As a Level 3 Plate Welder Apprentice the main focus point of the qualification is learning how to manually weld plates and structural components to high quality standards. Plate welders work to internationally recognised standards using more than one manual arc welding process from Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG), Plasma Arc Welding (PAW), Manual Metal Arc (MMA), Metal Inert Gas (MIG)/ Metal Active Gas (MAG) and Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) on more than one material group from Carbon Steel, Low Alloy Steel, High Alloy Ferritic Steel, Austenitic Stainless Steel, Nickel and Nickel Alloys, Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys, Titanium and Titanium Alloys and Copper and Copper Alloys.

This role requires you to produce welds in plate and structural components with two different materials and two different welding positions which you will learn throughout the duration of the programme.

Choosing a career within welding you will be able to work in a whole range of sectors all linked with fabrication, construction and the upgrade of major capital items and facilities.

These sectors can include-

• Structural steel fabrication and construction (buildings, bridges, piers and jetties)

• Marine fabrication, construction and upgrade (ships, submarines and wind turbines),

• Defence fabrication (armored vehicles)

• Process plant (structures and storage tanks)

• Engineering construction (lifting beams and cranes)

• Mining and Mineral Processing (wear plates, structural supports and shuttering)

• Transport (aerospace, rail and automotive)

• Manufacturing of machinery and equipment

As a Plate Welder you will be responsible for the safety, quality and accuracy of your work whilst conforming to the specification.

As an apprentice you need to be employed for at least 30 hours a week and you will attend college one day a week.

You will be building up a portfolio of evidence throughout the duration of the programme to support you when you reach the End Point Assessment (EPA) stage of the apprenticeship which involves three parts:

• Multiple Choice Knowledge Test- This is a closed book test lasting 60 minutes consisting of 30 questions all relating to the knowledge, skills and behaviours in the standard.

• Professional Discussion supported by portfolio- This involves an independent assessor asking you at least six questions regarding your understanding of your job role in line with the standard. This discussion will last at least 60 minutes. Prior to the discussion you will build up a portfolio of evidence to support you in being able to answer the questions.

• Practical Skills test- This involves an independent assessor observing you carrying out aspects of your job role aligning with experience demonstrated within your portfolio of evidence.

For more detail on the Apprenticeship standard for this qualification visit the Institute of Apprenticeships and Technical Education

On successful completion of your Level 3 Apprenticeship, you will be a fully coded multi-positional plate welder with internationally recognised certificates. This means that you will be able to progress onto further full-time work within the industry locally, nationally or internationally.

Upon completion of the qualification you will have the opportunity to work in any sized company from small local to large multi-national companies.

You can discover all the opportunities available to you by exploring the full list of careers in the Construction industry.

It is important you can demonstrate the following:

• Awareness and regard for good health and safety practices

• Good communication and interpersonal skills

• Work well individually and as part of a team

• Attention to detail

• Commitment to study (attendance, punctuality & behaviour)

• Enthusiasm for the subject/area

• Commitment to regularly collecting evidence from your workplace to support your portfolio

5 GCSEs at Grade 4/C or above including English and Maths or Functional Skills Level 2, or the ability to demonstrate ability to this level through initial assessments.

If you would like to enquire for this Apprenticeship, please click 'Enquire' in the top right, follow the steps, and our Apprenticeship Team will be in touch with you. Alternatively, you can explore our current vacancies on the 'Apprenticeship Vacancies' page and apply now.

If you are already employed then please contact our Apprenticeship Team on 01524 521483.

Course code: A30060-A1A