Welding

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. General welders are required to produce joints that satisfy basic quality standards in order to ensure that the finished products function correctly, contributing to the safety of all and the global quality of life.

Skilled, qualified, professionally certified General Welders can work anywhere in the world and provide services in harshest of environments. For these accomplished professionals, the monetary rewards can be significant.

On this Apprenticeship, you will learn to:

• produce good quality welds using two welding process/material type combinations and in two welding positions
• conduct particle inspection and dye penetrant inspection
• position, prepare and check the welding equipment
• receive, handle and maintain consumables
• prepare, check and protect materials and work area ready for welding
• complete and check the finished weld ready for inspection and report into the production control system
• understand the common arc welding processes, joint types (fillet, lap, butt, etc.) and positions
• understand the major components of welding equipment and the essential parameters for welding
• identify and understand the causes of typical welding defects and how their occurrence can be reduced, for the materials and welding processes selected.

Acceptance onto the intermediate Apprenticeship will be via an initial assessment with the College’s Work-based Learning team. Acceptance onto the advanced Apprenticeship will be through the completion of an intermediate Apprenticeship and a recommendation from the College based on the results received at level 2.

Assessment is continuous, both on and off the job.

There are numerous pathways for general welders who may wish to pursue higher level careers in welding. These include progression to multi-positional welder, high integrity welder or welding instruction and teaching, welding inspection and managing and supervising welding operations.