Fabricator

Review: Fabricator - Plater Opportunity at Babcock, Plymouth

This detailed review provides potential candidates with an in-depth understanding of the Fabricator - Plater role at Babcock's Devonport site in Plymouth, Devon. It highlights the unique advantages and key considerations, aiming to guide individuals in evaluating this opportunity for their career progression.

The Opportunity: Making a National Impact

Babcock is offering a Full Time, Permanent Fabricator - Plater position that goes beyond standard fabrication work. Based at the critical Devonport Royal Dockyard, this role involves significant contributions to the UK’s submarine and warship programmes. Candidates will be part of a highly skilled team, focusing on structural fabrication and repairs for some of the nation's most complex and vital engineering projects. This is an excellent chance to apply your technical expertise directly to national defence and maritime innovation.

Advantages for Your Career Path

• Impactful Work: Directly contribute to national security and cutting-edge maritime engineering. Your work will involve critical structural fabrication and repairs on submarines, warships, and factory-based modules, offering a profound sense of purpose.
• Strong Compensation Package: The role offers a competitive starting salary of £35,530, with significant On-Target Earnings (OTE) potential up to £50,882. Additionally, candidates will benefit from shift enhancements, further boosting overall remuneration.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Babcock provides a robust benefits package designed to support employee well-being and financial security. This includes:
  • Generous holiday allowance with a "Holiday Trading" option.
  • Matched contribution pension scheme with life assurance.
  • Access to health and well-being resources through Aviva DigiCare+ (Digital GP, annual health check, nutritional consultations).
  • Employee share scheme and shopping savings portal.
  • Payment of Professional Fees, supporting continuous professional development.
  • Special paid leave for Reservists and a "Be Kind Day" for volunteering.
  • Excellent development opportunities and an employee assistance programme.
• Stability and Growth: As a full-time, permanent position within a globally recognized company, this role offers long-term career stability and potential for advancement within Babcock International.
• Skill Enhancement: Working on diverse and complex platforms will enhance your skills in interpreting engineering drawings, fabricating various metals and thicknesses, and operating advanced workshop machinery.

Key Considerations for Potential Candidates

To ensure this opportunity aligns with your career aspirations, consider the following key aspects:

• Required Expertise: Candidates should possess a proven ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, alongside competence in using fabrication tools and workshop machinery. An Indentured Apprenticeship or Level 2 qualification in relevant fields (fabrication, structural steel, or sheet metal work) is essential.
• Sector Experience: Prior experience in marine engineering or similar demanding sectors (e.g., Royal Navy, RFA, commercial shipbuilding) is highly valued, indicating a familiarity with the stringent standards and complexities of this environment.
• Working Pattern: The role operates on a full-time, 35-hour week at the Devonport site. It includes Optimised Working Patterns (OWP) with 4-week shift cycles (day/back or day/night shifts). Candidates should assess their readiness for shift work and its impact on work-life balance. Enhanced pay is associated with OWP.
• Security Clearance: A critical requirement is the ability to achieve and maintain Security Check (SC) security clearance. Eligibility may be affected by factors such as place of birth, nationality, and residency, which candidates must review.
• Safety-First Mindset: Given the nature of the work, a strong commitment to safety and meticulous attention to detail are paramount.
• Location: The position is based on-site at Devonport Royal Dockyard in Plymouth, Devon.

Guiding Your Career Path with Babcock

This Fabricator - Plater role at Babcock presents a unique opportunity for skilled professionals to elevate their career. Beyond the attractive compensation and benefits, it offers the chance to be part of an elite team delivering projects of national importance. For those seeking to develop their fabrication expertise within a challenging yet rewarding environment, and contribute to critical infrastructure, this position provides a robust platform for professional growth and a truly impactful career. Babcock's commitment to an inclusive culture and employee development further underscores its appeal as an employer.