Welder Apprenticeship – Level 2

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.

GCSEs in Maths and English grade 2 or above or Level 1 Maths and English Functional Skills.

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.

1. Safety-consciousness: adheres to health and safety regulations, conducts safety checks, and uses personal protective equipment (PPE) consistently.
2. Attention to Detail: ensures precision in welding tasks, inspects materials and welds for quality, and maintains accurate documentation.
3. Responsibility: takes ownership of their work, works with minimal supervision, and ensures the quality of their output.
4. Teamwork: collaborates effectively with other professionals, such as fabricators and inspectors, and communicates issues affecting weld quality.
5. Adaptability: works in various environments, including construction sites and factories, and adjusts to different welding processes and materials.
6. 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.

Welder Level 2 qualification

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:

1. Multiple-choice test:
   • 30 questions
   • 60 minutes
   • Closed book (no reference materials)
2. Practical assessment with questions:
   • Six hours
   • Complete a set of tasks
   • At least four questions from the assessor
3. 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.

The apprentice will attend College on a day-release basis over 12-18 months.

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.

They can advance to a Plate Welder Level 3 programme.

Welder

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.

If you are an employer and you would like to know more, please email businessenquiries@derby-college.ac.uk or call 01332 387421