General Welder (Arc Processes) Level 2 (24/25)
Course Overview
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 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. 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. Ideal for those looking to go into a welding and fabrication industry, this Level 2 apprenticeship is a great opportunity to gain hands on industry experience and act as a stepping stone to becoming a Pipe or Plate Fitter. This programme is ideal for school leavers right through to mature apprentices wanting to retrain.
What topics are covered?
Welding combinations (TIG, MMA, MIG/MAG, FCAW) Dimensional and surface inspection Particle and dye Penetrant Inspection Maintenance and handling Preparation and checks Completion and inspection Health and safety Mechanical properties and weldability Welding processes Welding equipment Operation and controls Defects Storage and handling Welding consumables Quality requirements Welding specifications Documentation reporting and control
Frequently asked questions
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 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. 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. Ideal for those looking to go into a welding and fabrication industry, this Level 2 apprenticeship is a great opportunity to gain hands on industry experience and act as a stepping stone to becoming a Pipe or Plate Fitter. This programme is ideal for school leavers right through to mature apprentices wanting to retrain.
Apprentices without level 1 English and Maths (GCSE 3/D) will need to achieve this level and take the test for level 2 English and Maths (GCSE 4/C) prior to taking the end-point assessment. (Please note those apprentices wanting to progress onto a Level 3 Apprenticeship programme must achieve the Level 2 in Maths and English before being able to do so.)
Apprenticeship Standard Level 2 BS EN ISO 9606-1: 2017
Classroom and work based teaching and assessment to monitor, knowledge, skills and behaviours to ensure industry competencies.
Pipe or Plate Welder Standard Level 3