Take your fabrication and welding skills to the next level with this advanced Level 3 Fabrication & Welding course. Designed for learners who already have a foundation in fabrication and welding, this programme develops your technical ability, precision and understanding of industry standards to prepare you for skilled employment or higher-level apprenticeships.
You'll spend a significant amount of time in industry-standard workshops, refining your techniques while also building the theoretical knowledge employers expect from skilled fabricators and welders.
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What will I study?
The units you will study are likely to include:
Core units:
Core Units:
Health & Safety
Engineering Principles
Principles of Fabrication & Welding
Welding of Materials MIG/TIG
Plate Work of Fabrication Materials
Solidworks Plate metal 3D developments
CNC programming
Pattern Development using AutoCAD
All units are subject to change and may be withdrawn.
All units are subject to change and may be withdrawn. All units are subject to change and may be withdrawn.
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Who is this course for?
This course is ideal if you have an interest in advanced welding or are already employed as a welder/fabricator and wish to gain a Level 3 qualification in fabrication and welding. Welding is one of the few remaining crafts used in manufacture and construction and this course will increase the skills and knowledge required to work within this environment.
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How is the course assessed?
This course is assessed through:
Online
Practical assessments
Theory assessments
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Your Study Programme
If you are aged 16-18, you will join a Study Programme this could be a vocational or technical qualification. We will make sure you are working at the right level on your core qualification and are challenged to achieve the highest level of qualification you can.
Work experience will be part of your study programme and complement your college study and prepare you for employment. You will also get involved in activities to help you develop life skills and to build your confidence so you can make progress in your career.
If you have chosen to study for a T Level qualification, this will involve college-based theory and practice lessons along with relevant work placement to enable you to gain the knowledge, skills and behaviours that employers are looking for.
Weekly timetables will include tutorial support which may comprise of full group activities or one to one sessions to discuss individual progress or support needs.
All students will continue to improve their maths and English and if you don't have a grade 4 (C) at GCSE, we will work with you towards achieving that goal (subject to specific entry requirements for particular courses).
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Knowledge
You will develop a thorough knowledge and understanding of:
You will develop a thorough knowledge and understanding of:
Common manual arc welding processes and the relative merits for a given application, including Manual Metal Arc (MMA),Metal Inert Gas (MIG), Metal Active Gas (MAG), Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW), Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG), Plasma Arc Welding (PAW)
Set, modify and monitor welding controls (e.g. Current, Arc Voltage, Wire Feed Speed, Gas Flow Rates, Polarity) and secondary controls (e.g. Heat Input, Interpass Temperature).
Causes and detection of typical welding defects and how their occurrence can be reduced.
Non-destructive testing reports and radiographs to identify particular defect types and the associated improvements to process and technique needed to prevent recurrence.
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Skills
You will have the ability to:
You will have the ability to:
Work safely at all times, comply with health, safety and environmental
legislation, regulations and organisational requirements
Plan and prepare welding activities before commencing the work.
Obtain, check and use appropriate documentation (such as job
instructions, drawings, quality control documentation).
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Behaviours
What is required?
What is required?
Demonstrate safe working behaviours and take responsibility for their own health and safety and that of others.
Attention to detail by working accurately and following specifications carefully
Show professionalism by maintaining a clean, organised, and efficient workspace.
A strong work ethic by managing time effectively and completing tasks to required standards.
Communicate effectively with instructors and peers to support task completion and problem-solving
A willingness to improve by responding positively to feedback and developing their skills further
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General info
You may be required to go on trips or purchase a kit and uniform to undertake this course. Information about individual items and their associated costs will be sent to you in June/July before you enrol.
Some students may be eligible for support from the Student Bursary Scheme with the costs of coming to college. Applications are available on the college website under Student Support. If you require further assistance or would like to speak with a member of Student Services, please email financial.support@northamptoncollege.ac.uk or call 01604 734333.
If you are applying for financial assistance, please do not purchase any kit items. If your application is successful, the necessary items will be provided to you.
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Progression and Career Opportunities
After completing this study programme you could continue your study onto one of the following options:
- TWI Coding
- Apprenticeship in the Welding Industry
These qualifications can also help you to progress in a wide range of engineering roles including:
- Engineering operative
- Engineering maintenance technician
- Foundry moulder/Core maker
- Mechanical engineering technician
- Sheet metal worker
- Toolmaker/Machine setter
- Welder.
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Entry Requirements for new students
It will be a requirement to Pass the Level 2 Fabrication and Welding qualification to progress on to this Level 3 qualification plus GCSE grade 3 in Maths and English
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Admissions Process
We recommend that you attend one of our exciting open events so that you can look around the department, the college and meet the tutors. You are welcome to do this before or after you apply.
These events have proved very successful in ensuring students and their families see the best of what the college has to offer such as our inspirational teaching areas, teachers, library facilities and places to eat.
Once you have applied our experienced Enrolment Team will consider your application carefully and will let you know, by email, if the College would like to make you a conditional offer based on you meeting the specified entry requirements.
If your predicted grades or career aims suggest that an alternative subject area or course level would be more appropriate for you at this stage, we will contact you either by telephone, email or text. If you have told us that you have some additional support needs we will contact you to find out more so that we can help you.
