Plate Welder Apprenticeship – Level 3

Welcome to the Engineering Department at Bridgwater College! Our comprehensive Engineering Apprenticeship program is designed to provide aspiring individuals with a dynamic and hands-on learning experience, paving the way for a rewarding career in the world of engineering. This apprenticeship offers a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, preparing you for the challenges and opportunities in the engineering industry.

Based at the Engineering Department of Bridgwater College, our state-of-the-art facilities provide the ideal environment for your learning journey. The campus is equipped with cutting-edge technology and resources, ensuring that you receive the highest quality education.

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.

This occupation is found in a wide range of sectors associated with the Fabrication, Construction and upgrade of major capital plant items and facilities.

This will include Structural Steel fabrication and construction (e.g. Buildings, Stadia, Bridges, Piers, Jetties etc.), Marine fabrication, construction and upgrade (Ships, Submarines, Wind Turbine Towers), Defence fabrication (armoured vehicles), Process Plant (structures and storage tanks), Engineering Construction (Lifting Beams, Cranes, Construction Vehicles etc.), Mining & Mineral Processing (Shuttering, Structural Supports, Wear Plates, Chutes, Mills, Pulverisers), Transport (Aerospace, Rail and Automotive), and Manufacturing of machinery & equipment. Plate Welders may be employed in any size of organisation from small companies to large multi-national organisations.

Learners undertaking this apprenticeship will cover as a minimum: Preparing and using semi-automatic MIG, MAG and flux-cored arc welding equipment

• Preparing and using manual TIG or plasma-arc welding equipment
• Preparing and using manual metal arc welding equipment
• Fabrication and welding principles
• Welding principles
• Pattern development.

Why Choose Our Apprenticeship Program?

• Industry-Driven Curriculum: Our program aligns with the latest industry standards, ensuring you acquire the skills in demand by employers.
• Experienced Faculty: Learn from experienced instructors who bring real-world expertise into the classroom.
• Pathway Flexibility: Tailor your apprenticeship journey by choosing from multiple standards and BTEC qualification options.
• State-of-the-Art Facilities: Access cutting-edge technology and equipment to enhance your practical skills, with our flagship facility, the Energy Skills Centre, and the Advanced Engineering Centre

Embark on your engineering career journey with us and gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to excel in the dynamic field of engineering. Apply now to secure your spot in our sought-after apprenticeship program!