ENGINEERING (FABRICATION AND WELDING) Level 3 Diploma Apprenticeship

Level 3
Apprenticeship
Armagh Campus
City & Guilds

Overview

The Engineering (Fabrication & Welding) Level 3 Apprenticeship is a specialist engineering course delivered at Armagh campus. This course will help student's to develop engineering knowledge, skills and techniques transferable to future employment in the engineering industry.

The content and structure of this qualification provides apprentices with the comprehensive skills and knowledge needed to take their fabrication and welding career to the next level. It will teach individuals how to organise work and identify and prevent problems in the practices and processes of engineering. It covers advanced knowledge, understanding and skills that are relevant to a wide variety of careers and study routes within the engineering industry.

This course comprises mandatory units and specialist units which will develop learners' understanding and practical applications of fabrication and welding techniques.

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.
Have already attained a Level 2 in Fabrication & Welding.
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 will include:

Work Effectively and Safely in an Engineering Environment
Engineering Principles and Practice
Principles of Fabrication and Welding
MIG Welding of Materials
Manual Metal Arc Welding
Plate-Work Fabrications

Assessment in the Level 3 Apprenticeship is based on a combination of external exams, assessments and the production of a portfolio of evidence. Apprentices will complete practical assignments that demonstrate their competence in fabrication and welding skills, including metal preparation, welding techniques, and assembly of metal structures. They will also undertake written exams to assess their understanding of engineering principles, fabrication methods and safety regulations.

On completion of this course, apprentices may progress to a related Higher Level Apprenticeship or Foundation Degree at SRC. They may also be able to complete a Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Engineering in order to meet the entry requirements of some higher level engineering courses.

Upon successful completion of the Engineering (Fabrication and Welding) Level 3 Apprenticeship, apprentices will have acquired the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue a rewarding career as a fabricator and welder. Graduates may find employment in various industries such as manufacturing, construction, automotive or aerospace, working for engineering firms, fabrication workshops, or becoming self-employed professionals.