General Welder – Arc Processes (Level 2 Standard)

Welding is a way to make high strength joints between two or more parts. General Welders use high electrical energy to form an arc. Manual dexterity is essential in controlling the arc, which is used to melt metals, allowing them to fuse together to form a structurally sound weld.

Welding is used extensively and in almost every sector of industry. There is a high demand for skilled General Welders in areas such as automotive, marine, transport, general fabrication, construction and many more. General Welders produce items like components for cars; ships; rail vehicles; simple metallic containers; and steelwork for bridges, buildings and gantries. Welding is a safety-critical occupation and every welder takes responsibility for the quality and accuracy of their work. General Welders are required to produce joints that satisfy basic quality standards in order to ensure that the finished products function correctly, contributing to the safety of all and the global quality of life.

Skilled, qualified, professionally certified General Welders can work anywhere in the world and provide services in harshest of environments. For these accomplished professionals, the monetary rewards can be significant.

There is a highly complex range of welding skills: the different arc welding processes require different levels of manual dexterity, knowledge and skill to avoid making defective welds. There is a wide range of metallic materials that can be welded, each with different properties and behaviours.

 Applicants aged 16–18 who have not achieved GCSE Maths and English at grade 4 (C) or above must work towards and attempt Functional Skills Level 2 in both subjects as part of their apprenticeship programme.

For applicants aged 19 and over, this requirement is optional and can be removed if both the apprentice and employer agree, with the decision formally documented at enrolment.

• Hands-on Training & College Learning: Apprentices work on-site in fabrication shops, construction sites, or manufacturing facilities while attending college one day per week. They learn to prepare materials, set up equipment, and manually weld components therefore gaining practical experience in two welding positions using at least one arc process.

• Wide-Ranging Curriculum: The course covers welding principles, material preparation, weld quality inspection, health and safety, and equipment maintenance. Apprentices also learn to read technical drawings, follow welding procedures, and meet industry standards for strength and precision.

• Specialist Pathways: Learners may specialise in steelwork construction, automotive fabrication, marine welding, or general manufacturing depending on employer need. Employers may support additional training in non-destructive testing, coded welding, or multi-process techniques.

• Career-Ready Qualification: Upon completion (typically 18 months), apprentices earn a Level 2 qualification and are ready for roles like general welder, fabrication operative, or assembly technician, with progression into Level 3 welding, coded welder certification, or specialist fabrication roles.

For a comprehensive understanding of this programme and what it entails, please click here.

This welding Apprenticeship is taught at our London Road campus on a day release basis, once a week. If you need to complete your functional skills, then this will be covered at college in a block week release. In addition, you will be assessed in the workplace by your assessor and progress reviewed every 12 weeks with your employer. In addition, you will be required to sit an End Point Assessment, towards the final stages of your programme, which will ensure you have obtained the skills, knowledge and behaviours required to carry out your role effectively.

Typically, this welding Apprenticeship will take 18 months to complete.

To be an apprentice, you will need an employer who can offer you a specific role relevant to this apprenticeship and release you for your training. Once you have an employer in place, you can apply online. If after reading this fact sheet, you are still undecided about the course most suitable for you, please drop into one of our advice events, ring the Apprenticeship Team on 01743 653444 or email apprenticeships@shrewsbury.ac.uk