Approx. duration: 18 months
Start Date: September and January
Attendance: One day a week at the Ipswich Campus
Entry requirements:
- Individual employers will set their selection criteria for applicants
- Apprentices need to be employed for a minimum of 30 hours a week and have a contract of employment
- Entry into the Apprenticeship is subject to a thorough skills scan assessment to clarify course suitability
- Apprentices must achieve Functional Skills Level 1 in English and/or Maths if they have a GCSE grade below Grade 2 or E. Additionally, they should demonstrate a commitment to working towards and completing the Level 2 exam before reaching the End-point assessment
- Apprentices who have already achieved GCSE grade 2 or Functional Level 1 in English and/or Maths will need to demonstrate a willingness to work towards and successfully complete the Level 2 exam prior to the End-point assessment
On-programme learning:
- Welder Standard Level 2
- English and Maths (if required) to achieve Level 2
End-point assessment:
Delivered by City and Guilds
Progression:
On completion of this apprenticeship a welder can progress to become a supervisor or metal fabrication workshop manager or work in welding inspection. There is also the option to train as a commercial diver and specialise in underwater welding.
Course Summary:
Welders are tasked with producing welds according to industry standards, using both manual and mechanised arc welding techniques. They will work with at least two combinations of welding processes and materials, with one of the processes required to be manual welding.
Welders work with people from other teams and functions, such as
- Plate fabricators
- Steel erectors
- Steel workers
- Riggers
- Stores operatives
- Supervisors
- Inspectors
- Testing and quality control technicians
Their work may undergo inspections to ensure welding quality, including visual assessments and dimensional measurements. Quality checks may also involve non-destructive and destructive testing. Welders must ensure that both the process and final products meet quality standards and are completed on schedule. They are required to follow health and safety guidelines, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Additionally, they must adhere to environmental and sustainability regulations, such as minimising waste and recycling materials.