What are Skills Bootcamps in Welding for the Workplace?

Skills Bootcamps in Welding for the Workplace is a FREE four-week, career-focused programme designed to help adults develop practical welding skills and prepare for employment in welding, fabrication and engineering.

The Skills Bootcamp has been developed in response to strong local demand for skilled welders. It combines practical workshop training with health and safety, employability support and more to help you become work-ready.

You’ll develop practical skills in welding processes such as MIG, TIG and MMA, depending on employer demand, as well as learning how to work safely, interpret technical requirements and produce welds to industry standards.

The Skills Bootcamp is aimed at adults who are unemployed and not currently in education, employment or training (NEET) and are looking to start a career in welding.

After completing the Skills Bootcamp, you’ll be guaranteed a job interview with an employer.

Who should join a Skills Bootcamp in Welding for the Workplace?

This Skills Bootcamp is suitable for adults who are unemployed and not currently in education, employment or training (NEET) and want to develop practical welding skills for a career in engineering, manufacturing or fabrication.

You should:

Be aged 19 or over.
Have an interest in welding, engineering or fabrication.
Have been resident in the UK for the last three years.
Live within the Nottinghamshire or Derbyshire area.

Previous convictions will be reviewed as part of the application process. Where required, learners may be asked to attend an exceptional needs panel.

What will you learn on the Skills Bootcamps in Welding for the Workplace?

The Skills Bootcamp combines practical welding training with workshop safety, industry standards and employability skills.

Week 1: Foundations and safety

You’ll develop your understanding of the welding and fabrication workshop, including:

Workshop environments, tools and equipment.
Safe working practices and PPE.
Hazard awareness.
Abrasive wheels.
Measuring and marking out.
Cutting and grinding.
Material preparation.
Weld joints and welding positions.
Different materials used in welding.

Week 2: Core welding skills

You’ll develop practical welding skills, including:

MIG, TIG or MMA welding fundamentals, based on employer demand.
Machine setup.
Torch control.
Bead laying.
Plate practice.
Identifying and correcting weld defects.
Developing consistency, accuracy and confidence.

Week 3: Coded welding preparation

You’ll prepare for coded welding through:

Training aligned to BS EN ISO 5817 acceptance criteria, Level B.
Positional welding practice, including positions such as PD and PF.
Working to Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS).
Mock test preparation.
Supervised welding practice.

Week 4: Testing and employability

During the final week, you’ll work towards industry-recognised testing and develop your employability skills.

This includes:

Completing the BS EN ISO 17637 Visual Testing course.
Attempting a coded welding test to BS EN ISO 9606-1.
CV support.
Interview preparation.
Job-readiness coaching.
Workplace expectations and behaviours for engineering environments.

What training will I undertake?

The Skills Bootcamp gives you the opportunity to complete industry-relevant training and testing, including:

BS EN ISO 17637 Visual Testing course.
A final coded welding test attempt to BS EN ISO 9606-1.
Abrasive Wheels training.

The training is aligned to relevant welding standards and Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS), helping you develop skills that reflect the requirements of modern engineering and fabrication workplaces.

What could I do after completing the Skills Bootcamp?

The Skills Bootcamp is designed to help you progress into employment in welding, fabrication, manufacturing and engineering.

After completing the Skills Bootcamp, you’ll be guaranteed a job interview with an employer.

You could go on to:

Apply for welding jobs.
Apply for fabrication and engineering roles.
Find employment or an apprenticeship.
Build on your welding skills through further training.
Progress towards a career in manufacturing or engineering.

There is strong demand for welding skills across the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) area. More than 3,200 unique welding-related vacancies from over 650 employers were identified in the last year, demonstrating the range of employment opportunities available.

How long is the Skills Bootcamp?

The Skills Bootcamp takes four weeks to complete.

It is an intensive, full-time programme delivered over five days per week.

When does the Skills Bootcamps in Welding for the Workplace start?

The next Skills Bootcamps starts on:

28 September 2026
2 November 2026

When do classes take place?

Classes take place 5 days per week, from 7am to 3.30pm, over four weeks.

This intensive timetable allows you to develop your practical welding skills through regular hands-on training.

Where do the Skills Bootcamps in Welding for the Workplace take place?

The Skills Bootcamp takes place at Tecforce Ltd, Derby, DE24 8AA.

How much do Skills Bootcamps cost?

The Skills Bootcamp is free for eligible unemployed learners, subject to funding and eligibility criteria.

Your eligibility will be confirmed during the application process.

If you’re unsure whether you’re eligible, contact our enquiries team on 0808 100 3626.

How is the Skills Bootcamp delivered?

The Skills Bootcamp is delivered through intensive practical and classroom-based training over four weeks.

You’ll spend time developing hands-on welding skills in a professional workshop environment, alongside training in:

Health and safety.
Workshop practices.
Welding theory.
Industry standards.
Welding testing.
Employability.
CV and interview preparation.

The programme has been designed around employer requirements, helping you develop the practical skills, knowledge and workplace behaviours needed to start a career in welding and engineering.

How do I apply for the Skills Bootcamps in Welding for the Workplace?

Applying is easy. Simply click the Register your interest button in the Course Information section of this page.

A member of our team will contact you to:

Provide more information about the Skills Bootcamp.
Confirm your eligibility and existing qualifications.
Guide you through the enrolment process.

If you have questions about eligibility, call our enquiries team on 0808 100 3626.

Adult learning support and guidance

Starting something new can feel like a big step, but you don’t have to do it alone. From careers guidance to mental health and wellbeing, we’re here to support you before you apply and throughout your time with us.
Visit our adult support page

Careers

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.