Welding (Mechanised)

This Level 2 apprenticeship unit develops the knowledge and practical skills required to carry out mechanised welding processes safely and effectively in engineering and manufacturing environments.

Learners will cover:
• Health and safety regulations, safe working practices, and use of PPE
• Welding power sources, equipment, and ancillary systems
• Welding gases, storage, and handling procedures
• Mechanised welding processes and techniques
• Weld joint types, preparation, and material handling
• Setting and controlling welding parameters
• Material preparation and finishing techniques
• Identification and prevention of welding defects and distortion
• Visual inspection, dimensional checks, and quality standards
• Restoring the work area and maintaining safe environments

By the end of the unit, learners will be able to:
• Work safely in line with health and safety regulations and procedures
• Prepare materials and work areas for welding activities
• Set up, operate, and adjust welding equipment and controls
• Carry out mechanised welding processes across different joint types and positions
• Identify surface defects and ensure weld quality through inspection
• Restore the work area and maintain safe working practices

Non-Levy Employers: £0
Levy-paying Employers: £2,100

This apprenticeship unit is funded through the employer’s Apprenticeship Service account or through government co-investment.

• Employers who do not pay the apprenticeship levy will have 100% of the training and assessment costs funded by the government, based on the funding rate (£2,100)
• Levy-paying employers with sufficient funds in their Apprenticeship Service account can fund the full £2,100 using their levy
• Where levy funds are insufficient, the government will fund 95% of the £2,100 funding rate and the employer will contribute the remaining 5% (£105), which is paid directly to the training provider

Minimum 90 hours

This apprenticeship unit is delivered flexibly to fit around the learner’s job role, allowing employers to upskill staff efficiently while maintaining productivity.

This unit opens up several clear progression pathways within the engineering and manufacturing sectors, particularly for those working in welding and fabrication roles.

Learners who complete this unit can progress into roles such as mechanised welder, fabrication technician, or welding operative, working across a range of industrial and manufacturing environments. It also provides a strong foundation for developing skills in automated and high-precision welding processes.

For those looking to further develop their qualifications, this unit can support progression onto advanced welding certifications, fabrication training, or full engineering apprenticeships.

In the longer term, learners may move into senior welding, inspection, or supervisory roles, specialise in areas such as quality control or welding inspection, or progress into engineering management or technical specialist roles within their organisation.

To access funding for this apprenticeship unit, learners must meet both general apprenticeship eligibility requirements and the specific criteria for this course.

Learners must:
• Be employed in England with a contract of employment
• Be aged 19 or over
• Spend a significant proportion of their working hours in England and have the right to work in the UK
• Be undertaking training that is directly relevant to their job role
• Hold a Level 1 Award in Welding or have equivalent industry experience
• Have good eyesight and physical steadiness to safely undertake welding activities

In addition, learners must be able to complete the training within their working role and be supported by their employer throughout the programme.