the theory/teaching side of the course. There is a lot of course work to keep on top of but it is manageable, and also a new end of point assessment we have to do, but yet to.

The organisation of the course overall has been both good and bad at times. The organisation within the workplace and dockyard has been good, however the organisation within the college has not matched that of the workplace. At times it has been very challenging to stay motivated within the college.

Our employer provides a great amount of support with many options to take if you need help or support. The union presence also in the yard is another line of support and help if needed. But overall the support supplied is good and you always have the option to speak to someone when needed.

Once again, the support you receive within the course has been good, although it was made difficult at college with the Covid situation as everything was up in the air and unsure of what would happen. But there was enough support to get us through the course and pass in the end

The knowledge and skills I have learnt through the course has definitely enabled me to work effectively within my role. I had next to no previous experience within engineering before the apprenticeship, so everything I currently know regarding my job I have learnt through the apprenticeship over the last four years.

There are always chances to progress your career within the workplace. There were also competitions you could enter which enabled you to enter bespoke work pieces and travel to where the competition is overnight. Other than this I do not know of any extra curricular work activities within the company

Yes

It’s a well paid, interesting line of work to be in and will always be in work. The line of work within the dockyard is interesting and eye opening. Working on surface ships and submarines gives you a good insight of engineering features and how the ships work and function.

Ask lots of questions and never do something if you’re unsure, always ask for a second opinion. Keep on top of the course work and get it done sooner rather than later. Be keen and show to your flm's your eager to learn and develop within the company.