General Welder (arc processes) - Intermediate Apprenticeship - Level 2
Overview
Welding is used extensively and in almost every sector of industry. There is a high demand for skilled General Welders in areas such as: automotive, marine, transport, general fabrication, construction and many more.
General Welders produce items like components for: cars, ships, rail vehicles, simple metallic containers and steelwork for bridges, buildings and gantries. Welding is a safety critical occupation and every welder takes responsibility for the quality and accuracy of their work.
Start dates and fees
This apprenticeship programme can begin at any time of the year. This might be in line with your start date of employment or perhaps a review with your employer where your development is discussed.
During your apprenticeship your employer is obliged to pay you a wage. The minimum rate for an apprentice in the year 2023 is £5.28 an hour for the first year of learning. It is worth noting that many employers pay above this rate.
For more information about apprenticeships including our current vacancies, please visit our apprenticeship page.
What will I study?
- Welding principles and techniques such as arc processes, and joint types and positions
- Using welding tools, equipment and consumables
- General welding, including producing car, ship and rail components
- Identifying and understanding the causes of welding faults
- Completing and checking finished welds, including meeting international standards for dimensional and surface inspection
- Using documents and reporting systems to work to a welding procedure specification
- Health and safety practices and requirements
Entry requirements
Each apprenticeship programme will have its own set of entry requirements. You should understand these before making an application. Individual prior attainment will always be carefully considered when planning an apprenticeship programme.
You will need to be aged 16 years and over to be eligible for an apprenticeship programme. As this is a work-based qualification you must be employed in a relevent role and have a contract of employment to cover the duration of the apprenticeship programme. Here at West Nottinghamshire College we have a recruitment team that can help you to find the right opportunity. Call the main college number and ask for the apprenticeship team to find out how we could help you.
As an applicant, you will undertake assessment in both maths and English prior to enrolment to ascertain current working levels which will aid the creation of an individual learning plan towards achieving maths and English at level 2 if not already achieved.
If you have passed maths and English GCSE or equivalent you will be required to evidence this with certificates which may result in exemption from undertaking the maths and English functional skill qualification within the apprenticeship framework. Please note that as an apprentice you are required to demonstrate ongoing improvement in both maths and English even if you are exempt from the tested element.
Study programmes - essential skills for employment
As an entry requirement on some of our courses, you will need a GCSE in both English and maths with at least a grade 4/C (please see entry requirements above).
If this isn’t displayed under the entry requirements and you don’t currently have a GCSE in both English and maths at grade 4/C or above before joining us, you will then study English and maths as part of your programme with the aim of achieving a qualification with at least a grade 4/C. This is to help improve your chances of employment once you leave us.
In addition, to help you gain essential skills for employment, all students aged 19 and under and studying a full-time course with us will take part in our study programmes.
How long is the course?
18 months plus EPA
How will I be assessed?
Blended delivery method including day release at college, work based assessment and online learning including: reflective accounts, witness statements, activity based work books, presentations, professional interview/discussion and work based projects
What does the course lead to?
Following the successful completion of the intermediate apprenticeship there is the opportunity for further development using other apprenticeship standards, depending on how your role has evolved and the potential to work towards career progression opportunities.
Career opportunities
There isn't currently career information listed for this course.