Welding and light metalwork

What will the course Cover?

During this course you will learn how to join various types and sizes of metals together using either gas or electricity. The course aims to progress you through the complexities of welding and enable you to safely and confidently apply those techniques in the context of a personal project decided on between you and the course tutor.

Who is this course for?

Beginners who wish to gain a basic understanding of the three main types of welding techniques namely Oxy-acetylene, M.I.G. and M.M.A. Also for those who have some skills and want to practice. This course is ideal for students who may be contemplating an Art and Craft project and want to add an extra dimension to their work, or a serious home DIY'er, motor vehicle enthusiast or those contemplating a welding career. NB: Please be aware that welding generates a strong electro-magnetic field, and is therefore unsuitable for pace-maker wearers.

What skills, knowledge or experience do I need to start this course?

No previous experience required just a keen interest in practical or creative activities and a desire to learn how to join and shape metal using heat or electric current.

What should I be able to do by the end of the course?

Understand and apply Health and Safety procedures whilst carrying out welding and fabricating activities. Identify, select and use 3 different pieces of welding equipment. Mark out and cut metal accurately. Bend and shape metal depending on size and type. Weld a square edge open butt joint. Learn about, and control heat distortion. Weld a square edge closed butt joint. Learn how to stitch weld a closed butt joint. Weld a square lap joint. Learn to braize a joint instead of weld it. Weld a vertical flange joint. Weld a horizontal flat fillet joint. Shape a section of solid bar cold and or using heat. Weld a horizontal/vertical fillet joint. Weld a tubular section. Identify 3 common welding faults. Weld a square or box section. Bend and shape flat metal plate. Heat-treat / temper metal. Undertaken a project and evaluate the finished object.

How is the course organised?

The course is organised into weekly sessions which will include a mixture of practical workshop activities and demonstrations combined with individual projects.

What extra study or practice is expected outside of the class?

Research a personal project idea, and discuss your ideas with the course tutor. Reading of any course handouts Buying books or borrowing from the local library / resource centre. Internet / website search.

How will my progress be assessed?

Visual examination of exercise pieces, Verbal feedback from tutor, observation of practical tasks.

What can I expect to go on to after this course?

Various other welding courses such as City & Guilds or EMTA. These courses aim to advance learners on to more training and possibly a welding career.

Are there any other costs and what do I need to bring?

You should bring with you steel toe-capped boots, or stout leather shoes are acceptable and overalls/boiler suit or old street clothes. (No trainers or soft shoes). Note book /pad, pen, pencil. If you’re planning a project there may be an additional cost for materials. N.B. Jewellery should be removed and long hair tied back.

What support is available?

Details of all available support can be found on our website (https://www.hfals.ac.uk/information-advice in the Guide and the Student Handbook, or from teaching or reception staff.