General Welder

Overview of the role

Welding is a way to make high strength joints between two or more parts. General Welders use high electrical energy to form an arc. Manual dexterity is essential in controlling the arc, which is used to melt metals, allowing them to fuse together to form a structurally sound weld.

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 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.

There is a highly complex range of welding skills: the different arc welding processes require different levels of manual dexterity, knowledge and skill to avoid making defective welds. There are a wide range of metallic materials that can be welded, each with different properties and behaviours.

Details of the Standard

The apprenticeship is broken up into distinct phases:

• The sign-up, which includes an assessment of maths and English, and an agreement between us, the apprentice and the employer, regarding the training plan.
• The practical period, which is the bulk of the apprenticeship. This is where the apprentice completes their required off-job-training according to the agreed training plan.
• The gateway. At the end of the practical period, the employer, training provider and apprentice meet to discuss the next, and final stage, the End Point Assessment (EPA). At the Gateway meeting, we ensure that the apprentice is ready to undertake the EPA.
• The End Point Assessment (EPA) is the last stage of the apprenticeship. The apprentice will undertake a series of independent assessments, which may include multiple choice questions, a professional discussion and/or a practical test. Successfully completing this step results in achieving the apprenticeship!

Duration

18 Months

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements are largely dependent on the vacancy notice set out by the employer - please read the job advert that relates to the role you are considering.

English and maths

At Level 2, apprentices who do not have Level 1 (GCSE Grade D) in English and maths must prioritise achieving Level 1 in these subjects and are only required to work towards Level 2 English and maths where they have time remaining to make meaningful progress (once they have achieved Level 1).

Curriculum, delivery and readiness for End-Point-Assessment

The content delivery will be agreed between the apprentice, employer and training provider and is based upon prior knowledge and qualifications. This agreement forms the individualised Training Plan, detailing how the knowledge, skills and behaviours in the apprenticeship Standard will be met.

Summary End-Point-Assessment

A theoretical knowledge test using multiple choice question papers containing generic questions relevant to all welders and specific questions relevant to the theoretical part of the skill / knowledge modules selected by the employer.

A practical / verbal examination comprising two practical tests and an verbal examination. The practical tests will be carried out in accordance with a recognised industry specification and will be in the most difficult welding positions for the skill / knowledge modules selected. The Authorised Examiner, responsible for supervising the tests, will also conduct an oral examination to assess the apprentice’s understanding of the tests he/she is undertaking and of the wider responsibilities of a welder.

A professional interview which is designed to do two things: firstly, to further explore the apprentice’s knowledge relevant to their role and, secondly, to assess if the apprentice’s occupational behaviours meet the requirements specified in the Apprenticeship Standard.

Progression

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.