Level 2 General Welder
Overview of the role
Welding of metals in two welding positions, using at least 2 arc welding process, passing surface inspection.
Welders join metals in a wide range of industries, such as aerospace, construction, defence, mining, marine and structural engineering.
Welding contributes to the UK economy through the creation and repair of engineered goods and assets. Welders may be employed in any size of business from small companies to large multi-nationals. They work in a range of settings including fabrication shops, assembly yards, construction and building sites, factories and operational facilities requiring maintenance and upgrade. They can be employed by supply chain companies, the direct owner, or operators.
Course Details
Level
Duration
Typical duration to gateway: 18 months
Typical EPA period: 3 months
Details of standard
Occupation summary
Welders are responsible for the production of welds using manual and mechanised arc welding processes to sector standards. They will weld using a minimum of two weld process and material combinations, with at least one process being manual welding.
Manual processes can include: manual tungsten inert gas (TIG), plasma arc welding (PAW), manual metal arc (MMA), metal inert or metal active gas (MIG or MAG), flux cored arc welding (FCAW). Mechanised processes can include: submerged arc welding (SAW), tractor-mounted metal inert or metal active gas (MIG or MAG), tractor-mounted flux cored arc welding (FCAW), tractor-mounted or orbital tungsten inert gas (TIG), tractor-mounted or orbital plasma arc welding (PAW).
Material groups include: carbon steel, low alloy steel (3-7% alloy content), high alloy ferritic or martensitic steel (>7% alloy content), austenitic stainless steel, duplex
stainless steel, nickel and nickel alloys, aluminium and aluminium alloys, titanium and titanium alloys, copper and copper alloys. Given their close similarity when welding, for the purpose of this standard, MIG and MAG welding will be deemed to be the same process.
The role requires production of welds in components covering two welding positions, in at least two joint layouts. These can be from butt (including seams), T-butt, fillet (including outside corners), buttering or cladding. Each welding process requires different welding equipment, assemblies, controls, skills and techniques, and represents a separate production process.
Welders work with people from other teams and functions, such as plate fabricators, steel erectors, steel workers, riggers, stores operatives, supervisors, inspectors, testing and quality control technicians. Their work may be checked to ensure continued quality of welding: this includes visual inspection and dimensional checks. It may also include non-destructive and destructive testing. They must ensure that the process and products meet quality standards and are produced to schedule. They must comply with health and safety regulations and procedures, including wearing personal protection equipment (PPE). They also need to meet environmental and sustainability regulations and procedures – reducing waste and recycling materials. They may work on their own or as part of a team. They work with minimal supervision and are responsible for the quality of their own work. They will typically report to a workplace supervisor. Welding operatives may need to work shifts and flexible work patterns. They may be required to work at height, and beside or over water.
Typical job titles include:
General welder, Weld setter, Welding fabricator
Duties
- Duty 1 Conduct safety checks of welding equipment and surrounding work areas
- Duty 2 Receive and read welding data and documentation, engineering drawings and technical data
- Duty 3 Identify, check and inspect materials to be welded and ensure they conform to quality standards. Report issues, such as incorrect grade, dimensions and thicknesses
- Duty 4 Plan and prepare for welding activities. Ensure that consumables, work area and materials for use are correct. This applies to basic or complex welding tasks
- Duty 5 Set up, operate and adjust welding controls for the welding equipment being used
- Duty 6 Weld components to create an interim assembly or finished product
- Duty 7 Inspect welds produced for dimensional and surface weld quality to ensure compliance prior to release
- Duty 8 Identify, communicate and report issues affecting weld quality
- Duty 9 Complete welding documentation at all stages of the work activity. For example, Production Control Cards
- Duty 10 Restore the work area and equipment to a safe and reliable condition on completion of welding, including remediation and recycling
- Duty 11 Ensure tools, consumables, unused materials and equipment are returned to a safe, clean and approved condition on completion of welding work
ST0349, welder level 2
This is a summary of the key things that you – the apprentice and your employer need to know about your end-point assessment (EPA). You and your employer should read the EPA plan for the full details. It has information on assessment method requirements, roles and responsibilities, and re-sits and re-takes.
What is an end-point assessment and why it happens
An EPA is an assessment at the end of your apprenticeship. It will assess you against the knowledge, skills, and behaviours (KSBs) in the occupational standard. Your training will cover the KSBs. The EPA is your opportunity to show an independent assessor how well you can carry out the occupation you have been trained for.
Your employer will choose an end-point assessment organisation (EPAO) to deliver the EPA. Your employer and training provider should tell you what to expect and how to prepare for your EPA.
The length of the training for this apprenticeship is typically 18 months. The EPA period is typically 3 months.
The overall grades available for this apprenticeship are:
- fail
- pass
- distinction
EPA gateway
The EPA gateway is when the EPAO checks and confirms that you have met any requirements required before you start the EPA. You will only enter the gateway when your employer says you are ready.
The gateway requirements for your EPA are:
- achieved English and mathematics qualifications in line with the apprenticeship funding rules
- for the interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence, you must submit a portfolio of evidence
- passed any other qualifications listed in the occupational standard
For the welder, the qualification required is:
- AWS D1.1 Structural Welding – Steel: Certification: American Welding Society, OR
- AWS D1.2 Structural Welding Code – Aluminium: Certification: American Welding Society, OR
- ASME Section IX, OR
- ISO 9606 Qualification testing of welder, OR
- ISO 14732 Welding personnel – Approval of welding operator, OR
- BS4872 Specification for approval testing of welders when welding procedure approval is not required
Who to contact for help or more information
You should speak to your training provider if you have any questions about your training or EPA before it starts.
You should receive detailed information and support from the EPAO before the EPA starts. You should speak to them if you have any questions about your EPA once it has started.Reasonable adjustments
If you have a disability, a physical or mental health condition or other special considerations, you may be able to have a reasonable adjustment that takes this into account. You should speak to your employer, training provider and EPAO and ask them what support you can get. The EPAO will decide if an adjustment is appropriate.
What’s Included
Expert instruction from Industry served Instructors
Easy to follow video resources
E-Portfolio for instruction, support, and progress management
Contact us
• Phone: 0161 475 5840
• Email: info@elevatedknowledge.co.uk
Ensure your competence with Elevated Knowledge. Our commitment to rigorous, industry-relevant assessments ensures you are well-equipped for a successful career.
Why Choose Elevated Knowledge?
Expert Assessors:
All assessments are conducted by experienced industry professionals to ensure candidates meet rigorous industry standards.
Flexible Assessment Methods:
We use e-portfolio software, allowing candidates to upload their work from site and participate in remote live video observations.
Real-World Validation:
Our assessment-based approach ensures that candidates demonstrate their competence in real work environments.
Industry Recognition:
Industry Recognition: Our qualifications are recognised by employers across the UK, offering significant career advancement opportunities.
Launch Yourself Into The Future.
To enrol in the course, contact our Customer Experience team. They will guide you through the registration process and provide all necessary support materials.
Ensure your competence with Elevated Knowledge and achieve Level 2 Welder.
Our commitment to rigorous, industry-relevant assessments ensures you are well-equipped for a successful career.
