This 36-42 month programme will teach you a range of knowledge and practical skills whilst attending for one day per week whilst working and training with your employer.
This occupation is found in the advanced manufacturing engineering and engineering construction sectors. The broad purpose of the occupation is to carry out metal fabrication work using things such as rolled steel joists, columns, channels, steel plate and metal sheet etc. Fabricators use a large range of metals including steel, aluminium and titanium at a range of thicknesses from 0.5mm up to over 20mm.
In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with planners, supervisors, inspectors, designers, welders, pipefitters, fitters, machinists, riggers, steel erectors, stores personnel, painters and many others involved in manufacturing, production, maintenance and repair. An employee in this occupation will be responsible for the quality and accuracy of their own work whilst ensuring it conforms to a relevant specification such as an engineering drawing or an international standard. Fabricators are also responsible for the health, safety and environmental (HS&E) protection of themselves and others around them.
Course Content
- Plan and prepare for the METAL fabrication activities before commencing work
- Check materials conform to the specified grades, dimensions and thicknesses identified on detailed engineering drawings.
- Set up, check AND adjust the equipment for use in the safe and reliable fabrication of METAL products or components and maintaining the equipment in a reliable and safe condition throughout
- Interpret technical drawings, patterns, templates and specifications to mark out, produce and assemble complex fabricated products to meet the required specification and quality requirements
- Use appropriate tools, equipment and techniques to shape and form (HOT or COLD) metal materials, demonstrating and applying knowledge of material properties and characteristics throughout.
- Cutting, drilling, shaping and preparing METAL materials during fabrication activities using manual and power tools, thermal and laser cutting, as required calculating dimensions and tolerances using knowledge of mathematics and instruments/equipment
- Monitor resources and activities throughout the fabrication of products or components, identifying areas for improving the production process where possible
- Operate appropriate tools and equipment to join metal parts using a range of mechanical fasteners and fixing techniques required by the specifications appropriate to the fabrication activity being carried out and in accordance with approved joining procedures and quality requirements
- Operate joining equipment to join metal parts using a range of appropriate techniques to the standards required by the specifications for the fabrication activity being carried out
- Inspect and test joins for security against required standard
- Carry out quality checks on component parts and completed assemblies
- Deal with problems that occur within the fabrication activity in line with responsibilities of the role
- Ensure that health and safety requirements are fully accounted for in all the above.
- Functional Skills in English and maths at level 2, unless already achieved or employer waives this element for adult apprentices.
Who is this course for?
This course is for anyone that has secured an apprenticeship position with an employer and wishes to achieve a level 3 qualification within the field of Metal Fabrication.
Assessment Method
You will be expected to collect and upload a portfolio of evidence from the workplace. Assessment is in the workplace and through a knowledge and practical end point assessment (EPA). The EPA is intended to test your higher order skills as defined in the apprenticeship standard as developed by the Independent End-Point Assessment Organisation(s) in consultation with the employers working group.
Progression
You could progress by gaining more skills in welding or move onto a higher apprenticeship or degree.
Course Requirements*
Learners must have an employer to start an apprenticeship. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be provided for the duration of the course, although learners are encouraged to purchase their own flame proof overalls and provide an air-fed welding helmet. Learners must provide and wear their own safety footwear at all times in the workshops.
For learners over the age of 19, an employer contribution is required.