Trainee Machine Operator

Navantia UK is a new force in British industry, supporting the UK’s defence, energy and maritime ambitions. We’re doing this by creating state-of-the-art sovereign defence capabilities, investing in the UK to modernise industrial facilities, and bolstering the nation's energy security. Established in 2022, Navantia UK is a subsidiary of Navantia SA, a Spanish state-owned company with over 300 years of naval shipbuilding history. In January 2025, Navantia UK completed the acquisition of Harland & Wolff and its four historic facilities in Belfast, Appledore, Methil, and Arnish. By combining Harland & Wolff’s proud heritage and facilities with Navantia’s global expertise, Navantia UK is well-positioned to strengthen Britain’s defence, maritime and energy industrial capabilities, supporting jobs and economic growth across the UK.

As a Machine Operator (Trainee), your role will entail the setup, operate or attend machines to roll steel forming bends, rolls, cones, or plate. Cut, profile and scarf tubular and plate. You will also monitor machine cycles and mill operation to detect jamming and to ensure that products conform to the required dimensional specifications.

Projects will cover a range of steel structures across the marine, renewables and oil & gas sectors and the role will require flexibility between new-build structural steel fabrication or ship repair projects.

Operations and Technical:

• Interpret engineering drawings to determine the materials required and to plan the order of tasks.
• Read Rolling orders, mill schedules & cutting lists to determine setup specifications, work sequences, product dimensions, and installation procedures.
• Adjust and correct machine set-ups to reduce thicknesses, reshape products, and eliminate product defects.
• Start operation of rolling and milling machines to roll and form steel plates.
• Thread or feed sheets or rods through rolling mechanisms or start and control mechanisms that automatically feed steel into rollers.
• Manipulate controls and observe dial indicators to monitor, adjust, and regulate speeds of machine mechanisms.
• Examine, inspect, and measure materials and finished products to verify conformance to the required specification.
• Set up and operate various heavy-duty metalworking machines such as hydraulic presses, rolls and shears.
• Following established rules and procedures.
• Carrying out mandatory safety checks on the machinery. ·

Quality and Health & Safety:

• Demonstrate a positive attitude towards improving the culture in the workplace, stop and report any activity you feel might cause injury or damage ensuring that everyone works safely at all times.
• Follows and adhere to any control measures required under the Safety,
• Environmental and Quality Management Systems. Ensure good housekeeping of work areas at all times.
• Support the company in maintaining and improving our ISO 9001 (quality),14001 (environmental), 45001 (health and safety) standards through adherence to the Navantia UK Management Systems this is the responsibility of all Navantia UK employees when conducting all processes and activities.

Essential:

• Experienced Steelworker or fabricator either in a shipyard or similar field activity where structural fabrication was undertaken.
• Basic knowledge of welding processes.
• Understanding of engineering drawings and technical documentation.
• Experience of steel, burning, welding, forming, bending and fabricating processes and techniques.
• Knowledge of workplace safety.
• The ability to work independently according to valid instructions, rules, and other standards.
• Flexible cooperation with other team-members.
• Physical coordination and dexterity.

Key Interpersonal/Behavioural Skills:

• Ability to establish an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to
• accomplish a goal.
• Effectiveness in identifying possible problems for further
• reporting/investigation.
• Ability to express ideas or facts in a clear manner.
• Must be capable of working as part of a team
  
  

Please note BPSS clearance will be required

On Offer

• Competitive hourly rate
• Company pension
• Health care cash plan (optional)
• 33 days holiday
• Life assurance
• Great opportunity to kick start your career

We are an Opening Doors employer, committed to equal opportunity and an inclusive workplace. Our approach, shaped by our values of service, trust, excellence, agility, dedication, and you, we focus on removing barriers and recognising potential. We are committed to fairness at every stage, including providing reasonable adjustments and actively working to eliminate discrimination.

We believe talent is everywhere, and by widening access to opportunity and welcoming diverse experiences, we aim to create a workplace where every person feels valued and has an equal chance.

If you experience difficulties or are unable to apply for a role on-line please contact us at people.skills@harland-wolff.com and one of the team will be in contact to help you.