ODS Metal Fabrication Apprenticeship
Curriculum & Rotations
(Beyond Standard Fabrication & Welding)
- Travel & Site Experience: live projects; toolbox talks; install sequencing
- Engineering & Design Exposure: read drawings/models; RFI (Request for Information) basics; coordination with the design office
- Quality & Safety Systems: CE/ISO processes, inspections, welding procedures and RAMS
- Production Machinery: CNC beam line, drilling/sawing, presses; maintenance basics
- Steel Erection & Cladding: selling out, liing & fixing, weathering details, sealing and finishing
- Modular M&E Manufacturing: assemble and integrate mechanical and electrical modules
- Mentored Rotations: structured check-ins each phase with a trade mentor and supervisor
Programme Objectives
By the end of the apprenticeship, you will:
- Master core fabrication & welding to industry standards
- Gain engineering & design literacy (drawing/model reading; coordination with the design office)
- Operate production machinery safely (CNC beam line, drills/saws, presses)
- Apply quality & safety systems (CE/ISO standards, inspections, RAMS – Risk Assessment Method Statements)
- Gain real-world experience in steel erection and cladding installation on live sites
- Learn modular M&E (Mechanical & Electrical) manufacturing
- Finish with a nationally recognised qualification and a mapped progression plan
Build industry-ready metal fabricators, steel erectors and cladders who can contribute on site and in the workshop from day one, then progress into design, supervision, project management, quality or commercial roles
Target Cohort
Early-career talent with a hands-on mindset (school leavers or career changers).
Team players who want workshop and site exposure across fabrication, erection and cladding.
Based in Ireland and willing to travel for project/site rotations.
Format & Cadence (4 Years | 7 Phases)
On-the-job (paid) workshop and site rotations across fabrication, erection, cladding, install, QA/QC and design shadowing
Off the-job (block release): training centre/college theory, practicals, and skills demonstrations
Cadence: alternating on/off-the-job phases in line with the national apprenticeship schedule
Commitment: full-time employment for the duration – earn while you learn
Measurement & Certification
Assessments:
- Theory tests
- Practical tasks
- Skills demonstrations per phase
Qualification: QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate Cra – Metal Fabrication (on successful completion)
Performance Tracking: phase reviews; safety & quality sign-offs; attendance & conduct
Support & Benefits
Mentoring: named trade mentor plus a progression buddy
PPE & Tools: provided; modern, CNC-enabled workshop
Travel/Subsistence: supported for site rotations where applicable
Development: written development plan; recognition awards; coaching culture
Progression & Pathways (Addressing Post-Year-4 Retention)
Mapped in Year 3 and reviewed at completion, you’ll explore pathways such as:
- Fabrication & Site: Fabricator / Steel Erector / Cladder / Site Supervisor
- Design: Tekla/CAD Technician
- Project Management: Junior PM → PM
- Quality: QC Inspector → QA/QC Lead
- Commercial: Junior QS / Planning
Steel Erector Development Programme
Designed to support and accelerate the development of recent entrants into the professional world of structural steel and modular construction, or those wishing to upskill/ transition from alternative roles or industries.
This two-year programme places candidates at the heart of the Design & Engineering team, with a structured pathway combining on-the-job learning, formal training, and crossfunctional rotations to enhance technical knowledge and practical understanding.
Entry Requirements
- National apprenticeship entry requirements (e.g. Junior/ Leaving Cert or equivalent; pre-apprenticeship/work experience considered)
- Comfort with measurements, tools and teamwork (we’ll teach the rest)
- Full compliance with health & safety; a colour-vision test may apply
Application & Next Steps
- Apply: odseng.com
- Email: recruitment@odseng.ie
- Phone: +353 062 71102
What to include:
A short CV, a brief note on why you’re interested in metal fabrication, erection and cladding, and your earliest start date.
Selection process:
01
Application
02
Interview & Site Visit
03
Offer
04
Onboarding & First Rotation
ODS delivers structural steelwork, architectural metalwork, cladding and modular assemblies across Ireland and the UK. We pair modern CNC workshops with experienced fabrication, erection and cladding teams, and invest heavily in apprenticeships, safety and quality so people can build long, meaningful careers with us.