Welder Apprenticeship – Level 2
Welding is a way to make high-strength joints between two or more parts. This apprenticeship prepares you to succeed in the role.
Course Summary
Course Information for Students
Who is this course for?
This welding apprenticeship is suited to individuals who:
- Enjoy hands-on work: it is ideal for those who like working with their hands and have an interest in metalworking and fabrication.
- Are detail-oriented: these roles require precision and attention to detail to ensure high-quality welds.
- Are safety-conscious: you must adhere to strict safety protocols and wear personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Are team players: you will often work with other professionals such as fabricators, inspectors and supervisors.
- Are adaptable: you should be comfortable working in various environments, including construction sites, factories and maintenance facilities.
- Are independent: capable of working with minimal supervision and taking responsibility for the quality of your work.
Entry Requirements
GCSEs in Maths and English grade 2 or Level 1 Maths and English Functional Skills.
What will you learn?
- Safety Procedures: conducting safety checks of welding equipment and work areas, and adhering to health and safety regulations.
- Technical Skills: operating various welding equipment and processes, including manual and mechanised arc welding.
- Material Handling: identifying, inspecting and preparing materials for welding to ensure they meet quality standards.
- Welding Techniques: producing welds in different positions and joint layouts, and using different welding processes and materials.
- Quality Control: inspecting welds for quality, completing welding documentation, and ensuring compliance with standards.
- Workplace Skills: working independently or as part of a team, planning and preparing for welding activities, and restoring work areas after completion.
How will you learn?
Apprentices will attend College on a day-release basis for 12-18 months where there will be a mix of practical workshop learning and classroom learning.
What will you need to bring with you?
You will be required to come equipped with the following personal protective equipment (PPE): safety boots, safety glasses, gauntlets, sweatband and company fire retardant overalls. Additionally, you are expected to bring note-taking equipment, such as a pen, paper and/or a laptop.
How will you be assessed?
You will be assessed using a variety of assessment methods. This will include making practical pieces, completing job write-ups, question and answers and witness testimonies from your employer.
The End Point Assessment (EPA) for the welding apprenticeship includes the following key components:
- Multiple-choice test:
- 30 questions
- 60 minutes
- Closed book (no reference materials)
- Practical assessment with questions:
- Six hours
- Complete a set of tasks
- At least four questions from the assessor
- Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence:
- At least 45 minutes
- At least six questions
- Based on a portfolio compiled before the EPA gateway
The overall grades available are fail, pass and distinction. The EPA period typically lasts three months after the 18-month training period.
Where next?
You could advance to a Plate Welder Level 3 programme.
Who do you contact for more information?
For more information, contact Derby College Group on 01332 387421 or enquiries@derby-college.ac.uk
Is there any financial support available?
Course Information for Employers
Apprenticeship summary
Overview:
- Occupation: Welders join metals in various industries, including aerospace, construction and marine.
- Duration: 18 months of training, followed by a three-month End Point Assessment (EPA) period.
- Funding: Maximum funding of £13,000.
Key Responsibilities:
- Safety: Conduct safety checks and adhere to health and safety regulations.
- Technical Skills: Operate manual and mechanised arc welding processes.
- Quality Control: Inspect welds and ensure compliance with standards.
- Documentation: Complete welding documentation and maintain records.
- Teamwork: Collaborate with other professionals such as fabricators and inspectors.
End Point Assessment:
- Multiple-choice test: 30 questions, 60 minutes.
- Practical assessment: six hours, with at least four questions from the assessor.
- Interview: 45 minutes, based on a portfolio of evidence.
Benefits:
- Skilled Workforce: Develops highly skilled welders capable of working in diverse environments.
- Quality Assurance: Ensures welds meet industry standards and regulations.
- Flexibility: Apprentices can work independently or as part of a team, adapting to various work settings.
This apprenticeship is designed to equip individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the welding industry, contributing to the success and growth of your business.
Are they any entry requirements for my apprentice?
GCSEs in Maths and English grade 2 or above or Level 1 Maths and English Functional Skills.
What is required from the employer in the workplace?
The qualifications required are two welder approval certificates to any of the following standards:
- AWS D1.1 Structural Welding – Steel: Certification: American Welding Society, OR
- AWS D1.2 Structural Welding Code – Aluminium: Certification: American Welding Society, OR
- ASME Section IX, OR
- ISO 9606 Qualification testing of welder, OR
- ISO 14732 Welding personnel – Approval of welding operator, OR
- BS4872 Specification for approval testing of welders when welding procedure approval is not required
The welder approval certificates must be current (completed in the six months prior to EPA or revalidated in the six months prior to EPA) and match with the two welding processes that are going to be selected for the EPA.
Behaviours expected within the role
- Safety-consciousness: adheres to health and safety regulations, conducts safety checks, and uses personal protective equipment (PPE) consistently.
- Attention to Detail: ensures precision in welding tasks, inspects materials and welds for quality, and maintains accurate documentation.
- Responsibility: takes ownership of their work, works with minimal supervision, and ensures the quality of their output.
- Teamwork: collaborates effectively with other professionals, such as fabricators and inspectors, and communicates issues affecting weld quality.
- Adaptability: works in various environments, including construction sites and factories, and adjusts to different welding processes and materials.
- Environmental Awareness: complies with environmental and sustainability regulations, reduces waste and recycles materials.
These behaviours ensure that apprentices are well-prepared to meet industry standards and contribute positively to their workplaces.
What qualification will my apprentice gain?
Welder Level 2 qualification
What will the assessment look like?
The apprentice will be assessed using a variety of assessment methods. This will include making practical pieces, completing job write-ups, question and answers and witness testimonies from the employer. The apprentice will build a portfolio of work-based evidence that they will present for their End Point Assessment (EPA).
The End Point Assessment (EPA) for the welding apprenticeship includes the following key components:
- Multiple-choice test:
- 30 questions
- 60 minutes
- Closed book (no reference materials)
- Practical assessment with questions:
- Six hours
- Complete a set of tasks
- At least four questions from the assessor
- Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence:
- At least 45 minutes
- At least six questions
- Based on a portfolio compiled before the EPA gateway
The overall grades available are fail, pass and distinction. The EPA period typically lasts three months after the 18-month training period.
Will my apprentice need to come into college?
The apprentice will attend College on a day-release basis over 12-18 months.
Is there any specialist equipment required?
The apprentice will be required to come equipped with the following personal protective equipment (PPE): safety boots, safety glasses, gauntlets, sweatband and company fire retardant overalls.
What progression can my apprentice expect after completion of their apprenticeship?
They can advance to a Plate Welder Level 3 programme.
What job roles will this apprenticeship be suitable for?
Welder
Will the college help me find an apprentice?
You may already have someone in your organisation or someone who has come to you directly asking for an apprenticeship. However, if you don’t, we have a free recruitment service to help you hire the best candidate for your organisation from our talent pool and can provide external advertising through social media and the National Apprenticeship Service’s website.
Contact us
If you are an employer and you would like to know more, please email businessenquiries@derby-college.ac.uk or call 01332 387421
Career Information
This course could lead to one of these careers...
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Course Information Last Updated On: June 25, 2025 1:01 pm
