Level 2 Technical Certificate in Engineering in Colchester. Classes run at Adult Skills Centre Colchester, full-time during the day, and the course takes around 9 months to complete. It's free if you're 16 to 18 years old. If you're 19 or over, fees may apply. You'll develop practical and technical skills across engineering and manufacturing, with a focus on welding and fabrication. Units cover marking out, cutting, and a range of welding processes including gas shielded arc welding and manual metal arc welding. You'll also learn to identify and assess flaws in welded joints.
Who this course is for
Engineering and Manufacturing are vital to the UK economy where a variety of businesses operate in an industry that is worth over 1 trillion annually to the UK. This course develops both practical and technical skills to enable learners to progress towards a career in their chosen field.
Entry requirements
4 GCSEs (9-4), including English and Maths, or Level 2 Functional Skills equivalent, or satisfactory results (Merit/Distinction) in a relevant Level 1 qualification including English and Maths at 9-3, or Level 1 Functional Skills equivalent, and an interview.
What you will learn
You'll mark out and cut metal using intermediate and advanced methods.
You'll practise a range of welding processes, including gas shielded arc welding, manual metal arc welding, laser welding, and submerged arc welding.
You'll assemble and join metals to an industry standard.
You'll identify common flaws in welded joints and assess whether a joint is satisfactory.
You'll build the theoretical knowledge that underpins practical engineering and fabrication work.
You'll develop skills to design, innovate, and analyse engineering solutions.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom-based teaching combined with hands-on practical work in a workshop setting. Assessment covers both practical skills and technical knowledge. You'll be assessed on your ability to carry out welding and fabrication tasks to a standard, alongside written or knowledge-based assessments. An interview is part of the entry process, and the centre will use it to confirm the course is the right fit for you.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Adult Skills Centre Colchester will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Welder. How to become a welder in engineering or manufacturing.
Fabricator. Cutting, shaping, and joining metal components.
Welding fabricator. Combining welding and fabrication across engineering sectors.
Engineering operative. Entry-level production and assembly roles.
Metal worker. Working with metals in manufacturing environments.
What you could study next
Level 3 Diploma in Engineering. The natural next step if you want to deepen your technical knowledge and move toward higher-level engineering roles or an apprenticeship.
Engineering Apprenticeship (Level 3). Combines on-the-job training with a qualification, and is a common route into skilled engineering work.
Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Engineering. A Level 4 qualification for those aiming toward higher education or supervisory roles in engineering.
