Level 2 Welder Apprenticeship Standard
A trade that travels across industries
An apprenticeship is a real, paid job. The apprentice works for an employer and trains with us at the same time, and comes out with a nationally recognised qualification and the experience to go with it.
The short answer
What an apprentice needs
Apprentices without level 2 English and Maths may need to achieve this level prior to taking the end-point assessment. Employers may set their own criteria.
The employer sets the real bar, so treat this as a guide. If somebody is close but not quite there, it is still worth the conversation.
What they’ll learn
Aerospace, construction, defence, mining, marine and structural engineering, in businesses from small firms to multinationals.
-
They will produce welds to sector standards
Using manual and mechanised arc welding processes, to the standard the sector requires rather than to the standard that looks acceptable.
Covers manual and mechanised arc welding, sector welding standards
-
They will work in at least two process and material combinations
A minimum of two, with at least one being manual welding, so the qualification is not narrow to a single setup.
Covers minimum two process and material combinations, at least one manual
-
They will know the manual processes
Manual TIG, plasma arc, manual metal arc, MIG and MAG, and flux cored arc welding.
Covers TIG, plasma arc, MMA, MIG and MAG, flux cored arc welding
-
They will work wherever the fabrication is
Fabrication shops, assembly yards, construction and building sites, factories, and operational facilities being maintained or upgraded.
Covers fabrication shops, assembly yards, sites, factories, maintenance and upgrade work
Nobody springs anything on anyone
All apprentices must undertake an independent end-point assessment which is an assessment of the knowledge, skills and behaviours that have been learnt throughout the apprenticeship. The purpose of the assessment is to make sure the apprentice meets the standard set by employers and are fully competent in the occupation.
Coursework and portfolio
Work launched in class and completed in the job, building the evidence the assessor will look at.
A review with you
The employer, the apprentice and the tutor. Half an hour. Progress, targets, and anything getting in the way.
A full mock
Marked by a tutor who is not theirs, so the feedback is honest and the real thing holds no surprises.
What it takes, on both sides
If you're the employer
- A real role that covers the standard. Your Employer Relationship Officer will check it before anyone enrols.
- Time released for teaching, on a timetable you'll have from day one.
- Half an hour every 8 to 10 weeks for a three-way review.
- Your say-so when the apprentice is ready for their final assessment.
If you want to be the apprentice
- A job. An apprenticeship is employment, so you need an employer before you can start.
- Already working in this kind of role? Your manager can put you forward directly.
- An initial skills scan with us, so we know where you're starting from.
- No employer yet? That's the usual starting point, and finding one is the part we help with.
This is a step, not a destination
Most of our apprentices carry on, usually with the same employer and usually into a wider role. Which route is right depends on the job being done, so it is worth a conversation rather than a guess.
Not sure what comes after this one? Tell us the role and we'll tell you honestly which of our apprenticeships, higher apprenticeships or university-level courses fits next.
Where this course can take you
- Before you start
- This course Level 2
- Further study
Check you have what you need in the entry requirements.
Not sure? Talk to us and we will help you find the right starting point.
- Level 3 L3 Plate Welder Apprenticeship Standard At this college
- Level 3 L3 Installation Electrician/Maintenance Electrician Apprenticeship Standard At this college
- Level 3 L3 Maintenance and Operations Engineering Technician Apprenticeship Standard At this collegeAlso at North Lindsey College
See all 23 courses
At this college
- L3 Plate Welder Apprenticeship Standard
- L3 Installation Electrician/Maintenance Electrician Apprenticeship Standard
- L3 Maintenance and Operations Engineering Technician Apprenticeship Standard
- Level 3 Domestic Electrician Apprenticeship Standard
- Level 3 Engineering Fitter Apprenticeship Standard
- Level 3 Machining Technician Apprenticeship Standard
- Level 3 Mechatronics Maintenance Technician
- C&G 2382-22 (18th Edition) Level 3 Award in the Requirements for Electrical Installations
- T Level - Engineering & Manufacturing (Mechatronics)
At North Lindsey College
- Level 3 Pipe Welder Apprenticeship Standard
- L3 Maintenance and Operations Engineering Technician Apprenticeship Standard
- Level 3 Apprenticeship Installation & Maintenance Electrician (HESTA)
- Level 3 Engineering Design and Draughtsperson Apprenticeship Standard
- Level 3 in Safety, Health and Environment Technician Apprenticeship Standard
- Level 3 Machining Technician Apprenticeship Standard
- Level 3 Metal Fabricator Apprenticeship Standard
- Level 3 Plate Welding Apprenticeship Standard
- Level 3 Standard Installation Electrician/Maintenance Electrician
- C&G 2382-22 (18th Edition) Level 3 Award in the Requirements for Electrical Installations
- Level 3 Advanced Technical Certificate Electrical Installation
- Level 3 Diploma in Engineering Technologies - Fab Weld
- Level 3 Diploma in Engineering Technologies - Mechanical
- T Level - Engineering and Manufacturing - Maintenance
Careers it can lead to
- Welding Trades £32,900 a year
- Metal Plate Workers, Smiths, Moulders and Related Occupations £38,500 a year
- Sheet Metal Workers £34,600 a year
- Metal Working Production and Maintenance Fitters £37,800 a year
See all 8 careers
- Tool Makers, Tool Fitters and Markers-out £35,900 a year
- Glaziers, Window Fabricators and Fitters £25,500 a year
With further study or experience
- Engineering Technicians £39,700 a year
- Skilled Metal, Electrical and Electronic Trades Supervisors £43,900 a year
Typical pay is the UK median for each job (Lightcast, October 2026).
How to start this apprenticeship
It takes two, an employer and an apprentice. Pick your side.
Put someone on this programme
Recruiting, or formalising the training of someone already in post? Start with a conversation. We'll check the role, sort the funding, and get them enrolled.
Speak to us today 0800 358 7575
Or advertise a vacancy through us and we'll handle the recruitment.
You'll need an employer first
An apprenticeship is a job, so an employer has to take you on before you can start. Already employed in this kind of role? Your manager can put you forward directly.
No vacancy that suits? Register your interest and we'll tell you when one comes up.