Welder / Fabricator

Who are we? Smiths (Gloucester) Ltd is a family run business owned and run by the Smith family since 1982. Smiths has grown from a single owner-operated plant hire company to a multifaceted group with family values still firmly at the heart of each project undertaken. With depots in Avonmouth, Cardiff, Gloucester, Stonehouse and Tewkesbury we operate predominately across the South-West of England. We specialise in Construction, Waste Management, Plant Hire, Demolition and Transport operations. What we're looking for? To manufacture, assemble, repair and modify fabricated metal components and structures using welding and fabrication techniques. The role supports safe, reliable operation of plant, vehicles, containers, skips, machinery, and fixed installations by delivering high-quality, compliant work to engineering drawings, job specifications and industry standards. Responsibilities for the job role:

1. Fabrication & Welding Carry out MIG/MAG, TIG and/or MMA (stick) welding (depending on site requirements) on mild steel and, where required, stainless steel and aluminium. Fabricate components and assemblies from drawings and measurements, including: frames, brackets, chutes, guards, hoppers, supports, walkways, gates, handrails repair of skips/RO-RO containers/hook bins, bodywork, and plant attachments (if applicable) Perform cutting, shaping and finishing using appropriate methods, including plasma cutting, oxy-fuel cutting, grinders, drills, saws and presses. Set up and operate workshop equipment safely (e.g., pillar drills, guillotines, press brakes, rollers—where trained/authorised). Carry out positional welding and fabrication in workshop and on-site environments (as required).
2. Repairs, Maintenance & Breakdown Support Diagnose faults and carry out repairs on damaged components, worn structures and mechanical fixtures. Support planned preventative maintenance activities and urgent breakdowns where welding/fabrication is required. Remove, replace and rebuild damaged parts to restore operational integrity with minimal downtime.
3. Quality, Standards & Documentation Work to engineering drawings, weld symbols, job cards and specifications. Ensure weld quality meets required standards (e.g., visually acceptable, correctly sized/penetrated, appropriately finished). Conduct basic dimensional checks and quality inspections; report non-conformances. Complete job documentation accurately, including job cards, material usage, time sheets, and repair reports.
4. Health, Safety & Compliance Follow all company H&S rules, RAMS, permit-to-work processes and safe systems of work. Conduct pre-task risk assessments and use correct PPE at all times (including welding PPE and RPE as required). Maintain safe working practices relating to: hot works, grinding, cutting, working at height, confined spaces (if applicable) safe handling of gas cylinders, extraction/ventilation, and fire prevention Keep work areas clean and tidy; manage sparks/slag and waste responsibly. Stop work and escalate immediately where unsafe conditions exist.
5. Teamwork & Customer Focus Liaise with engineering, operations and supervisors to plan work and prioritise jobs. Communicate clearly with colleagues and site staff, providing updates on progress and delays. Contribute to continuous improvement by suggesting safer, faster, more cost-effective repair/fabrication methods. What can we offer you? Life Assurance Scheme Free on-site Parking Corporate gym membership discount Annual Salary Review Employee discount (50% on Skip Hire, other discounts on group services) Progression opportunities 24 hour unlimited access to mental health support What are our core values? If these values align with yours you are in the right place! Honesty - We believe that honesty in all matters is the best policy. Family values - We operate as a family unit with high moral standards, discipline and respect. Hardworking - We are certain that nothing is impossible if you work hard enough at it. Reliability - We pride ourselves on not letting people down and being true to our word. Environmental sustainability - We aim to minimise the impact that our company has on the environment by reducing emissions and waste, and recycling a large proportion of our waste (90% plus). We truly believe in a greener future for generations to come. Please apply if you are interested in this role and we will come back to you.