Welder
Welders join metals in a wide range of industries, including aerospace, construction, defence, mining, marine and structural engineering.
Duration: 18 months
Location: Bristol
ApprenticeshipLevel: Level 22
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Details of the Standard
Welders join metals in a wide range of industries, including aerospace, construction, defence, mining, marine and structural engineering. They work in settings such as fabrication shops, assembly yards, construction sites, factories and operational facilities. The role involves producing welds using manual and mechanised arc welding processes to sector standards, using a minimum of two weld process and material combinations, with at least one process being manual welding. Welders are responsible for quality, safety, working to schedule, and restoring the work area once activities are complete
Entry Requirements
There are no mandatory statutory entry requirements set within the standard, although employers may set their own entry criteria.
English and Maths
English and maths must be achieved in line with current apprenticeship funding rules
Curriculum Overview
Curriculum
- Conducting safety checks on welding equipment and the surrounding work area.
- Reading welding data, engineering drawings, technical information and work instructions.
- Identifying, checking and inspecting materials to ensure they meet the correct grade, dimensions and thickness.
- Planning and preparing for welding activities, including consumables, materials and the work area.
- Setting up, operating and adjusting welding controls and equipment safely.
- Welding components to create interim assemblies or finished products using different welding processes, joint configurations and positions.
- Inspecting welds for dimensional accuracy and surface quality before release.
- Identifying, reporting and resolving issues that affect weld quality.
- Completing welding documentation and production records throughout the activity.
- Restoring the work area, equipment, tools, consumables and unused materials to a safe, clean condition on completion.
- Following environmental, sustainability, teamwork and communication requirements in the workplace.
Summary of End-Point-Assessment
The EPA is typically completed within 3 months and includes three assessment methods.
Assessment method 1: Multiple-choice test with 30 questions, completed in 60 minutes.
Assessment method 2: Practical assessment with questions, based on two tasks, lasting 6 hours.
Assessment method 3: Interview supported by a portfolio of evidence, lasting at least 45 minutes.
The overall apprenticeship is graded fail, pass or distinction
Progression
Progression could include Level 3 routes such as Metal Fabricator, Pipe Welder or Plate Welder, depending on the learner’s job role and future specialism.