Level 2 General Welder

Throughout your apprenticeship you will be supported to develop specific knowledge, skills and behaviours which will help you develop as an engineer. These are outlined below.

You will work on developing the following knowledge:

• Be aware of the basic mechanical properties and weldability of welded materials.
• 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.
• Understand the terminology, operation and controls for the selected arc welding processes, joint types and welding positions.
• Identify and understand the causes of typical welding defects and how their occurrence can be reduced, for the materials and welding processes selected.
• Understand the functions of welding consumables and the requirements for correct storage and handling.
• Be able to identify and select correct welding consumables for each application.
• Understand and identify hazards and basic health, safety and quality requirements when welding.
• Know how to interpret and work to a welding procedure specification.
• Know the basics of welding quality documents and reporting systems.

You will work on developing the following core skills:

• Produce good quality welds using two welding process/material type combinations (TIG, MMA, MIG/MAG, FCAW) and (Carbon and Low Alloy steel, High Alloy Ferritic/Martensitic Steel, Austenitic Stainless Steel, Nickel and Nickel Alloys, Aluminium and Aluminium Alloys) in two welding positions (Down hand, Horizontal, Vertical, Overhead).
• Attain a qualification in accordance with one of the following standards:  ISO 9606 / ASME IX / BS4872 / AWS D1.1, determined by the employer. N.B. These qualifications are regarded as licences to practice in welding.
• Achieve a quality of work to meet international standards for dimensional and surface inspection (Visual, Magnetic, 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.
• Ensure that health and safety requirements are fully accounted for in all the above.

You will work on developing the following behaviours:

• A questioning attitude, to understand the processes and associated industrial applications. Maintaining competence with a commitment to Continuing Professional Development.
• Planning and preparation to ensure production and Continuing Professional Development goals are achieved.
• Intervention, to challenge poor practices and channel feedback to the appropriate authorities to implement change.
• Reliability and dependability to consistently deliver expectations in production, quality, work ethics and self-development.
• Accountability, to follow the specified procedures and controls and be personally responsible for their production work and personal development.

In addition to the core skills and knowledge above, specific skills and knowledge will also apply to the individual job role within the General Welder standard.

You will be supported by your mentor and Apprenticeship Trainer to achieve the following before your final assessment:

• Complete a portfolio of evidence.
• Complete a minimum of 20% off-the-job training.
• Level 1 in English and Mathematics and to have taken examinations at level 2.

Apprenticeships combine real work with training and study. You’ll apply what you learn directly on the job, gaining hands-on experience and skills.

As an apprentice, you will spend a set amount of contracted working hours developing the skills, knowledge and behaviours illustrated on the Standard above. This is achieved via a flexible approach and also by using learning that occurs as part of the job role within the workplace.

To ensure you are on-track and have the support you need, you will have the following sessions to attend:

• Regular Apprentice Trainer visits at workplace (Every 8-10 weeks)
• Reviews in the workplace with Line Manager
• One day a week at College.

End-Point Assessment is the final test for apprentices during their apprenticeship. It is designed to be an objective and impartial assessment of an apprentice’s knowledge, skills and behaviours developed during the course of their apprenticeship programme.  At the end of an apprenticeship, the apprentice will go through a ‘gateway’ process where they are signed-off by their employer as ready for a final assessment of their knowledge and practical capabilities. The assessment will be conducted and graded by an independent End Point Assessment Organisation.

End Point Assessment Methods:

• A theoretical knowledge test.
• A practical/oral examination comprising two practical tests and an oral examination.
• A professional interview

Learners may have experience in a similar course/job role and will hold a GCSE Grade 4/3 or Level 2 Functional Skills in Maths and English. Maths and English are a vital part of your apprenticeship and can really support your progression on your chosen course.

If you do not already hold these levels of Maths and English, we have a friendly and experienced team of lecturers; who can support you throughout and will arrange exams once you are ready. We deliver Functional Skills in a variety of ways; including classroom based and online study.

Upon completion of this apprenticeship, you will have developed strong knowledge and skills in general welding and safe machinery operation.

You can finish your Level 2 qualification and get a skilled job or apply for a higher-level apprenticeship, such as Level 3 Metal Fabricator.

Many of our learners have impressed their employers during their time as an apprentice and now work for that company full-time.

With the right skills, qualifications, and professional certifications, General Welders can build rewarding careers both in the UK and internationally, often working in a variety of environments. For experienced and highly skilled welders, career progression and earning potential can be significant.