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NC Fabrication and Welding Engineering

  • Qualifications National Qualifications
  • SCQF Level SCQF Level 6
  • Study mode Full-time
  • Campus Kilmarnock
  • Start date August 2026
  • Duration 36 weeks
More information

Attendance/Duration

Full-time, one year. Day-release, two years

Overview

Scotland has a world-renowned reputation for engineering, and is at the cutting-edge of engineering developments. Engineers design, create, test and improve all sorts of products and processes. They have an impact on every aspect of modern living and enjoy exciting career opportunities in lots of different sectors, including space, aviation, transport, medicine, technology, food, fashion and construction.

If you've got a logical and inquisitive mind, enjoy problem solving and are curious to know how things work, you've got it in you to make a great engineer!

Right now, qualified engineers are in extremely high demand, with thousands of new engineers needed every year in Scotland alone. Ayrshire College is an ideal choice for studying engineering:

  • We have STEM Assured Status which means we have been recognised for the quality of our Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths courses.
  • We've invested in our equipment, so you'll be learning using the latest industry standard technology.
  • We won Training Partner of the Year at the prestigious SEMTA (Science, Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies Alliance) Skills Awards in 2017.
  • Plus, we're the first and only college in Scotland to be approved by The Welding Institute (TWI).
  • We've also got an excellent record of employment for our engineering students.

If you're considering a career in engineering, and in particular welding, then this course is a great place to start.

For entry to this course you'll need:

  • A real interest in working in engineering.
  • Four National 5s or equivalent OR a relevant course at SCQF Level 5 or equivalent.
  • An interview with us.

If you don't have any formal qualifications, but have life experience, we'll also consider you for a place, so please call us for a chat.

Entry Requirements

For this course you’ll need:

  • a genuine interest in engineering
  • either four National 5 qualifications or equivalent, or a relevant SCQF Level 5 course

If you lack formal qualifications, don’t worry we’ll also consider life experience.

For employed candidates, this course is available on a Part-Time/Day Release basis. For more information, contact the department at lynn.anderson@ayrshire.ac.uk.

Course Content

Dive into a dynamic blend of practical work and theory, gaining the skills and knowledge for further study or employment. You may explore:

  • Basic maths and IT application: in an engineering context.
  • Develop skills in welding processes like MMA, MIG, MAG, and TIG.
  • Explore fabrication techniques, understanding metal structures and the machinery used.
  • Understand thermal cutting processes, from oxy-fuel to plasma and laser methods.
  • Interpret drawings, instructions, and specifications to create operational drawings and templates.
  • Enhance graphical engineering communication through 2D assembly drawings.
  • Build essential transferable skills like communication, numeracy, ICT, teamwork and problem solving.

Next Steps and Career Opportunities

Completing this course opens doors to exciting possibilities. You may have the opportunity to:

  • Progress to an HNC Engineering Practice (Fabrication) or a relevant HNC course.
  • Kickstart your career with a Modern Apprenticeship in fabrication and welding.

Take the first step towards a promising engineering career.