NVQ Diploma in Fabrication and Welding Engineering (1782)

Last Updated: 20 Jul 2022
They are essential for people starting out in a career as a welder or fabricator and can be undertaken within an Intermediate or Advanced Apprenticeship.

Completed in the workplace they allow people to demonstrate their competence, set against National Occupational Standards, in a wide range of welding and fabrication processes.
This qualification is for anyone working in fabrication and welding. There are options to suit a wide range of specialisms and skill levels.
Available to deliver in the following:
  • England
  • Wales – please check QiW website for available funding
  • Northern Ireland

Interested in delivering this qualification?

Find out more about how to become an approved City & Guilds centre or fill out our online customer application form. 

General Information

What Is Involved In Studying This Course?

You can choose the qualification that demonstrates the specialist knowledge and skills you have developed from options including:

 

  • Manual welding
  • Sheet metalwork
  • Pipework fabrication
  • Thermal cutting.

You will learn in the work environment. Assessment will also take place in the workplace.

Which level is right for me?

Level 2 
You are working in engineering and have some knowledge and skills in the industry, usually from a role where you've been supervised. You will be able to demonstrate your competence in joining, welding, cutting or forming of materials using one or more of the fabrication and welding processes

Level 3 
You are working in engineering and have a great deal of technical skills and knowledge. You work with minimum supervision and have a good record of safety, fault correction and ensuring work meets the required standard. You will be able to demonstrate your competence in more complex welding positions and shaping and forming of materials.

What Careers Can This Lead To?

These qualifications can help you to progress in a wide range of fabrication and welding engineering roles including:

  • Plater/Fabricator
  • Sheet Metal Worker
  • Steel Erector/Fabricator
  • Welder.
    What Is Involved With Delivering This Course?

    You will need suitably qualified staff to carry out training and assessment - you can train internal members of staff or recruit specially.

    You will also need suitable facilities to carry out the required training to enable learners to achieve industry standards.

    To find all the requirements for assessment and delivery, download the qualification handbook.

    Centres currently offering the Level 2 and 3 NVQ in Fabrication and Welding Engineering (1681) can gain fast-track approval for this qualification. 

    There are no eligibility requirements.

    Level 2

    This level will suit you if you are working in engineering and have some knowledge and skills in the industry, usually from a role where you've been supervised. You will be able to demonstrate your competence in joining, welding, cutting or forming of materials.

    There are nine qualifications available at this Level.

    These are comprised of three mandatory and a range of optional units. Mandatory units are:
    • Complying with statutory regulations and organisational safety requirements
    • Using and interpreting engineering data and documentation
    • Working efficiently and effectively in engineering.
    For a full list of units, download the qualification handbook from the centre documents section.
    What Careers Can This Lead To?
    These qualifications can help you to progress in a wide range of fabrication and welding engineering roles including:
    • Plater/Fabricator
    • Sheet Metal Worker
    • Steel Erector/Fabricator
    • Welder.
    Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Fabrication and Welding Engineering (1782-20)
    Last Registration Date: 31 Aug 2023

    Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Fabrication and Welding Engineering - Brazing and Soldering

    • Accreditation No: 601/0077/1 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
    • Type: Credit based qualification This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
    • Credits: 50 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
    • Guided Learning Hours: 214 - 604 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
    • Total Qualification Time: 470 The total time for the qualification
    • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
    • Last Certification: 31/08/2025 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
    • Qualification fees in the UK: £121.00 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

    Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Fabrication and Welding Engineering - Manual Welding

    • Accreditation No: 601/0077/1 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
    • Type: Credit based qualification This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
    • Credits: 59 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
    • Guided Learning Hours: 214 - 604 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
    • Total Qualification Time: 470 The total time for the qualification
    • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
    • Last Certification: 31/08/2025 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
    • Qualification fees in the UK: £121.00 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

    Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Fabrication and Welding Engineering - Pipework Fabrication

    • Accreditation No: 601/0077/1 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
    • Type: Credit based qualification This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
    • Credits: 67 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
    • Guided Learning Hours: 214 - 604 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
    • Total Qualification Time: 470 The total time for the qualification
    • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
    • Last Certification: 31/08/2025 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
    • Qualification fees in the UK: £121.00 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

    Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Fabrication and Welding Engineering - Plastic Welding

    • Accreditation No: 601/0077/1 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
    • Type: Credit based qualification This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
    • Credits: 50 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
    • Guided Learning Hours: 214 - 604 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
    • Total Qualification Time: 470 The total time for the qualification
    • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
    • Last Certification: 31/08/2025 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
    • Qualification fees in the UK: £121.00 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

    Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Fabrication and Welding Engineering - Plateworker (3mm upwards)

    • Accreditation No: 601/0077/1 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
    • Type: Credit based qualification This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
    • Credits: 67 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
    • Guided Learning Hours: 214 - 604 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
    • Total Qualification Time: 470 The total time for the qualification
    • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
    • Last Certification: 31/08/2025 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
    • Qualification fees in the UK: £121.00 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

    Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Fabrication and Welding Engineering - Rail Welding

    • Accreditation No: 601/0077/1 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
    • Type: Credit based qualification This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
    • Credits: 55 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
    • Guided Learning Hours: 214 - 604 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
    • Total Qualification Time: 470 The total time for the qualification
    • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
    • Last Certification: 31/08/2025 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
    • Qualification fees in the UK: £121.00 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

    Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Fabrication and Welding Engineering - Sheet Metalwork (3mm or less)

    • Accreditation No: 601/0077/1 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
    • Type: Credit based qualification This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
    • Credits: 47 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
    • Guided Learning Hours: 214 - 604 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
    • Total Qualification Time: 470 The total time for the qualification
    • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
    • Last Certification: 31/08/2025 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
    • Qualification fees in the UK: £121.00 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

    Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Fabrication and Welding Engineering - Structural Steelwork

    • Accreditation No: 601/0077/1 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
    • Type: Credit based qualification This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
    • Credits: 67 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
    • Guided Learning Hours: 214 - 604 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
    • Total Qualification Time: 470 The total time for the qualification
    • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
    • Last Certification: 31/08/2025 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
    • Qualification fees in the UK: £121.00 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

    Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Fabrication and Welding Engineering - Thermal Cutting

    • Accreditation No: 601/0077/1 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
    • Type: Credit based qualification This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
    • Credits: 71 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
    • Guided Learning Hours: 214 - 604 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
    • Total Qualification Time: 470 The total time for the qualification
    • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
    • Last Certification: 31/08/2025 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
    • Qualification fees in the UK: £121.00 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

    Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Fabrication and Welding Engineering - Welding Machine Operating

    • Accreditation No: 601/0077/1 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
    • Type: Credit based qualification This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
    • Credits: 50 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
    • Guided Learning Hours: 214 - 604 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
    • Total Qualification Time: 470 The total time for the qualification
    • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
    • Last Certification: 31/08/2025 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
    • Qualification fees in the UK: £121.00 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

    Level 3

     This level is ideal if you are working in Fabrication and Welding Engineering and have a great deal of technical skills and knowledge. You work with minimum supervision and have a good record of safety, fault correction and ensuring work meets the required standard

    There are two options available at this Level:
    • NVQ Diploma in Fabrication and Welding Engineering - seven qualifications.
    • NVQ Extended Diploma in Fabrication and Welding Engineering - six qualifications.
    The Extended Diplomas are a requirement of the Advanced Engineering Manufacture Apprenticeship framework.
    To gain these qualifications you must complete a range of mandatory and optional units.  Examples of units  include:
    • Using and Interpreting Engineering Data and Documentation.
    • Welding Materials with Mechanised Arc Welding Equipment
    • Cutting Sheetmetal to Shape using Hand and Machine Tools.
    For a full list of units, download the qualification handbooks from the centre documents section.
    What Careers Can This Lead To?
    These qualifications can help you to progress in a wide range of fabrication and welding engineering roles including:
    • Plater/Fabricator
    • Sheet Metal Worker
    • Steel Erector/Fabricator
    • Welder.
    Level 3 NVQ Extended Diploma in Fabrication and Welding Engineering (1782-60)
    Last Registration Date: 31 Aug 2023 Supportive services: Learning Assistant

    Level 3 NVQ Extended Diploma in Fabrication and Welding Engineering - Manual Welding

    • Accreditation No: 601/0083/7 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
    • Type: Credit based qualification This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
    • Credits: 212 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
    • Guided Learning Hours: 516 - 1223 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
    • Total Qualification Time: 1510 The total time for the qualification
    • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
    • Last Certification: 31/08/2025 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
    • Qualification fees in the UK: £208.00 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

    Level 3 NVQ Extended Diploma in Fabrication and Welding Engineering - Pipe and Tube Fabrication

    • Accreditation No: 601/0083/7 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
    • Type: Credit based qualification This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
    • Credits: 151 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
    • Guided Learning Hours: 516 - 1223 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
    • Total Qualification Time: 1510 The total time for the qualification
    • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
    • Last Certification: 31/08/2025 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
    • Qualification fees in the UK: £208.00 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

    Level 3 NVQ Extended Diploma in Fabrication and Welding Engineering - Plateworking (3mm upwards)

    • Accreditation No: 601/0083/7 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
    • Type: Credit based qualification This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
    • Credits: 160 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
    • Guided Learning Hours: 516 - 1223 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
    • Total Qualification Time: 1510 The total time for the qualification
    • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
    • Last Certification: 31/08/2025 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
    • Qualification fees in the UK: £208.00 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

    Level 3 NVQ Extended Diploma in Fabrication and Welding Engineering - Rail Welding

    • Accreditation No: 601/0083/7 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
    • Type: Credit based qualification This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
    • Credits: 153 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
    • Guided Learning Hours: 516 - 1223 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
    • Total Qualification Time: 1510 The total time for the qualification
    • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
    • Last Certification: 31/08/2025 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
    • Qualification fees in the UK: £208.00 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

    Level 3 NVQ Extended Diploma in Fabrication and Welding Engineering - Sheet Metalworking (3mm or less)

    • Accreditation No: 601/0083/7 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
    • Type: Credit based qualification This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
    • Credits: 185 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
    • Guided Learning Hours: 516 - 1223 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
    • Total Qualification Time: 1510 The total time for the qualification
    • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
    • Last Certification: 31/08/2025 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
    • Qualification fees in the UK: £208.00 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

    Level 3 NVQ Extended Diploma in Fabrication and Welding Engineering - Structural Steelwork

    • Accreditation No: 601/0083/7 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
    • Type: Credit based qualification This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
    • Credits: 153 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
    • Guided Learning Hours: 516 - 1223 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
    • Total Qualification Time: 1510 The total time for the qualification
    • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
    • Last Certification: 31/08/2025 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
    • Qualification fees in the UK: £208.00 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

    Level 3 NVQ Extended Diploma in Fabrication and Welding Engineering - Welding Machine Setting and Operating

    • Accreditation No: 601/0083/7 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
    • Type: Credit based qualification This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
    • Credits: 187 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
    • Guided Learning Hours: 516 - 1223 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
    • Total Qualification Time: 1510 The total time for the qualification
    • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
    • Last Certification: 31/08/2025 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
    • Qualification fees in the UK: £208.00 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

    Additional information for centres

    Learning Assistant

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    Here you can find all documents related to this suite of qualifications.

    By clicking on the section headings below, you can access a variety of documents such as the qualification handbooks and assessment materials, Statements of Purpose, and recognition letters from industry and employers.

    Some documents may be password protected. Passwords can be retrieved by logging in to Walled Garden and visiting the Administration section of the relevant qualification catalogue page.

    Interested in delivering this qualification?

    Find out more about how to become an approved City & Guilds centre or fill out our online customer application form. 

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