ENGINEERING (FABRICATION AND WELDING) Level 2 Diploma Apprenticeship

Level 2
Apprenticeship
Armagh Campus
OCN NI

Overview

The Engineering (Fabrication and Welding) Level 2 Diploma Apprenticeship is designed to provide individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a career in the field of fabrication and welding within the engineering industry. This apprenticeship offers a valuable opportunity for individuals interested in metalworking and engineering to gain practical experience and develop essential skills in fabrication and welding techniques.

Throughout the apprenticeship, participants will learn the fundamental principles of fabrication and welding, including interpreting technical drawings, selecting and preparing materials, and fabricating and joining metal components. They will gain an understanding of different types of metals, welding processes, fabrication techniques, and health and safety regulations related to fabrication and welding work.

The Level 2 Diploma Apprenticeship in Engineering (Fabrication and Welding) combines practical training with theoretical study to provide a comprehensive educational experience. Apprentices will work under the guidance of experienced fabricators and welders, learning to measure and mark out materials, use cutting and shaping equipment, assemble and join metal components, and perform welding operations. They will develop proficiency in using hand tools, power tools, welding machines and other metalworking equipment.

To be eligible to enter ApprenticeshipsNI 2021 funded Level 2 / Level 3 apprenticeship provision, a person must meet all of the following criteria:

Have attained the upper limit of Compulsory School Age:
1. A 16 year old who is entitled to leave school after the statutory leaving date of 30 June, or a 17 year old who leaves school/Further Education (FE) College during the month of June, will be permitted to enter ApprenticeshipsNI 2021 from the first Monday in July.
2. A school leaver/FE College leaver who is 17 years old and who leaves before 1 June can be admitted to ApprenticeshipsNI 2021 at any time after leaving school or College.
Be either an existing employee in a new job role that requires a substantial amount of learning and skills development, or a new employee in (or about to take up) a permanent paid employment offer, including a specific start date as detailed on the Delivery Agreement and confirmed by the employer.
Be employed by a company that has a base in Northern Ireland and is registered as an employer with HMRC and be contracted to work a minimum of 21 hours per week (which includes day release/off-the-job directed training) with one employer. Directed training must be paid as part of the apprentice’s contracted hours.
Have the potential to successfully complete all the requirements of the appropriate Level 2/Level 3 apprenticeship framework.
Meet any health requirements (e.g., colour vision) specific to the occupation of their choice.
Have achieved any necessary entry academic qualifications (e.g., GCSEs) determined by the relevant sector for the apprenticeship and approved by the Department.
Pass any entry tests specified by the relevant sector/employer and approved by the Department.
Applicants with a previous level 2 or 3 qualification in the same occupational area may not be eligible for participation in a similar occupational area at the same level. This will require approval by the Department.

Employers may apply their own criteria during recruitment. However, only those potential apprentices who are assessed as capable / committed to achieving the full requirements of an apprenticeship framework will be recruited.

Attendance at Individual or Group Pre-Entry Advice Sessions (IPEAS and GPEAS) may be required. These interviews may take place either on campus, via telephone or video call (Microsoft teams) and will play an important role in the selection of all courses.

Modules

Working in engineering
Principles of engineering technology
Principles of fabrication and welding techniques
Welding by MIG process
Using bench fitting techniques
Welding by manual ARC process or welding by TIG process

Assessment in the Level 2 Apprenticeship is based on a combination of external exams, assessments and through the production of a portfolio of evidence. Apprentices will demonstrate their competence through practical tasks, such as fabricating metal components, performing welding operations, and working on engineering projects. They will also be required to complete written assignments and exams to assess their understanding of fabrication and welding principles and techniques.

Apprentices who wish to enhance their skills and knowledge may consider pursuing their studies to complete the Level 3 Apprenticeship in Fabrication & Welding offered at SRC. They may also have opportunities to specialise in specific areas of fabrication and welding, such as pipe welding or sheet metal fabrication.

Upon successful completion of the Engineering (Fabrication and Welding) Level 2 Apprenticeship, individuals will have acquired the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue professional opportunities in the field of fabrication and welding within the engineering industry. Graduates may find employment opportunities with engineering companies, fabrication workshops, or manufacturing firms. They may work on various projects, including the construction of structures, machinery or components, contributing to the fabrication, assembly, and repair of metalwork.