Learning Outcomes for the ICTQual AB Level 6 International Diploma in Welding & Fabrication Technology:

Year 1 – Foundation in Welding & Fabrication

Introduction to Welding and Fabrication Technology

• Understand the principles and scope of welding and fabrication.
• Recognise different welding techniques and their applications.
• Identify industry sectors using welding and fabrication processes.
• Understand safety and environmental considerations in welding operations.

Engineering Materials and Metallurgy

• Identify and classify metals, alloys, and non-metallic materials.
• Understand material properties such as strength, ductility, and hardness.
• Apply metallurgical principles to select suitable materials for fabrication.
• Analyse the effects of heat and welding on material properties.

Workshop Safety and Health Practices

• Implement safe practices in welding workshops.
• Identify potential hazards and apply risk control measures.
• Use personal protective equipment (PPE) correctly.
• Comply with health and safety legislation and regulations.

Basic Welding Techniques and Processes

• Perform fundamental welding processes safely.
• Understand joint types and welding positions.
• Demonstrate correct handling of welding equipment.
• Recognise and prevent common welding defects.

Metal Cutting and Shaping Methods

• Apply appropriate cutting techniques for different metals.
• Use shaping and forming tools accurately.
• Demonstrate control over hand and power tools.
• Understand tolerances and precision requirements.

Technical Drawing and Blueprint Interpretation

• Read and interpret technical drawings and schematics.
• Produce simple fabrication sketches and plans.
• Apply standard symbols and conventions in drawings.
• Use drawings to plan welding and fabrication tasks.

Measurement and Quality Control in Fabrication

• Perform accurate measurements using industry tools.
• Apply quality control standards to fabricated components.
• Identify errors and implement corrective measures.
• Maintain records of inspection and testing results.

Introduction to Welding Equipment and Tools

• Identify common welding tools and machinery.
• Operate equipment safely and efficiently.
• Conduct routine maintenance and inspections.
• Understand operational limitations of different tools.

Welding Metallurgy and Defects

• Recognise common welding defects and their causes.
• Analyse microstructural changes in welded materials.
• Implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Understand the impact of welding parameters on material properties.

Fundamentals of Fabrication Design

• Apply basic design principles to fabrication projects.
• Develop simple fabrication plans and layouts.
• Consider material selection and joint design in planning.
• Integrate design thinking with practical execution.

Industrial Mathematics for Fabrication

• Apply mathematical calculations to fabrication processes.
• Solve problems related to measurements, tolerances, and material quantities.
• Use formulas for structural and mechanical calculations.
• Interpret numerical data for design and production accuracy.

Communication and Professional Skills

• Develop workplace professionalism and time management skills.
• Demonstrate effective verbal and written communication.
• Work collaboratively in teams.
• Present technical ideas clearly to peers and supervisors.

Year 2 – Intermediate Welding & Fabrication

Advanced Welding Processes

• Perform intermediate welding techniques on various metals.
• Apply welding parameters effectively for different processes.
• Evaluate weld quality and consistency.
• Adapt welding methods to practical industrial tasks.

Gas Welding and Cutting Techniques

• Control flames accurately in gas welding and cutting.
• Demonstrate safe gas handling and equipment use.
• Select suitable gas types for different metals.
• Inspect and maintain gas welding equipment.

Arc Welding and TIG/MIG Methods

• Execute arc, TIG, and MIG welding techniques safely.
• Choose appropriate methods for specific materials.
• Control welding defects and ensure joint integrity.
• Adjust equipment settings for optimal performance.

Welding Inspection and Testing

• Conduct non-destructive and destructive testing.
• Identify welding defects and assess structural integrity.
• Prepare inspection reports aligned with standards.
• Apply testing results to improve welding processes.

Structural Fabrication Principles

• Apply engineering principles to structural welding projects.
• Understand load-bearing and stress distribution in structures.
• Select materials and joints for strength and durability.
• Ensure compliance with structural fabrication standards.

Sheet Metal Fabrication Techniques

• Execute cutting, bending, and forming operations accurately.
• Apply tolerances and quality standards in sheet metal work.
• Select appropriate tools for different fabrication tasks.
• Complete projects with precision and efficiency.

Welding Codes, Standards, and Regulations

• Interpret international welding codes and regulations.
• Apply standards in practical fabrication tasks.
• Ensure compliance with legal and safety requirements.
• Maintain documentation of compliance and quality control.

Welding Project Planning and Management

• Plan welding projects, including resources and timelines.
• Allocate tasks and manage team responsibilities.
• Monitor progress and resolve technical challenges.
• Evaluate project outcomes and report results.

Welding Metallurgy – Advanced Concepts

• Analyse metallurgical changes in welded components.
• Understand heat treatment effects on welds.
• Identify potential failure points in welded structures.
• Apply metallurgy knowledge to prevent defects.

Fabrication Automation and Machinery

• Operate automated and CNC welding machinery.
• Integrate technology for improved fabrication efficiency.
• Program machines for repetitive tasks.
• Troubleshoot common automation issues.

Health, Safety, and Risk Management in Welding

• Implement comprehensive safety procedures in workshops.
• Conduct risk assessments for welding projects.
• Enforce safety standards for teams and equipment.
• Maintain incident and safety records.

Problem-Solving and Technical Decision Making

• Evaluate outcomes and adjust techniques as needed.
• Analyse technical challenges in welding projects.
• Apply critical thinking to find effective solutions.
• Make informed decisions based on project requirements.

Year 3 – Advanced Welding & Fabrication

Fabrication Design and Project Execution

• Develop complex fabrication project designs.
• Execute projects adhering to specifications and quality standards.
• Integrate advanced welding techniques in practical tasks.
• Manage resources and timelines efficiently.

Advanced Structural Welding Techniques

• Perform complex structural welding operations safely.
• Ensure integrity and compliance with engineering standards.
• Apply advanced joint designs and multi-pass welding methods.
• Evaluate welds for strength and durability.

Pipe and Pressure Vessel Welding

• Execute welding for pipes and pressure vessels.
• Follow safety and regulatory requirements for high-pressure systems.
• Inspect welds for defects and compliance.
• Apply specialised techniques for cylindrical and complex shapes.

Welding Metallurgy – Failure Analysis

• Identify causes of weld failure in industrial applications.
• Conduct metallurgical analysis to improve weld performance.
• Recommend corrective measures to prevent recurrence.
• Apply failure analysis knowledge to future projects.

Robotic Welding and Automation Technology

• Operate robotic welding systems efficiently.
• Program and adjust robotic parameters for quality results.
• Integrate automation in production workflows.
• Troubleshoot and maintain robotic equipment.

Quality Assurance and Industry Standards

• Implement quality assurance systems in fabrication projects.
• Conduct audits and inspections to ensure compliance.
• Maintain records and documentation of quality checks.
• Apply continuous improvement methods to welding processes.

Welding Project Management and Leadership

• Lead teams in large-scale welding and fabrication projects.
• Plan, allocate, and monitor resources and tasks effectively.
• Resolve technical and operational challenges.
• Demonstrate leadership and communication skills.

Advanced Fabrication for Construction and Industry

• Apply advanced fabrication techniques for industrial and construction projects.
• Integrate structural and mechanical knowledge into practical tasks.
• Ensure accuracy, quality, and safety in all operations.
• Adapt techniques for different project requirements.

Cost Estimation and Resource Planning

• Prepare accurate cost estimates for welding projects.
• Plan and manage material, equipment, and human resources.
• Optimise project budgets and reduce wastage.
• Analyse financial and resource data to improve efficiency.

Research and Innovation in Welding Technology

• Investigate new welding techniques and materials.
• Apply research findings to practical fabrication tasks.
• Innovate solutions to industry challenges.
• Evaluate emerging technologies for workflow improvement.

Capstone Project in Welding & Fabrication

• Plan and execute a comprehensive, real-world welding project.
• Demonstrate mastery of technical and project management skills.
• Present project outcomes with analysis and evaluation.
• Apply all knowledge and skills acquired throughout the programme.

Professional Development and Career Planning

• Prepare for industry roles and entrepreneurial ventures.
• Develop career plans and professional goals in welding and fabrication.
• Identify opportunities for continuous learning and skill enhancement.
• Build leadership, teamwork, and communication skills.