Introduction to Tungsten Insert Gas (TIG) Welding


This course is designed for those wanting a career in engineering, fabrication, manufacturing, maintenance or green energy supply-chain roles. It also supports employed workers who need an introduction to TIG welding, alongside employability skills development and a structured route into further training or employment.

Course content includes:

  • Health and safety, workshop practice, PPE, equipment set-up and safe TIG welding processes.
  • Tungsten electrode preparation, shielding gas, material preparation, basic joint types, bead control and weld quality awareness.
  • Practical welding activities with feedback to develop technique and confidence.
  • Employability, progression planning, CV/application support, interview preparation and evidence of workplace behaviours.

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

  • Develop introductory practical TIG welding skills in a workshop setting.
  • Understand safe working practices and basic quality expectations in engineering environments.
  • Build a progression plan towards employment, further welding training, engineering courses or apprenticeships.
  • Support entry into manufacturing, fabrication, maintenance and green energy supply-chain roles.

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.

Most people aged 19 years and over can qualify for free course fees and there are grants and bursaries you can apply for to help cover the costs of coming to college, depending on your circumstances.

If you don’t qualify for funding help and have to pay for course, you could pay a 25% deposit and four consecutive monthly standing order payments for the balance. The course fee must be over £100 to qualify.

For one to one advice, contact our friendly team who will assess your individual circumstances and give you the right information.

You can contact them on 0191 490 0300, [email protected] or via Live Chat.

For more information, come along to an enrolment event, call 0191 490 4627 or email [email protected]

Those aged under 18 years old are not eligible to study this course as it is a part time programme.

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.

WHAT CAN I DO WITH A QUALIFICATION IN INTRODUCTION TO TUNGSTEN INSERT GAS (TIG) WELDING?

  • Welding Trades

Knowledge

Mechanical: Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

Building and Construction: Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.

Engineering and Technology: Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

Design: Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

Education and Training: Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Median Salary
£34,682

Average Qualifications
Level 3 NVQ; A Levels

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Pathways

Engineering
People in these occupations use scientific principles to solve practical problems across a variety of engineering disciplines: civil, chemical, mechanical, etc.

Skills

Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Learning Strategies
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Mathematics
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Active Learning
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Science
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
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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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