Fabrication and Welding - Pre-apprenticeship SCQF Level 5

Calendar iconStudy mode: You study most days of the week and complete all course units /modules in the standard time.

Mortar board iconCourse type: SCQF Level 5

Pen iconStart in: August

Computer and book iconLearning mode: You attend classes in person at your local campus or learning centre.

Clock iconDuration: Full time: 1 year

Book and tick iconHow: You attend classes at scheduled times, shown on your timetable.

What is special about this course?

This course is ideal for anyone looking to begin a career in Fabrication and Welding. By enrolling, you'll work towards both a Performing Engineering Operations (PEO) qualification and a National Certificate (NC) in Fabrication and Welding at SCQF Level 5. These industry recognised qualifications are delivered through hands on, practical training that reflects current workplace standards in a sector experiencing rapid and continuing growth.

Throughout the programme, you'll develop a solid foundation of welding and fabrication skills, gain experience using essential tools and equipment, and learn to work safely and effectively in a workshop environment. These skills are highly valued by employers and will put you in an excellent position to progress directly into employment or an apprenticeship.

One key benefit of completing the PEO and NC is that, if you progress into a Fabrication and Welding apprenticeship after the pre-apprenticeship course, you will not need to attend college as part of your apprenticeship, instead moving directly to the work based Diploma in Fabrication and Welding, making you a more desirable candidate to any prospective employer.

National 4 in Maths, and ideally a National 4 in English and an Engineering subject.

You will be required to attend a mandatory information session to secure a place on this course 

Core Skills Modules

  • Communication (Intermediate 2) 
  • Problem Solving 
  • Working with Others 
  • Numeracy (Intermediate 2) 
  • Mathematics: Craft 1 

Engineering Fundamentals

  • Engineering: Using Information Technology 
  • Engineering Project 
  • Health and Safety: Engineering 

Fabrication & Welding Techniques

  • Fabrication Processes 
  • Fabrication Skills 
  • Welding Processes 
  • Thermal Cutting Skills 

Welding Skills Modules

  • Manual Metal Arc (MMA) Welding Skills 
  • Metal Inert Gas (MIG) / Metal Active Gas (MAG) Welding Skills 
  • MIG Welding Preparation Skills (T) 
  • MMA Welding Preparation Skills (T) 

PEO (Performing Engineering Operations) Units

  • Complying with Statutory Regulations and Organisational Safety Requirements 
  • Using and Interpreting Engineering Data and Documentation 
  • Working Efficiently and Effectively in Engineering 
  • Producing Platework Components and Assemblies 
  • Cutting and Shaping Materials Using Thermal Cutting Equipment 
  • Preparing and Using Manual Metal Arc Welding Equipment 
  • Preparing and Using Manual TIG or Plasma Arc Welding Equipment 
  • Preparing and Using MIG/MAG and Other Continuous Wire Welding Equipment

How will I study my course?

  • Full Time

You will learn in a face-to-face environment, taking part in a mixture of practical tasks and theory lessons, while being required, at times, to complete portfolio work outside of normal college hours.

How long will my course last?

1 Year
    • Beechwood Campus

Start date

September

Fees

For the latest information on fees please see our fees policy.

What can I do on completion of my course?

Once you have successfully completed this course, you might like to consider careers in:

  • Fabrication and Welding industry 
  • Mechanical Engineering 

You may wish to progress from Pre-apprenticeship Fabrication & Welding to the following courses:

Apply for Fabrication and Welding - Pre-apprenticeship SCQF Level 5

I want to start in 2026/27

We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at UHI Inverness. UHI Inverness operates a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of age, disability, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity status, race, religion and/or belief, sex, sexual orientation or socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.