Introduction to Metal Insert Gas (MIG) Welding


If you’re looking for a first step into engineering, welding, fabrication, manufacturing, maintenance or green energy supply-chain roles or you need introductory MIG skills, this course is perfect for you.

Course content includes:

  • Health and safety, PPE, safe workshop practice and MIG welding equipment set-up.
  • Wire feed, shielding gas, material preparation, basic joint types, welding technique, bead control and visual quality checks.
  • Practical welding tasks designed to build confidence and repeatable technique.
  • Employability, progression planning, CV/application support, interview preparation and workplace behaviours.

By the end of this course, you’ll have the skills and knowledge to:

  • Develop introductory practical MIG welding skills in a workshop environment.
  • Understand safe working practices and basic weld quality expectations.
  • Build confidence and evidence for entry-level engineering, manufacturing or fabrication roles.
  • Progress to further welding, fabrication, engineering qualifications or apprenticeship opportunities.

Assessment

Assessment is completed through a portfolio of evidence, practical welding activities and tutor observation. You’ll demonstrate your ability to safely produce welded joints and apply the skills developed throughout the course. Evidence can be completed in either paper-based or digital format.

As part of this course, you’ll also complete activities covering the basic principles of self-employment, including costing jobs, health and safety responsibilities, customer requirements, and opportunities within the welding and fabrication industry.

You’ll have access to industry-standard welding and fabrication workshops equipped with modern welding equipment, extraction systems and engineering tools. Training may include the use of MIG welding equipment, hand tools, measuring equipment, fabrication benches and associated workshop machinery.

All necessary materials, consumables, personal protective equipment (PPE) and learning resources will be provided by the college during the course.

Whatever support you need, we’re here for you and will make sure you get the most out of your time at college.

We have expert teams in place to look after every single one of our students.

Our specialist teams can help with:

  • Learning difficulties
  • Physical and sensory disabilities
  • Dyslexia, dyspraxia, neurodiversity or other specific learning difficulties
  • Mental health and well being
  • Exam access arrangements
  • Money, finance and bursary advice
  • Careers advice, job and university applications

See here for more information, pop into one of our enrolment events, call us on 0191 490 4627.

There are no formal entry requirements for this course, it’s designed for adults who are interested in developing practical welding skills and gaining an introduction to fabrication and engineering. The course is suitable for complete beginners as well as individuals looking to improve their existing skills. You should be willing to participate in practical workshop activities, follow health and safety requirements, and complete the associated assessments.

Course start dates:

2026

  • 17th August – 28th September
  • 12th October – 9th December

2027

  • 4th January – 10th February
  • 8th March – 28th April

You can progress onto our Level 2 MIG or TIG welding to develop more advanced practical welding skills and industry knowledge.

If you’re interested in sustainability and environmental practices you can progress onto other Green Skills courses. If you’re currently in employment you may be able to take on sustainability-focused responsibilities within your workplace, supporting environmental improvement initiatives and greener working practices.

Further progression opportunities may include employment within the engineering, manufacturing, fabrication and construction sectors or progression onto our Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Practitioner (CRSP) apprenticeship.

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School Leaver Course Guide 2026/2027

View or download our course guide for 16-18 year olds.

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