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Fabrication and Welding - Level 2
Overview
IMPORTANT
Applications are now open for academic year 2026/2027, but our full-time courses are still being finalised. If your chosen course changes, we'll contact you to offer a suitable alternative that matches your goals. For more information, call our Enquiries Team on 0808 100 3626.
Are you interested in a hands-on career in fabrication and welding? This course is designed to help you progress into a variety of roles, including plater/fabricator, sheet metal worker, steel erector/fabricator or welder.
During the course, you will develop your skills on a range of welding platforms such as MIG & TIG and gain a basic understanding of material fabrication. We'll cover engineering knowledge with both theory and practical solutions, and you'll have the opportunity to participate in extensive enrichment activities, such as fabricating and welding a basic structure linked to the course project, as well as trips and visits.
This course is a great foundation for progression to a Level 2 Diploma in engineering programme, including mechanical engineering, welding and fabrication or an apprenticeship. You'll be equipped with the skills and knowledge to pursue a range of careers, including mechanical engineer, CNC operator, toolmaker, aircraft fitter, and composites engineer.
With our strong links to local businesses, we offer work placements that provide valuable on-the-job experience. Many learners have secured permanent, full-time employment with their work placement.
Our partnership with industry employers, such as Toyota, Land Rover, and Pirelli UK, provides exciting work experience opportunities and ensures that you develop the skills and expertise employers in the engineering industry are looking for.
You'll learn in our purpose-built Fabrication and Welding Academy, based at our Gene Haas Centre for Advanced Manufacturing.
Join us and start your journey to a successful career in engineering today!
What will I study?
Working in engineering
This unit will equip you with the fundamental skills and knowledge essential to succeed in engineering or manufacturing sectors. You will learn about safe working practices, environmental awareness, and effective teamwork, which are crucial for success in any industry. Additionally, you'll discover the communication methods that engineers use in their day-to-day work.
Principles of engineering technology
In this unit, you'll explore the core principles of mathematics, science, and materials technology that are essential to engineering applications. You'll learn how to perform commonly used engineering calculations and how to select and modify materials based on their properties and types. We'll also cover the different forms of supply for materials and how to change their properties to suit specific engineering needs.
Principles of fabrication and welding technology
In this unit we'll cover the fundamental principles of welding, fabrication materials, weld symbols and terminology, distortion, weld defects, heat effects of welding, forming allowances, and non-destructive and workshop testing. By the end of this unit, you'll have a comprehensive understanding of the principles that underpin these processes and how they're applied in practice.
Welding by MIG process
In this unit, you'll develop your metal inert gas (MIG) welding skills to meet the defect acceptance requirements of BS 4872 part 1. You'll explore a range of applied knowledge topics, including health and safety hazards and how to avoid them, preparation, electrical requirements, consumables, welding techniques, welding positions, distortion control and rectification, BS 4872 part 1 requirements, and non-destructive and workshop testing. By the end of this unit, you'll be equipped with the skills and knowledge to confidently produce high-quality MIG welds that meet industry standards.
Welding by TIG process
In this unit, you will develop the skills to weld with tungsten inert gas (TIG) and meet the high standards required by BS 4872 part 1 for steel or stainless steel, as well as part 2 for aluminium/aluminium alloys within their scopes. You will learn about health and safety hazards and effective ways to avoid them, as well as the essential techniques for preparing materials, selecting electrical requirements, choosing consumables, positioning the welding torch, and controlling distortion. You will also gain a deep understanding of BS 4872 requirements and learn how to test your welds for defects in non-destructive and workshop settings.
Fabricating sheet metalwork
This unit focuses on the process technology behind creating sheet metal products, covering everything from cutting and forming to assembly and joining. You'll also learn about the crucial health and safety considerations associated with each step of the process.
- Entry requirements
- GCSE English Language and Maths at grade 3-9.
If you are not studying a traditional GCSE programme, we accept alternative qualifications like Functional Skills and vocational courses. If you are not planning on sitting GCSE exams, we can also support you with completing an English Language and Maths assessment.
Please contact our admissions team for further details:
- 01623 413639
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Applicants aged over 19
If you don't meet the listed entry requirements, you may still be accepted with relevant experience, a strong portfolio, and a commitment to the subject. - Assessment
- Knowledge and skills are assessed using a combination of methods including, practical assessments in a fabrication and welding workshop environment, written knowledge assessments, assignments and online testing.
- Underpinning knowledge will be assessed via online external tests and assignments for all units.
- Practical activities are assessed in our centre using externally set criteria. Performance evidence being the main form of evidence gathered.
- In order to demonstrate consistent, competent performance for a unit, a minimum of three different examples of performance must be provided, and sufficient to show assessment criteria has been achieved to the prescribed standards.
- Progression
- An apprenticeship
- Employment.
- Careers
- Qualifications gained
- Certificate in Engineering
- City & Guilds
- Additional costs
At West Notts College, our students benefit from excellent facilities and equipment across all campuses. However, some courses require students to purchase specific tools, equipment, or specialist clothing to fully participate in practical learning.
Visit our kit lists page to see what clothing and equipment you’ll need, and start preparing for your studies in September.
- Studying Fabrication and Welding at WNC
Discover what it is really like to study with us. Explore the full range of courses available, hear from our students, see the facilities you will train in, and discover the employer partners you could work with.
You can also browse galleries and get a real feel for college life before you apply.
Disclaimer
Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information on the website is correct, some details may be subject to change. West Nottinghamshire College reserves the right to make amendments to the courses, dates, fees or other details, and to make cancellations or changes if numbers are insufficient. In the unfortunate situation that we have to cancel a course we will refund your fees in full, but we regret we are not able to offer any refund if you withdraw from your course or fail to start, and you will be liable to pay any outstanding fees that may be due.