Award in Metal Inert Gas (MIG) & Metal Active Gas (MAG) Welding (GMAW)

This course is designed for students determined to obtain a qualification to enter the industry with enough skills to produce simple welded joints in non-complex positions. This course is also aimed at those who want a qualification for their own personal requirements.

This course provides progression across a range of welding processes and also progression to higher levels.

This is a 40 hr guided learning course.  Students need to invest further hours in the course, which will include private study and home assignments.

Lessons are held as indicated on the prospectus and website.

In this course  students will learn to produce single-run welds in  different positions without any specific requirements to intermitted restart of weld. 

Unit 1  – MIG Simple Welded Joints Practice (30 hours)

This unit is based on a series of practical exercises to produce good welded products in terms of performance of appearance.

Learning Outcome 1:  Carry out essential preparation prior to the welding process

Unit Content

• Preparation of material (parent material: low carbon steel plate – 150 mm long by 50 mm wide minimum dimensions and by 3 to 6mm thick. Acceptance is only by visual inspection.
• Alignment of plates before welding; Setting of welding equipment

Learning Outcome 2:  Weld steel plates using single-run Metal Inert Gas (MIG) Welding

Unit Content

• Weld Simple beads on a steel plate in the flat position
• Weld Lap Fillet Joints in the horizontal/ vertical position
• Weld Tee Fillet Joints in the flat position
• Weld Tee Fillet Joints in the horizontal/ vertical position
• Weld Corner Joints in the flat position
• No specific requirement to intermitted restart of weld is included in the above welds.
• Parent material: low carbon steel plate – 150mm long by 50 mm wide minimum requirements by 3 to 6 mm thick. Acceptance is only by visual inspection

Unit 2 – MIG Technology and Safety (10 hours)

This unit covers the Metal Inert Gas Welding process, the importance of following technical procedures and the health and safety issues when working individually and in teams with MIG welding equipment.

Learning Outcome 1:  Identify hazards when working with Metal Inert Gas Welding equipment

Unit Content

• Fires and explosions, burns, fumes, electric shock, toxic gases generated by welding processes, radiation heat stress dust, appropriate personal protective equipment

Learning Outcome 2:  Identify hazards when working in teams at the place of work

Unit Content

• Excessive noise; unexpected tripping hazards; access and scaffolding hazards; escape routes; warning signs; safety lines; safety rails; emergency lighting

Learning Outcome 3:  Identify Metal Inert Gas Welding equipment and accessories

Unit Content

• Weld Set; Welding Gun and Wire Feed unit; Welding Gun types: hand held air-cooled gun/ water-cooled; Power Supply; Electrode; Shielding Gas

The following are the suggested pre-requisites and/or entry requirements needed:

Entry Requirements;

• Over 16 years of age
• Medically fit for welding.  Can take own responsibility to follow technical procedures, health and safety procedures and pass.
• Successfully completed the MCAST Welding Course Introduction 

Course participants may be awarded either an MCAST Certificate of Attendance or an MCAST Certificate of Achievement.

MCAST Certificate of Attendance

• An MCAST Certificate of Attendance will be awarded to those candidates who attend at least 80% of the lessons.

MCAST Certificate of Achievement

• An MCAST Certificate of Achievement will be awarded to those candidates who satisfy the 80% attendance criteria AND ALSO choose to sit and pass the course assessment/s.

• Students who opt not to sit for the assessment/s or fail (the assessment/s) will however be awarded an MCAST Certificate of Attendance provided that they fulfill the minimum attendance criteria as stated above.

If the student intends to obtain a Certificate of Achievement, she/he is required to sit for an assessment/s.  Assessment/s may take various forms such as a home assignment, class assignment, practical test and time constrained test.  However, the assessment/s is not compulsory and an applicant may choose not to sit for it.

During the lessons, students should have their own safety gear to industry standards.  (Gear to include safety shoes, cotton boiler suit, safety glasses and gloves)