Level 3 Plate Welder Apprenticeship
Subject Area
Engineering & Science
Student Type
Students aged 16-18 | Adults
Study Mode
Part Time
Course Type
Apprenticeship
What is the course about?
The broad purpose of the occupation is to manually weld plate and structural components to high standards of quality. This will involve fabrication, construction or repair of fabricated plate assemblies, extrusions and structural components (e.g. Channel, H-Beams, I-Beams etc.) used often used to fabricate larger components and assemblies.
Plate welders will weld to internationally recognised quality standards using more than one manual arc welding process from Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG), Plasma Arc Welding (PAW), Manual Metal Arc (MMA), Metal Inert Gas (MIG)/Metal Active Gas (MAG) and Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) on more than one material group from Carbon Steel, Low Alloy Steel, High Alloy Ferritic/Martensitic Steel, Austenitic Stainless Steel, Nickel & Nickel Alloys, Aluminium & Aluminium alloys, Titanium & Titanium Alloys, Copper & Copper Alloys.
For example, a Plate Welder might use Manual Metal Arc (MMA) and Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) to join both Carbon Steel and Low Alloy Steel materials.
Why should I choose the course?
Apprenticeships allow you to learn the right skills, gain great work experience and earn a wage. As an employee in this occupation will be responsible for the safety, quality and accuracy of their own work whilst ensuring it conforms to a relevant plate welding specification. They work autonomously, or on occasion as part of a wider team, reporting to a workplace supervisor.
What will I learn?
You will develop the relevant knowledge, skills and behaviours as set out by the occupational Standard over a typical period of 36 months.
Plate welder / Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education
Additionally, you will develop a portfolio of evidence during this time to demonstrate occupational competence and complete an End Point Assessment to complete your apprenticeship of which consists of a knowledge based test, practical observation (in the workplace) and a professional Discussion underpinned by your portfolio.
How is the apprenticeship delivered?
This course is completed via part-time study, typically one day release in the college setting, accounting for the 20% off the Job training requirements of an apprenticeship.
You will normally work around 30 hours per week, and no more than 40 hours (if you are under 18), which includes any training time at college (off the job) as well as on the job with your employer.
What will the course lead on to?
After completing an apprenticeship, you could continue to train for an advanced, higher, or degree level apprenticeship, or a related vocational qualification.
Are there any links with industry and university?
This standard aligns with the following professional recognition:
The Welding Institute for Engineering Technician Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) (for electrical and mechanical)
What support is available?
You will be allocated a designated apprenticeship coach to guide you through your apprenticeship. We have a team of staff dedicated to providing learning support if required, as well as a Welfare Team that is on hand to offer guidance, support and help when needed.
Click here for learning support: https://wvr.ac.uk/college-life/learning-support
Why should I choose to study the course at Warrington & Vale Royal College?
Warrington & Vale Royal College has a long history of delivering bespoke, high-quality apprenticeships across a wide range of sectors. We take pride in our apprentices and ensure they leave us with the skills they need to forge a career in their chosen industry. We work with all manner of employers to ensure all parties’ interests are met throughout the apprenticeship journey. We also have a dedicated apprenticeship matching service which matches your skills to a suitable apprenticeship employer.
What are the entry requirements?
Entry requirements for this apprenticeship programme are GCSE grades 9-4, or level 2 functional skills qualifications in English and maths. We will consider those who need to resit either their English or maths qualification, however those that need to resit both will not meet the entry requirements for this apprenticeship programme.
If you are required to resit either English or maths, you will be invited to undertake an initial assessment. If deemed suitable, you must be willing to achieve your level 2 English/maths qualification before the end of the apprenticeship programme as part of your study.
Careers Information
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