The ICTQual AB Level 6 International Diploma in Welding & Fabrication Technology is a three-year, 360-credit programme designed to provide learners with a robust foundation and advanced expertise in welding, metal fabrication, and engineering technology. This comprehensive curriculum equips learners with the practical skills and theoretical knowledge required to succeed in the rapidly evolving industrial and manufacturing sectors.
Learners will gain hands-on experience in key welding processes, metal joining techniques, blueprint reading, and precision fabrication. The programme emphasises safety, quality standards, and industry best practices, ensuring learners are fully prepared to handle complex fabrication tasks in professional environments.
With the global demand for skilled welding and fabrication professionals on the rise, learners completing this diploma are well-positioned to pursue rewarding careers across construction, shipbuilding, automotive, aerospace, and energy industries. The programme not only develops technical competence but also nurtures problem-solving, innovation, and leadership skills.
The diploma is designed to accommodate both fresh entrants and professionals looking to enhance their expertise. Learners benefit from a structured progression of modules that build knowledge incrementally, ensuring a clear understanding of both fundamental and advanced concepts in welding and fabrication.
Course Overview
This qualification, the ICTQual AB Level 6 International Diploma in Welding & Fabrication Technology, consists of 36 mandatory units.
Year 1 – Foundation in Welding & Fabrication
- Introduction to Welding and Fabrication Technology
- Engineering Materials and Metallurgy
- Workshop Safety and Health Practices
- Basic Welding Techniques and Processes
- Metal Cutting and Shaping Methods
- Technical Drawing and Blueprint Interpretation
- Measurement and Quality Control in Fabrication
- Introduction to Welding Equipment and Tools
- Welding Metallurgy and Defects
- Fundamentals of Fabrication Design
- Industrial Mathematics for Fabrication
- Communication and Professional Skills
Year 2 – Intermediate Welding & Fabrication
- Advanced Welding Processes
- Gas Welding and Cutting Techniques
- Arc Welding and TIG/MIG Methods
- Welding Inspection and Testing
- Structural Fabrication Principles
- Sheet Metal Fabrication Techniques
- Welding Codes, Standards, and Regulations
- Welding Project Planning and Management
- Welding Metallurgy – Advanced Concepts
- Fabrication Automation and Machinery
- Health, Safety, and Risk Management in Welding
- Problem-Solving and Technical Decision Making
Year 3 – Advanced Welding & Fabrication
- Fabrication Design and Project Execution
- Advanced Structural Welding Techniques
- Pipe and Pressure Vessel Welding
- Welding Metallurgy – Failure Analysis
- Robotic Welding and Automation Technology
- Quality Assurance and Industry Standards
- Welding Project Management and Leadership
- Advanced Fabrication for Construction and Industry
- Cost Estimation and Resource Planning
- Research and Innovation in Welding Technology
- Capstone Project in Welding & Fabrication
- Professional Development and Career Planning
Learning Outcomes for the ICTQual AB Level 6 International Diploma in Welding & Fabrication Technology:
Year 1 – Foundation in Welding & Fabrication
Introduction to Welding and Fabrication Technology
- Understand the principles and scope of welding and fabrication.
- Recognise different welding techniques and their applications.
- Identify industry sectors using welding and fabrication processes.
- Understand safety and environmental considerations in welding operations.
Engineering Materials and Metallurgy
- Identify and classify metals, alloys, and non-metallic materials.
- Understand material properties such as strength, ductility, and hardness.
- Apply metallurgical principles to select suitable materials for fabrication.
- Analyse the effects of heat and welding on material properties.
Workshop Safety and Health Practices
- Implement safe practices in welding workshops.
- Identify potential hazards and apply risk control measures.
- Use personal protective equipment (PPE) correctly.
- Comply with health and safety legislation and regulations.
Basic Welding Techniques and Processes
- Perform fundamental welding processes safely.
- Understand joint types and welding positions.
- Demonstrate correct handling of welding equipment.
- Recognise and prevent common welding defects.
Metal Cutting and Shaping Methods
- Apply appropriate cutting techniques for different metals.
- Use shaping and forming tools accurately.
- Demonstrate control over hand and power tools.
- Understand tolerances and precision requirements.
Technical Drawing and Blueprint Interpretation
- Read and interpret technical drawings and schematics.
- Produce simple fabrication sketches and plans.
- Apply standard symbols and conventions in drawings.
- Use drawings to plan welding and fabrication tasks.
Measurement and Quality Control in Fabrication
- Perform accurate measurements using industry tools.
- Apply quality control standards to fabricated components.
- Identify errors and implement corrective measures.
- Maintain records of inspection and testing results.
Introduction to Welding Equipment and Tools
- Identify common welding tools and machinery.
- Operate equipment safely and efficiently.
- Conduct routine maintenance and inspections.
- Understand operational limitations of different tools.
Welding Metallurgy and Defects
- Recognise common welding defects and their causes.
- Analyse microstructural changes in welded materials.
- Implement corrective and preventive actions.
- Understand the impact of welding parameters on material properties.
Fundamentals of Fabrication Design
- Apply basic design principles to fabrication projects.
- Develop simple fabrication plans and layouts.
- Consider material selection and joint design in planning.
- Integrate design thinking with practical execution.
Industrial Mathematics for Fabrication
- Apply mathematical calculations to fabrication processes.
- Solve problems related to measurements, tolerances, and material quantities.
- Use formulas for structural and mechanical calculations.
- Interpret numerical data for design and production accuracy.
Communication and Professional Skills
- Develop workplace professionalism and time management skills.
- Demonstrate effective verbal and written communication.
- Work collaboratively in teams.
- Present technical ideas clearly to peers and supervisors.
Year 2 – Intermediate Welding & Fabrication
Advanced Welding Processes
- Perform intermediate welding techniques on various metals.
- Apply welding parameters effectively for different processes.
- Evaluate weld quality and consistency.
- Adapt welding methods to practical industrial tasks.
Gas Welding and Cutting Techniques
- Control flames accurately in gas welding and cutting.
- Demonstrate safe gas handling and equipment use.
- Select suitable gas types for different metals.
- Inspect and maintain gas welding equipment.
Arc Welding and TIG/MIG Methods
- Execute arc, TIG, and MIG welding techniques safely.
- Choose appropriate methods for specific materials.
- Control welding defects and ensure joint integrity.
- Adjust equipment settings for optimal performance.
Welding Inspection and Testing
- Conduct non-destructive and destructive testing.
- Identify welding defects and assess structural integrity.
- Prepare inspection reports aligned with standards.
- Apply testing results to improve welding processes.
Structural Fabrication Principles
- Apply engineering principles to structural welding projects.
- Understand load-bearing and stress distribution in structures.
- Select materials and joints for strength and durability.
- Ensure compliance with structural fabrication standards.
Sheet Metal Fabrication Techniques
- Execute cutting, bending, and forming operations accurately.
- Apply tolerances and quality standards in sheet metal work.
- Select appropriate tools for different fabrication tasks.
- Complete projects with precision and efficiency.
Welding Codes, Standards, and Regulations
- Interpret international welding codes and regulations.
- Apply standards in practical fabrication tasks.
- Ensure compliance with legal and safety requirements.
- Maintain documentation of compliance and quality control.
Welding Project Planning and Management
- Plan welding projects, including resources and timelines.
- Allocate tasks and manage team responsibilities.
- Monitor progress and resolve technical challenges.
- Evaluate project outcomes and report results.
Welding Metallurgy – Advanced Concepts
- Analyse metallurgical changes in welded components.
- Understand heat treatment effects on welds.
- Identify potential failure points in welded structures.
- Apply metallurgy knowledge to prevent defects.
Fabrication Automation and Machinery
- Operate automated and CNC welding machinery.
- Integrate technology for improved fabrication efficiency.
- Program machines for repetitive tasks.
- Troubleshoot common automation issues.
Health, Safety, and Risk Management in Welding
- Implement comprehensive safety procedures in workshops.
- Conduct risk assessments for welding projects.
- Enforce safety standards for teams and equipment.
- Maintain incident and safety records.
Problem-Solving and Technical Decision Making
- Evaluate outcomes and adjust techniques as needed.
- Analyse technical challenges in welding projects.
- Apply critical thinking to find effective solutions.
- Make informed decisions based on project requirements.
Year 3 – Advanced Welding & Fabrication
Fabrication Design and Project Execution
- Develop complex fabrication project designs.
- Execute projects adhering to specifications and quality standards.
- Integrate advanced welding techniques in practical tasks.
- Manage resources and timelines efficiently.
Advanced Structural Welding Techniques
- Perform complex structural welding operations safely.
- Ensure integrity and compliance with engineering standards.
- Apply advanced joint designs and multi-pass welding methods.
- Evaluate welds for strength and durability.
Pipe and Pressure Vessel Welding
- Execute welding for pipes and pressure vessels.
- Follow safety and regulatory requirements for high-pressure systems.
- Inspect welds for defects and compliance.
- Apply specialised techniques for cylindrical and complex shapes.
Welding Metallurgy – Failure Analysis
- Identify causes of weld failure in industrial applications.
- Conduct metallurgical analysis to improve weld performance.
- Recommend corrective measures to prevent recurrence.
- Apply failure analysis knowledge to future projects.
Robotic Welding and Automation Technology
- Operate robotic welding systems efficiently.
- Program and adjust robotic parameters for quality results.
- Integrate automation in production workflows.
- Troubleshoot and maintain robotic equipment.
Quality Assurance and Industry Standards
- Implement quality assurance systems in fabrication projects.
- Conduct audits and inspections to ensure compliance.
- Maintain records and documentation of quality checks.
- Apply continuous improvement methods to welding processes.
Welding Project Management and Leadership
- Lead teams in large-scale welding and fabrication projects.
- Plan, allocate, and monitor resources and tasks effectively.
- Resolve technical and operational challenges.
- Demonstrate leadership and communication skills.
Advanced Fabrication for Construction and Industry
- Apply advanced fabrication techniques for industrial and construction projects.
- Integrate structural and mechanical knowledge into practical tasks.
- Ensure accuracy, quality, and safety in all operations.
- Adapt techniques for different project requirements.
Cost Estimation and Resource Planning
- Prepare accurate cost estimates for welding projects.
- Plan and manage material, equipment, and human resources.
- Optimise project budgets and reduce wastage.
- Analyse financial and resource data to improve efficiency.
Research and Innovation in Welding Technology
- Investigate new welding techniques and materials.
- Apply research findings to practical fabrication tasks.
- Innovate solutions to industry challenges.
- Evaluate emerging technologies for workflow improvement.
Capstone Project in Welding & Fabrication
- Plan and execute a comprehensive, real-world welding project.
- Demonstrate mastery of technical and project management skills.
- Present project outcomes with analysis and evaluation.
- Apply all knowledge and skills acquired throughout the programme.
Professional Development and Career Planning
- Prepare for industry roles and entrepreneurial ventures.
- Develop career plans and professional goals in welding and fabrication.
- Identify opportunities for continuous learning and skill enhancement.
- Build leadership, teamwork, and communication skills.
Course Benefits of ICTQual ABLevel 6 International Diploma in Welding & Fabrication Technology
- Provides comprehensive knowledge of welding principles, fabrication techniques, and metallurgy.
- Equips learners with practical skills in various welding processes, including MIG, TIG, SMAW, and advanced fabrication methods.
- Develops expertise in reading technical drawings, blueprint interpretation, and material selection.
- Enhances understanding of safety protocols, industry standards, and quality control in welding operations.
- Offers hands-on experience through workshops, simulations, and real-world fabrication projects.
- Strengthens problem-solving, analytical, and technical decision-making skills in welding and fabrication.
- Prepares learners for leadership and supervisory roles in welding shops, construction projects, and manufacturing industries.
- Improves employability in welding fabrication, industrial construction, shipbuilding, oil & gas, and heavy engineering sectors.
- Promotes adherence to ethical practices, occupational safety, and international welding standards.
- Supports continuous professional development and specialization in advanced welding and fabrication technologies.
After completing this course, learners can progress in the following ways:
- Pursue Master’s degrees in Welding Engineering, Materials Engineering, Fabrication Technology, or Mechanical Engineering.
- Obtain professional certifications such as Certified Welding Engineer (CWE), Welding Inspector (CWI), or Fabrication Specialist.
- Advance into senior roles such as Welding Supervisor, Fabrication Manager, Quality Control Engineer, or Welding Consultant.
- Work with manufacturing industries, construction companies, shipyards, oil & gas facilities, and fabrication workshops.
- Progress into leadership and management positions, overseeing welding teams, fabrication projects, and industrial operations.
- Engage in research and development, developing new welding techniques, materials, and fabrication technologies.
- Transition into specialized areas such as underwater welding, aerospace welding, robotic welding, or high-precision fabrication.