It doesn't matter whether it's a bicycle, a car, an aeroplane, a PC or laptop, a mobile phone, a camera even something as simple as a pen. Light switches, televisions, boats and ships, a bridge, rockets, or a space station, the list goes on.

So ask yourself what you see yourself as, an inventor, designer or a draughtsman or perhaps the person with the ability to produce the finished product.

Engineering is broken down into four areas - Mechanical, Electrical, Fabrication & Welding and Motor Vehicle. Look at the options on the menu to explore engineering further.

This is a four year apprenticeship.

Pre-requisites:- 4 GCSE's in - Maths, English, a Science and I.C.T. at grade C or better is desirable but not essential. (I.C.T. is not a mandatory subject. Another would be acceptable).

Years 1 & 2

In the first two years you will attend college 2 days a week in the first year followed by 1 day a week in the second year and work towards obtaining an NVQ level 2 in general engineering (Performing Engineering Operations - Welding & Fabrication bias).

In addition you will also work towards two technical certificates which provide you with the underpinning knowledge you will require in your chosen occupation. (ABC Level 2 & Level 3 Part 1 - Certificate Welding & Fabrication).

You will also have to complete "Key Skills" in subjects you will not have obtained at school and will be at Level 2.

AON (Application of Number)
Comms (Communications)
I.T. (Information Technology)
WWO (Working With Others)
IOLP (Improving Own Learning Performance)

Years 3 & 4

In years three and four, you will complete an NVQ level 3 in the workplace. Evidence of the jobs you do at work need to be compiled in a portfolio. Lowestoft College use an online system for capturing this evidence.

You will attend college one day a week in year three to complete the ABC Level 3 Part 2 Diploma.

These courses are designed to provide the background knowledge and practical experience required in the welding and fabrication industry. It is possible to study at either Levels 2 or 3 and both are technical certificates that can form part of an apprenticeship framework.

The courses consist of instruction in the classroom as well as practical exercises in welding, fabrication, engineering drawing and pattern development in our extensive workshops.

Modules offered are:

• Manual metal arc welding
• Metal arc gas shielded welding
• Tungsten arc gas shielded welding
• Fabrication processes
• Related studies for fabrication and welding practice
• Engineering drawing

Successful completion provides a sound knowledge of welding, fabrication and engineering drawing which has helped students progress through industry on to ‘coded’ welding or to pursue Engineering Technician qualifications.

These courses are for anyone working or interested in working in the welding industry or any job where certified welding qualifications may be required including maintenance personnel or garage technicians.

These beginners to intermediates hands-on courses are intended for those who need to obtain or improve their skills in the following welding processes:

• Manual Metal Arc Welding (MMA)
• Oxy-Acetylene (Gas) Welding including Brazing
• MIG Welding (with sheet metal or thick plate options at level 2)
• TIG Welding (Carbon Steel)
• TIG Welding Aluminium or Stainless Steel is offered at extra cost

Assessment of practical skills through five welding tests takes place in our extensive workshop and there are also a series of questions to test knowledge.

To progress on to Level 2 where test pieces are welded in the vertical position it is expected that learners already have welding experience or a Level 1 welding qualification.

Successful completion provides a good basis for progression on to the Fabrication and Welding Practice 165 course, the full-time Welding and Fabrication Skills NVQ level 2 or for employment in the welding industry.

This course is designed as a progression route for students completing the Level 1 Certificate course. It builds on the techniques and skills already learnt and includes new welding processes at Level 2.

Additional maths qualifications are added to prepare students wishing to progress on to the Level 2 Certificate course in the next year or full time employment within the industry.

Subjects to be studied include:

• Health and Safety
• Welding
• Application of number (maths)

This course is designed to provide opportunities for students not yet in employment to develop their knowledge and understanding, and gain practical welding and fabrication skills. It includes some study of craft principles and is largely practical in nature, the elements of the course being designed to provide a general understanding of welding, fabrication and sheetmetal work.

Subjects to be studied include:

• Working safely in an engineering environment
• Welding techniques
• Fabrication and sheetmetal work
• Engineering drawing

Entry requirements for this course are three GCSEs at grade E or above. An aptitude for welding and fabrication crafts skills and the interest and ability to cope with the demands of the course will be expected and candidates will be interviewed prior to acceptance. Students may progress on to the Welding and Fabrication Skills Level 2 award course for a further 15 weeks.

The course is designed for new entrants preparing to progress into a career in welding, fabrication and allied industries. The course is a broad-based work related programme, which will give an understanding of basic welding and fabrication principles and practices.

Subjects to be studied include:

• Working safely in an engineering environment
• Working efficiently and effectively in Engineering
• Producing sheet metal components and assemblies
• Producing plate-work components
• Using and communicating technical information
• Welding

Entry requirements for this course are three GCSEs at Grade D or above, or an appropriate qualification at Level 1 and an interview. Applicants should demonstrate an aptitude for welding and fabrication craft skills and the interest and ability to cope with the demands of the course.

The course will lead to the EAL Level 2 qualification Performing Engineering Operations which satisfies the initial stage of training required to progress on to an Advanced Apprenticeship at Level 3 or gaining employment. Additional qualifications in welding.