Plater / Fabricator – Belfast in County Antrim

Plater / Fabricator – Belfast

Location: Belfast

Initial project: Approximately 4–5 months

Longer-term opportunity: Potential progression onto a 6–8-year MOD project

Payment: PAYE

Shifts: Days and nights

Working hours: 10 hours per day, 6 days per week, Monday to Saturday, with potential Sunday shifts being introduced

MDE is recruiting experienced Platers / Fabricators to support a barge block fabrication project at a Belfast shipyard.

The role involves fabricating, fitting and assembling substantial structural steel components and blocks for a barge. The initial project is expected to last approximately 4–5 months.

Following this initial scope, there is potential for suitable workers to progress onto a 6–8-year MOD project. Continued work will depend on performance, project requirements and client approval.

We welcome applications from suitable local candidates and those willing to travel.

Pay Rates

• Days: £28.02 per hour for the first 40 hours worked each week, including holiday pay.
• Nights: £37.26 per hour for the first 40 hours worked each week, including holiday pay.
• Overtime: £42.03 per hour after 40 hours per week, on either shift, including holiday pay.
• Travel / accommodation / subsistence: £406.40 per week, where applicable.

The basic day rate before holiday pay is £25.00 per hour. Nights are calculated at 1.33× that basic rate, and overtime at 1.5×. The night premium is not added to the overtime rate.

All hourly rates are gross before PAYE deductions.

Example Weekly Earnings – Days

• 55 paid hours: £1,751.25, or £2,157.65 including the weekly allowance.
• 60 paid hours: £1,961.40, or £2,367.80 including the weekly allowance.
• 65 paid hours: £2,171.55, or £2,577.95 including the weekly allowance.

Example Weekly Earnings – Nights

• 55 paid hours: £2,120.85, or £2,527.25 including the weekly allowance.
• 60 paid hours: £2,331.00, or £2,737.40 including the weekly allowance.
• 65 paid hours: £2,541.15, or £2,947.55 including the weekly allowance.

All earnings examples include holiday pay and are gross before PAYE deductions. They use 40 basic hours plus 15, 20 or 25 overtime hours respectively.

Allowance totals assume eligibility for the full £406.40 weekly payment. Actual earnings depend on paid hours and shift worked; these examples do not guarantee weekly hours.

Key Responsibilities

• Fabricating and assembling structural steel components and barge blocks.
• Reading and working from engineering drawings and specifications.
• Marking out, cutting and forming steel.
• Fabricating brackets, supports and structural components.
• Fitting and aligning components ready for welding.
• Checking dimensions and the quality of completed assemblies.
• Completing tack welding, grinding and preparation work where required.
• Working alongside Welders and other fabrication trades.
• Meeting the required safety, quality and production standards.

Previous marine, shipbuilding or shipyard experience would be beneficial. Candidates with strong heavy engineering and structural fabrication backgrounds will also be considered.

Requirements

• Strong Plater / Fabricator / Steelworker experience.
• Structural steel fabrication and assembly experience.
• NVQ Level 3 in a relevant trade, an equivalent qualification or time-served experience.
• Ability to read and work from engineering drawings.
• Ability to work to specifications and check dimensions accurately.
• Good safety awareness and a reliable approach to work.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Able to complete the required onboarding and security clearance process.

To Apply

Please send your latest CV and confirm your earliest start date and preferred shift.