Product category:
Engineering Training Courses
News Release from: EAL
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 29 October 2004
VRQ offers route to skills passport for
welders
EAL has added a Level 1 Certificate in arc welding to its range of qualifications.
EAL has added a Level 1 Certificate in arc welding to its range of qualifications This vocationally related qualification (VRQ) has been developed in partnership with The Welding Institute (TWI) and was launched to members of the Association for Welding and Fabrication Training and Education (AWFTE) at its annual conference on 16th October
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 28 Sep 2004 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
CAE technology conference attracts big guns
This year's Altair Technology Conference will take place on 2nd November at the Heritage Motor Centre, Gaydon.
Jargon buster cuts through the ATEX jungle
ABB has published an "ATEX jargon buster" that helps motor users cut through the jungle of terms and definitions that make up the new ATEX Directives.
The certificate is designed to provide a measure of underpinning knowledge within welder approval testing.
Health and safety features strongly in the VRQ which comprises five mandatory assessment routes plus one optional route chosen from MMA, MIG/MAG or TIG.
Notionally 90 guided learning hours are assigned to this post-16 qualification, making it suitable for delivery at evening classes or as a block.
It is open both to those in employment and those seeking to enter the trade.
Employees may take a practical test related to their actual work and candidates not in relevant employment take a set practical test in the training provider's workshop.
Successful VRQ candidates may then apply to TWI for a licence to practice which acts as a "skills passport".
Tim Jessop, Director of Professional Services at TWI, said: "TWI welcomes this important VRQ".
"It deals with basic arc welding knowledge and skills which, until now, have largely been ignored".
"It also complies with the new National Welder Training Standard, Code of Practice 1 developed by the Association for Welding and Fabrication Training and Education (AWFTE)".
EAL's Level 1 Certificate has the full support of the CITB Construction-Skills which recognises the qualification as proof of practical skill and knowledge to the industry standard at this level.
Colin Bray, Senior Instructor in Plant Maintenance Training at the CITB Construction-Skills National Construction College, commented: "This qualification has been needed for a long time and we're very positive about it".
"The National Construction College is looking forward to becoming an EAL approved assessment centre and plans to start delivering the Level 1 Certificate in arc welding from January next year".
• EAL: contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Engineeringtalk email newsletter
• Engineeringtalk Home Page
Search the Pro-Talk network of sites
