Plate Welder
Manually weld plates and structural components to high standards of quality.
Overview of the role
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.
Details of the Standard
The apprenticeship is broken up into distinct phases:
- The sign-up, which includes an assessment of maths and English, and an agreement between us, the apprentice and the employer, regarding the training plan.
- The practical period, which is the bulk of the apprenticeship. This is where the apprentice completes their required off-job-training according to the agreed training plan.
- The gateway. At the end of the practical period, the employer, training provider and apprentice meet to discuss the next, and final stage, the End Point Assessment (EPA). At the Gateway meeting, we ensure that the apprentice is ready to undertake the EPA.
- The End Point Assessment (EPA) is the last stage of the apprenticeship. The apprentice will undertake a series of independent assessments, which will include multiple choice questions, a professional discussion and a practical test. Successfully completing this stage results in achieving the apprenticeship!
Duration
This apprenticeship is based on a 36-month practical period, although this may be amended based on prior experience and recognised qualifications. The minimum duration is 12-months.
Entry Requirements
Entry requirements are largely dependent on the vacancy notice set out by the employer - please read the job advert that relates to the role you are considering. Typically GCSE Grade C/4 will be requested by employers.
English and maths
Apprentices without Level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level prior to completion of their Apprenticeship.
Curriculum, delivery and readiness for End-Point-Assessment
The content delivery will be agreed between the apprentice, employer and training provider and is based upon prior knowledge and qualifications. This agreement forms the individualised Training Plan, detailing how the knowledge, skills and behaviours in the apprenticeship Standard will be met.
As a gateway requirement, apprentices without Level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level prior to taking the end-point assessment.
Summary End-Point-Assessment
The EPA consists of three distinct assessment methods: a practical skills test, a 30 question multiple-choice test, and a professional discussion supported by a portfolio of evidence. It is a requirement for the learner to be able to demonstrate in all end point assessment methods, that they have achieved the required knowledge and skills, and have also been able to put this into practice.
Progression
Progression from this apprenticeship for those who wish to pursue higher level careers in welding include progression to High Integrity Welder or Welding Instruction and Teaching, Nuclear Welding, Welding Inspection and Managing and Supervising Welding Operations.