Construction and Trades

Welder Apprenticeship (Level 2)

Apprenticeship
Construction and Trades
Flexible
Study Mode

Apprenticeship

Start Date, Location

October 2026, Flexible

Duration

18 months

Cost

£.00

per academic year.
View our facilities & work

Course Overview

The Level 2 Welder apprenticeship is suitable for people working in welding roles across engineering, manufacturing, fabrication and construction, where welding is used to produce, repair or assemble metal components. It provides a practical route for apprentices whose job role requires occupational welding competence using more than one welding process.

A key feature of this apprenticeship is the opportunity to gain two industry-recognised welder approval certifications, providing evidence of practical welding competence to recognised industry standards.

Apprentices will develop the skills to work safely, interpret welding information, prepare materials and equipment, produce welds using MIG/MAG and Arc welding processes, inspect weld quality, identify defects and complete welding documentation. On completion, apprentices may progress into employment as a competent welder and, where their job role provides the required breadth and complexity, progress to the Level 3 Plate Welder apprenticeship or other advanced welding and fabrication opportunities.

More information

A range of knowledge, skills and behaviours are required to prepare you for your End Point Assessment (EPA). These include:

• Working safely in line with health, safety and environmental requirements.
• Interpreting engineering drawings, welding information, job specifications and technical documentation.
• Identifying, checking and preparing materials, joints and consumables for welding.
• Planning and preparing welding activities, equipment and work areas.
• Setting up, operating and adjusting MIG/MAG and Arc welding equipment and parameters.
• Producing welds in different joint configurations and welding positions.
• Inspecting welds for dimensional accuracy and surface quality.
• Identifying welding defects, taking appropriate corrective action and reporting quality issues.
• Completing welding and quality documentation accurately.
• Restoring equipment and the work area safely and managing tools, consumables, materials and waste responsibly.
English and Maths GCSE grade 2 or Functional Skills Level 1. English and mathematics requirements applicable to the apprenticeship must be met before Gateway.

You must have secured a suitable welding position with an employer and be ready to start working with them before you can begin your apprenticeship course. The job role must provide appropriate opportunities to develop and demonstrate the requirements of the Level 2 Welder apprenticeship standard.

If you already have an employer and they have agreed to put you through an apprenticeship, contact the Apprenticeship team and we’ll get you started. Email apprenticeships@wiltshire.ac.uk or call 0845 345 2235.
This apprenticeship is delivered one day a week at our Lackham campus during term time, alongside workplace learning. College sessions combine underpinning theory with practical welding activities. You will also receive regular visits from your Assessor to review progress and support your workplace development.

As part of the apprenticeship programme, you will complete off-the-job training through college attendance and relevant workplace development activities. This can include practical training, work shadowing, workshops, online learning, tutor sessions, revision, webinars and industry activities.

You will build a portfolio of work-based evidence and develop practical competence throughout the programme. Before Gateway, you must also achieve two current welder approval certifications issued by a recognised third-party organisation and meeting the applicable apprenticeship and EPA requirements.

The End Point Assessment includes a 30-question multiple-choice test, a practical skills test with questions and an interview underpinned by your portfolio.

On successful completion, you will achieve the Level 2 Welder Apprenticeship Standard, alongside the required industry-recognised welder approval certifications.
This apprenticeship lasts 18 months, followed by the End Point Assessment period.

Apprentices will need suitable workshop clothing and personal protective equipment in line with College and employer requirements. Specific requirements will be confirmed before starting the programme.

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