Skills Bootcamp - Welding

Our Welding Bootcamp is a high-impact, practical course designed for individuals seeking to enter the welding and fabrication sector or upskill within it. This bootcamp prepares learners for immediate employment or career progression by developing technical skills, industry knowledge, and workplace confidence. Training is delivered in our fully equipped, modern engineering workshops, with input from local employers to ensure alignment with real-world demands.

• Health and Safety in Engineering Environment
• Setting up and Operating Welding Equipment
• Welding Techniques: MIG, TIG, MMA (Manual Metal Arc)
• Fillet Welds on Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals
• Quality Standards and Self-Inspection Procedures
• Fire Awareness and Safety
• Abrasive Wheels Training
• Manual Handling Techniques
• Risk Assessment and Workplace Safety

Graduates of the bootcamp may progress into roles such as:

• Fabricator/Welder
• Welding Technician
• Structural Steelworker

• Level 2 Welding and Fabrication Apprenticeship
• Level 3 in Welding and Fabrication

• Aged 19+
• Right to work in the UK
• Living or working in the North East Combined Authority (NECA) area
• No prior experience required (though previous welding experience may be advantageous for the upskilling route)

Practical Skills Assessments – Learners will be observed performing MIG, TIG, and MMA welds to specified standards on ferrous and non-ferrous metals.

Workshop-Based Task Completion – Assessment of learners’ ability to set up welding equipment, follow welding procedures, and complete fabrication tasks safely and accurately.

Self-Inspection Logs – Learners will complete inspection records as part of their quality control training, demonstrating attention to detail and adherence to industry standards.

Risk Assessment Activity – Learners will produce a written risk assessment for a welding task to evidence understanding of hazard identification and control measures.

Portfolio of Evidence – Learners will compile evidence of completed work, including photographs, and reflection logs

Review and Progress Meetings – Regular one-to-one reviews with tutors to assess progress, address challenges, and agree next steps.

Cohort 1: 2nd June 2025 to 12th July 2025
Cohort 2: 15th September to 28th November 2025

The Welding Skills Bootcamp will be delivered over a period of 12 weeks, totalling 60 Guided Learning Hours (GLH). Delivery will take place on a part-time evening basis, enabling accessibility for both employed and unemployed learners.

Delivery Schedule:

Tuesdays and Thursdays

5:30pm – 8:30pm (3 hours per session, 6 hours per week)

Location: East Durham College, Willerby Grove, Peterlee, SR8 2RN

The bootcamp will primarily be face-to-face, with access to online resources via Microsoft Teams for supplementary learning, including videos, reading materials, and interactive quizzes.