Course Overview

This course is designed for those who have an interest in or are already employed in the industry as a welder/fabricator.

Learners will study the basic principles of fabrication and welding technology and acquire and develop practical skills in different types of welding techniques and processes within our specialist and fully equipped welding workshop. Designed for both those with experience and those with no experience at all this course will provide learners with a nationally recognised qualification and the skills to progress within the welding and fabrication industry.

As far as possible the course is practically based and will cover both the theory and practice of welding and fabrication, covering the following units:

• Working effectively and safely in an engineering environment
• Engineering principles and practice
• Principles of welding and fabrication
• Metal Inert Gas welding (MIG)
• Tungsten Inert Gas welding (TIG)
• Sheet metalwork fabrication
• Arc welding (option subject to demand)

Learners will be expected to wear the following mandatory PPE/RPE in the BTC workshops when carrying out welding activities:

• TIG/MMA welding gloves

• Leather apron
• Head mounted welding screens
• Air fed welding screens (Loaned and available on a first come first served basis)
• Safety glasses
• Ear plugs
• Safety boots
• Proban overalls
• A P3 Respiratory protection which protects against welding fumes.

PPE/RPE which is brought in by learners for use in our workshops will be checked to ensure it is suitable for welding related activities.

Assessment Methods

Assessment of the course is split between practical assessment and written exams. For each unit there is one exam and one practical task. Learners do not need any specific qualifications to start this course, however any experience in the field of engineering, welding or fabrication would be a benefit. Learners will need to bring overalls and safety shoes for the practical sessions.

Progression Options

The natural progression from this is onto the Level 3 BTEC National Certificate in Manufacturing or Operations & Maintenance or the BTEC HNC/HND in Mechatronics or Manufacturing (with appropriate additional qualifications), here at Bridgwater College.