Welder / Fabricator

Job Specification: Fabricator / Welder Location Southend-on-Sea (SS3 postcode area) Salary £20.00 - £30.00 per hour (depending on skills and experience) Employment Type Temporary to Permanent (via agency) Start Date: As soon as possible Essential Requirement • Candidates must live locally within a reasonable commuting distance of the SS3 postcode area Role Overview We are seeking a highly skilled Fabricator/Welder who delivers consistently accurate, high-quality work, follows strict safety and quality standards, and takes pride in every piece they produce. This is not a training role - you must already be competent across the required welding, fabrication, and quality skills. You will be accountable for every weld, cut, and assembly you produce, ensuring work meets tolerances, complies with UK standards, and passes inspection first time, every time. Note: All candidates will be required to complete a practical test during interview or induction to demonstrate competence. Key Responsibilities 1. Welding & Fabrication • Execute MIG, TIG, MMA/Stick, and flux-cored welds with precision. • Work with mild steel, stainless steel, and aluminium confidently. • Control heat and manage distortion; ensure full weld penetration. • Produce assemblies that match drawings exactly - no compromises. • Adapt drawings to real-world challenges without cutting corners. 2. Blueprint & Measurement Accuracy • Read and interpret complex fabrication drawings and weld symbols (BS EN ISO). • Mark out and measure components within tight tolerances. • Use verniers, micrometers, and tape measures correctly and consistently. • Check squareness, diagonals, and alignment before welding or assembly. 3. Cutting & Forming • Operate bandsaws, chop saws, press brakes, rollers, plasma cutters, and oxy-fuel equipment safely and accurately. • Grind and finish to professional standards - every edge, every weld, every time. 4. Quality & Compliance • Apply UK fabrication standards: ISO 9001, BS EN 1090, CE/UKCA marking. • Follow WPS and WPQR procedures without deviation. • Perform visual inspections and identify defects (porosity, undercut, lack of fusion). • Document all work accurately for traceability. • Understand that quality is not optional - you are responsible for your own work. 5. Workshop & Safety • Use all workshop machinery safely (pillar drills, guillotines, saws). • Participate in maintenance, jig building, and fixture setup. • Follow COSHH, manual handling, PPE, and fire safety procedures without exception. • Contribute to a culture of safety - your colleagues' well-being depends on you. 6. Professional Conduct & Soft Skills • Communicate clearly with engineers, site teams, inspectors, and clients. • Meet deadlines without compromising quality. • Take pride in workmanship - your work reflects on the whole workshop. • Solve practical problems on the job proactively, not reactively. 7. Advanced / Growth Skills (Desirable) • Structural steel assembly and site installation experience. • Basic CAD skills and project planning knowledge. • Supervisory and leadership capability. • Lean workshop thinking and continuous improvement mindset. Key Expectations • First-time-right mentality: Every weld, cut, and assembly must meet specifications. • Attention to detail: Small errors are unacceptable. • Reliability: Be punctual, dependable, and ready to work every shift. • Team contribution: Even as a tradesperson, you support the safety, quality, and efficiency of the team. • Competence verified: You will need to complete a practical test during interview or induction. KPIs • Welds and assemblies pass inspection first time, every time. • Dimensional and layout accuracy meets specified tolerances. • Compliance with safety and quality procedures at all times. • Timely completion of tasks without cutting corners. • Active contribution to workshop improvement and efficiency. Reporting Reports to: Workshop Manager / Production Supervisor Working Environment • Fabrication workshop with occasional site work. • Exposure to noise, heat, and industrial machinery. • Fast-paced, high-standard environment - only competent, skilled fabricators will thrive. How to Apply • Email your CV to: (url removed) • Or message on WhatsApp: (phone number removed) to register