Welder
Level 2 · IntermediateEngineering and manufacturing 1.5 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
A welder apprenticeship teaches you to join metal components using a range of fusion welding processes, working across industries including construction, fabrication, automotive, shipbuilding, and manufacturing. You will learn to read engineering drawings, set up welding equipment, and produce welds that meet strict quality and safety standards. It is a practical trade with strong employment opportunities and the potential to specialise in coded welding or progress into welding inspection.
On the job
What you’ll learn
How to read and interpret engineering drawings and weld symbols
MIG, MMA, and TIG welding processes - how each works and when to use them
Metal types, their properties, and how they respond to heat
Weld preparation, joint types, and correct fit-up techniques
Distortion control methods and post-weld treatment
Health and safety - fume control, PPE, and fire prevention in welding
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Set up welding equipment and select the correct parameters for the material
Prepare metal components by cutting, grinding, and fitting up joints
Weld structural or fabricated components to drawing specification
Inspect your own welds visually and use basic NDT checks
Correct weld defects by grinding and re-welding where required
Maintain welding equipment and report faults
Keep the work area clean and safe throughout the job
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 2 (Intermediate) - roughly GCSE level. Often open with few or no formal qualifications - a strong first step. Some employers ask for a couple of GCSEs.
What’s next: Typically leads on to a Level 3 (Advanced) apprenticeship.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
No employer videos yet for this apprenticeship. Employers offering it can add one to show young people what the role is really like.