Job Description

We are seeking skilled Fabricator / Platers to join a major naval shipbuilding programme. You will be responsible for the fabrication, assembly and installation of structural steelwork and ship components, contributing to the construction of complex defence vessels.
This role offers the opportunity to work on nationally significant projects within a highly skilled manufacturing environment, ensuring work is completed safely, efficiently and to the highest quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

• 
  Mark off materials in accordance with engineering drawings and specifications.
• 
  Assemble ship structures including:
  • 
    Shell plating
  • 
    Decks
  • 
    Bulkheads
  • 
    Frames
  • 
    Longitudinals
• 
  Fit and fair steelwork using approved fairing methods and equipment.
• 
  Manufacture and install fabricated ship items including:
  • 
    Ladders
  • 
    Access platforms
  • 
    Seating
  • 
    Panels
  • 
    False flooring
• 
  Carry out ship outfitting activities including the installation of:
  • 
    Watertight doors
  • 
    Hatches
  • 
    Equipment foundations and seats
  • 
    Deck coverings and flooring systems
• 
  Operate fabrication machinery including:
  • 
    Rolling machines
  • 
    Flanging machines
  • 
    Guillotines
  • 
    Croppers
  • 
    Mechanical saws
• 
  Perform plate preparation activities using oxy-fuel cutting, grinding and drilling equipment.
• 
  Support ship launch, docking and sea trial preparations.
• 
  Read and interpret fabrication drawings, installation drawings and technical documentation.
• 
  Ensure all work is completed to required quality, safety and productivity standards.
• 
  Work collaboratively with supervisors and other trades to achieve programme milestones.

• 
  Recognised fabrication/plating apprenticeship, trade papers or equivalent qualifications.
• 
  Experience working as a Fabricator, Plater or Steelworker within shipbuilding, heavy engineering, marine, defence or manufacturing environments.
• 
  Ability to read and interpret fabrication and installation drawings.
• 
  Experience assembling and fitting structural steelwork.
• 
  Knowledge of fabrication processes, materials and manufacturing techniques.
• 
  Strong understanding of Health, Safety and Environmental (SHE) requirements.
• 
  Experience using hand tools, power tools and fabrication equipment.

• 
  Shipbuilding or naval vessel construction experience.
• 
  Oxy-fuel cutting experience.
• 
  Experience operating fabrication machinery such as rollers, flanging machines and guillotines.
• 
  Working at Height certification.
• 
  COSHH Awareness certification.
• 
  Additional safety certifications relevant to heavy manufacturing environments.

• 
  Strong practical fabrication and assembly skills.
• 
  Excellent attention to detail.
• 
  Ability to work accurately from engineering drawings.
• 
  Effective communication and teamwork skills.
• 
  Practical problem-solving ability.
• 
  Strong commitment to safety, quality and continuous improvement.
• 
  Ability to mentor and support apprentices and junior team members.

• 
  Opportunity to work on world-class naval and defence programmes.
• 
  Long-term, stable work within a growing industry sector.
• 
  Ongoing training and development opportunities.
• 
  Career progression into senior trades and supervisory positions.
• 
  Collaborative and safety-focused working environment.
• 
  The chance to contribute to the delivery of critical UK defence capabilities.

Location: Barrow-in-Furness
Industry: Defence / Shipbuilding
Reports To: Trade Supervisor

We are seeking skilled Fabricator / Platers to join a major naval shipbuilding programme. You will be responsible for the fabrication, assembly and installation of structural steelwork and ship components, contributing to the construction of complex defence vessels.
This role offers the opportunity to work on nationally significant projects within a highly skilled manufacturing environment, ensuring work is completed safely, efficiently and to the highest quality standards.

• 
  Mark off materials in accordance with engineering drawings and specifications.
• 
  Assemble ship structures including:
  • 
    Shell plating
  • 
    Decks
  • 
    Bulkheads
  • 
    Frames
  • 
    Longitudinals
• 
  Fit and fair steelwork using approved fairing methods and equipment.
• 
  Manufacture and install fabricated ship items including:
  • 
    Ladders
  • 
    Access platforms
  • 
    Seating
  • 
    Panels
  • 
    False flooring
• 
  Carry out ship outfitting activities including the installation of:
  • 
    Watertight doors
  • 
    Hatches
  • 
    Equipment foundations and seats
  • 
    Deck coverings and flooring systems
• 
  Operate fabrication machinery including:
  • 
    Rolling machines
  • 
    Flanging machines
  • 
    Guillotines
  • 
    Croppers
  • 
    Mechanical saws
• 
  Perform plate preparation activities using oxy-fuel cutting, grinding and drilling equipment.
• 
  Support ship launch, docking and sea trial preparations.
• 
  Read and interpret fabrication drawings, installation drawings and technical documentation.
• 
  Ensure all work is completed to required quality, safety and productivity standards.
• 
  Work collaboratively with supervisors and other trades to achieve programme milestones.

• 
  Recognised fabrication/plating apprenticeship, trade papers or equivalent qualifications.
• 
  Experience working as a Fabricator, Plater or Steelworker within shipbuilding, heavy engineering, marine, defence or manufacturing environments.
• 
  Ability to read and interpret fabrication and installation drawings.
• 
  Experience assembling and fitting structural steelwork.
• 
  Knowledge of fabrication processes, materials and manufacturing techniques.
• 
  Strong understanding of Health, Safety and Environmental (SHE) requirements.
• 
  Experience using hand tools, power tools and fabrication equipment.

• 
  Shipbuilding or naval vessel construction experience.
• 
  Oxy-fuel cutting experience.
• 
  Experience operating fabrication machinery such as rollers, flanging machines and guillotines.
• 
  Working at Height certification.
• 
  COSHH Awareness certification.
• 
  Additional safety certifications relevant to heavy manufacturing environments.

• 
  Strong practical fabrication and assembly skills.
• 
  Excellent attention to detail.
• 
  Ability to work accurately from engineering drawings.
• 
  Effective communication and teamwork skills.
• 
  Practical problem-solving ability.
• 
  Strong commitment to safety, quality and continuous improvement.
• 
  Ability to mentor and support apprentices and junior team members.

• 
  Opportunity to work on world-class naval and defence programmes.
• 
  Long-term, stable work within a growing industry sector.
• 
  Ongoing training and development opportunities.
• 
  Career progression into senior trades and supervisory positions.
• 
  Collaborative and safety-focused working environment.
• 
  The chance to contribute to the delivery of critical UK defence capabilities.