Tel: + 44 0114 2356111; Mobile + 44 07963 099930; e-mail: philip@philipbralsford.co.uk
🔸Metallurgy & Metallurgical Engineering🔸Materials Science & Engineering 🔸Composite Materials🔸Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)🔸Corrosion Engineering🔸Welding Engineering 🔸Welding Inspection 🔸Responsible Welding Coordination🔸Brazing Technology 🔸Quality Management🔸BS EN 1090
Accredited CPD training courses covering metallurgy, welding technology, welding engineering, welding inspection, materials science & engineering and quality management. Courses are designed for engineers, inspectors, auditors and technical managers seeking practical, industry‑focused professional development.
Learn at your pace. Professional certificates that prove real industry competence.
With self study, candidates can start and progress through the training at anytime, anywhere & at their own pace. No need to wait for course dates for classroom-based or online training courses and no need to pay travelling expenses & to spend time away paying for hotels & other living expenses. All course materials are posted & e-mailed to the candidate.
Our courses are focussed on providing practical, work-place ready skills that employers and industry require and have been developed by academic & industry experts.This ensures that the content is both academically rigorous and practically relevant.
Our courses set the standard for technical training in the metals, welding & materials engineering industries. Since 2013 we have trained more than 700 candidates on Metallurgy, Welding, Materials Engineering & Quality Management courses.
Accreditation
Our courses & qualifications have accreditation from highly experienced, professionally qualified Chartered Engineers (CEng), Materials Engineers, Metallurgists (MIMMM), Welding Technologists (MWeldI) & Welding Inspectors, with decades of industry experience.
Recognition from Leading Organisations & Professional Bodies
Since 2013 we have trained more than 700 candidates on our courses.This includes professionals from leading organisations & professional bodies including: Arcelor Mittal; Bourne Steel; J & D Pierce Contracts Ltd; UKRI - Science & Technologies Facilities Council; TAQA Bratani; Moog Aircraft Group; Millar Callaghan Engineering Services Ltd; Murphy Group; Professional Lifting Services Ltd; McLaren Automotive; Mueller Europe; WQiC; Harold Newsome Ltd; HyTen Chatham; William Haley Engineering Ltd; RWE Generation UK PLC; TEi Ltd; The Institute of Cast Metal Engineers (ICME); Sulzer; Thames Reinforcements and The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC.)
Full-Colour, Comprehensive Training Handbook
All our courses also include a comprehensive, full-colour Training Handbook which also serves as a valuable reference after completion of the course.
No Prior Knowledge Required
Our courses are suitable for candidates at all levels as no specific qualification entry requirements are needed. The course material is clear & easy to follow with reference to helpful U-Tube videos.
Tutor Support
Candidates also have the support of a Course Tutor as they progress through the course.
Excellent Feedback
Our courses has received excellent feedback from the candidates who have completed them, highlighting their effectiveness in developing knowledge, skills and understanding. To review their comments, please follow the link.
For each course listed below, to make a booking please click on the course heading to download and complete a course booking form.
METALLURGY & CORROSION ENGINEERING
🔸Mechanical Testing & Mechanical Properties of Engineering Materials Self Study Time 15 Hours. This course provides candidates with comprehensive knowledge, skills & understanding on the mechanical testing methods & the mechanical properties of engineering materials. The course also includes a review of the applicable international standards for each test. Self Study Course fees £750 per person, inclusive of a full-colour Training Handbook, Assessment & Certification.
🔸Metallurgy Fundamentals Self Study Time 20 Hours. This course explains the fundamentals of metal structure, processing, applications, properties, standards, testing, metallography and inspection applicable to a wide range of ferrous & non-ferrous metals and alloys including steel; stainless steels; cast iron; aluminium & its alloys; copper & its alloys; nickel & its alloys; titanium & its alloys and cobalt alloys. Self Study Course fees £750 per person, inclusive of a full-colour Training Handbook, Assessment & Certification.
🔸Physical Metallurgy & Crystalline Structure of Metals & Alloys Self Study Time 15 Hours. Studying Physical Metallurgy & Crystalline Structure is essential for understanding the properties and behaviour of metals and alloys, which are fundamental to industries like aerospace, power generation, automotive, construction and electronics. It helps engineers and scientists develop stronger, more durable and more efficient materials by analysing phase transformations and microstructures. Self Study Course fees £750 per person, inclusive of a full-colour Training Handbook, Assessment & Certification.
🔸Professional Certificate in Corrosion Engineering & Corrosion Prevention Self Study Time 15 Hours. The course reviews fundamental corrosion science, corrosion mechanisms, laboratory testing methods, corrosion prevention strategies & the basic metallurgy, properties & applications of the widely used corrosion resistant alloys (CRAs) including Stainless Steels, Nickel Alloys, Copper Alloys, Zirconium Alloys, Cobalt Alloys & Titanium Alloys. Self Study Course fees £750 per person, inclusive of a full-colour Training Handbook, Assessment & Certification.
🔸Professional Certificate in the Metallurgy of Aluminium & Its Alloys Self Study Time 25 Hours. This course provides candidates with comprehensive knowledge, skills & understanding on the structure, properties, extraction, manufacture, applications, inspection & testing of aluminium & its alloys (wrought alloys & cast alloys.) Self Study Course fees £950 per person, inclusive of a full-colour Training Handbook, Assessment & Certification.
🔸Professional Certificate in the Metallurgy of Aluminium Casting Alloys Self Study Time 20 Hours. This course provides candidates with comprehensive knowledge, skills & understanding on the structure, properties, manufacture, applications, inspection & testing of cast aluminium alloys. Self Study Course fees £750 per person, inclusive of a full-colour Training Handbook, Assessment & Certification.
🔸Professional Certificate in the Metallurgy of Cast Iron Self Study Time 25 Hours. This course provides candidates with comprehensive knowledge, skills & understanding on the structure, properties, manufacture, applications, inspection & testing of cast iron. Self Study Course fees £950 per person, inclusive of a full-colour Training Handbook, Assessment & Certification.
🔸Professional Certificate in the Metallurgy of Copper & Its Alloys Self Study Time 25 Hours. This course provides candidates with comprehensive knowledge, skills & understanding on the structure, properties, extraction, manufacture, applications, inspection & testing of copper & its alloys. Self Study Course fees £950 per person, inclusive of a full-colour Training Handbook, Assessment & Certification.
🔸Professional Certificate in the Metallurgy of Ferrous Metals Self Study Time 55 Hours. This course provides candidates with comprehensive knowledge, skills & understanding on the structure, properties, manufacture, applications, inspection & testing of steel, stainless steel & cast iron. Self Study Course fees £1250 per person, inclusive of a full-colour Training Handbook, Assessment & Certification.
🔸Professional Certificate in Metallurgy & Metallurgical Engineering (CertMet) Self Study Time 70 Hours. This is a comprehensive & fast-track Metallurgy & Metallurgical Engineering course which is unrivalled in the market & which is suitable for candidates at all levels, including those new to Metallurgy, as no specific qualification entry requirements are required. The course provides candidates with comprehensive knowledge, skills & understanding on the structure, properties, applications, manufacture, inspection & testing of ferrous & non-ferrous metals and alloys. The course is focussed on providing practical, work-place ready skills that employers and industry require. You don’t need a university degree to build a successful career in Metallurgy & Metallurgical Engineering. You need practical, industry-led training — and that’s exactly what we deliver. You will also obtain industry-recognised skills without taking on £50k+ of debt. The course can also be completed in weeks or months, not years. Self Study Course fees £1750 per person, inclusive of a full-colour Training Handbook, Assessment & Certification.
🔸Professional Certificate in the Metallurgy of Stainless Steel Self Study Time 30 Hours. This unrivalled Metallurgy of stainless steel course provides candidates with comprehensive knowledge, skills & understanding on the structure, properties, manufacture, applications, inspection & testing of Austenitic, Ferritic, Duplex, Martensitic & Precipitation Hardened stainless steels. Self Study Course fees £950 per person, inclusive of a full-colour Training Handbook, Assessment & Certification.
🔸Professional Certificate in the Metallurgy of Steel & Stainless Steel Self Study Time 50 Hours. This course provides candidates with comprehensive knowledge, skills & understanding on the structure, properties, manufacture, applications, inspection & testing of steel & stainless steel. Self Study Course fees £1250 per person, inclusive of a full-colour Training Handbook, Assessment & Certification.
🔸The Fundamentals of Steelmaking & Steel Manufacturing Processes Self Study Time 15 Hours. This is a comprehensive course which reviews the various steelmaking routes (Blast Furnace / BOS; Electric Arc Furnace; Green Steelmaking; Secondary Steelmaking) & other steel manufacturing routes including, rolling, forging, wire drawing, sheet metal forming, heat treatment, machining & surface treatments. Self Study Course fees £750 per person, inclusive of a full-colour Training Handbook, Assessment & Certification.
🔸Understanding Metal Grades & Material Certificates Self Study Time 15 Hours. Understanding material certificates is crucial for anyone involved in industries including manufacturing, construction, engineering & quality assurance. Candidates learn to confidently interpret material certificates & BS EN 10204, ensuring compliance with international standards like ISO, BS, EN, ASME & ASTM. Gain the skills to spot inaccuracies and ensure quality control. Candidates also discover the nuances of metal grades—what they mean, why they matter and how to choose the right materials for the job. From carbon steels to high-performance alloys. Self Study Course fees £750 per person, inclusive of a full-colour Training Handbook, Assessment & Certification.
MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING; COMPOSITE MATERIALS; NDT INSPECTION
🔸Mechanical Testing & Mechanical Properties of Engineering Materials Self Study Time 15 Hours. This course provides candidates with comprehensive knowledge, skills & understanding on the mechanical testing methods for the determination of the mechanical properties of engineering materials. The course also includes a review of the applicable international standards for each test. Self Study Course fees £750 per person, inclusive of a full-colour Training Handbook, Assessment & Certification.
🔸Professional Certificate in Materials Science & Engineering (CertMatEng) Self Study Time 85 Hours. This is a comprehensive & fast-track Materials Science & Engineering course which is unrivalled in the market & which is suitable for candidates at all levels, including those new to materials engineering, as no specific qualification entry requirements are required. The course provides candidates with comprehensive knowledge, skills & understanding on the structure, properties, applications, manufacture, inspection & testing of engineering materials & advanced materials, including metallic materials (ferrous & non-ferrous metals & alloys), as well as non-metallic materials (ceramics, carbons, polymers and composites.) The course is focussed on providing practical, work-place ready skills that employers and industry require. You don’t need a university degree to build a successful career in Materials Science & Engineering. You need practical, industry-led training — and that’s exactly what we deliver. You will also obtain industry-recognised skills without taking on £50k+ of debt. The course can also be completed in weeks or months, not years. Self Study Course fees £1950 per person, inclusive of a full-colour Training Handbook, Assessment & Certification.
🔸The Fundamentals of Composite Materials Self Study Time 15 Hours. This course provides candidates with fundamental knowledge, skills & understanding on the structures, properties, manufacture, inspection, testing, applications & joining of composite materials and the structure and properties of their constituent materials including Metals; Ceramics; Carbons and Polymers. Self Study Course fees £750 per person, inclusive of a full-colour Training Handbook, Assessment & Certification.
🔸The Fundamentals of Non-Destructive Testing (NDT):Self Study Time 12 Hours. This Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) course reviews the fundamental principles, typical applications, advantages & disadvantages, applicable international standards and the training requirements for Inspectors for the principal types of NDT techniques that are widely specified for the identification of imperfections & defects in metals & other engineering materials including: ULTRASONIC TESTING (UT); RADIOGRAPHIC TESTING (RT) ; MAGNETIC PARTICLE TESTING (MT); DYE PENETRANT TESTING (PT); EDDY CURRENT TESTING (ET) & ACOUSTIC EMISSION (AE) TESTING. Self Study Course fees £750 per person, inclusive of a full-colour Training Handbook, Assessment & Certification.
WELDING ENGINEERING; WELDING INSPECTION; RESPONSIBLE WELDING COORDINATION; WELDING PROCEDURE DEVELOPMENT; BRAZING INSPECTION; WELDING QUALITY MANAGEMENT
🔸 How to Develop & Write a Qualified Welding Procedure Specification Self Study Time 10 Hours.. The course commences with a definition of welding, reviews basic welding terms & definitions and welding fundamentals. The course then review the 3-step process to follow for the development & writing of a qualified Welding Procedure Specifications which is generally applicable to all welding processes, The course then focuses on the widely used arc welding processes for the process of development of Welding Procedures, including the specific welding parameters to include on a pWPS & WPS and the applicable British, European & ISO standards for a wide range of metals and alloys including Steel, Stainless Steel, Copper alloys, Aluminium alloys, Nickel alloys, Zirconium alloys and Titanium alloys. At the end of the course there is an Assessment in the form of a Case Study for the writing of a qualified Welding Procedure Specification to the British European & ISO standards for a widely used structural steel grade BS EN 10025-2 S355 to be welded by the widely used Metal Active Gas (MAG) arc welding process.Self Study Course fees £750 per person, inclusive of a full-colour Training Handbook, Assessment & Certification.
🔸Professional Certificate in Welding Engineering (CWE) Self Study Time 70 Hours. This is a comprehensive & fast-track Welding Engineering course which is unrivalled in the market & which is suitable for candidates at all levels, including those new to welding, as no specific qualification entry requirements are required. The course is focussed on providing practical, work-place ready skills that employers and industry require. Self Study Course fees £1750 per person, inclusive of a full-colour Training Handbook, Assessment & Certification.
🔸Professional Certificate in Welding Inspection & Quality Management (CertWIQM) Self Study Time 25 Hours. The course provides candidates with comprehensive knowledge & skills in welding inspection and quality management. The course covers the fundamentals of welding technology, the principles of arc, laser & electron beam welding processes, parent metal product standards, welding codes & standards, how to write qualified Welding Procedure Specifications, the types of welding imperfections, how to carry out a visual inspection of weld quality, the inspection of welds by Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) techniques, the weld quality requirements for a range of welded products, the requirements of UKCA Marking & EN 1090, ISO 3834, welding coordination and non-conformance reporting. It goes far beyond the narrower focus of traditional inspection routes, giving you the knowledge and confidence to work across multiple industries and project types. Self Study Course fees £950 per person, inclusive of a full-colour Training Handbook, Assessment & Certification.
🔸Responsible Welding Coordination Self Study Time 20-40 Hours (number of hours dependent on the course chosen.) Studying Responsible Welding Coordination equips candidates with specialised expertise in welding technology, welding processes, welding codes & standards, welding metallurgy, inspection techniques and compliance with regulations like ISO 14731, EN 1090 & ISO 17660. Self Study Course fees from £950 per person, inclusive of a full-colour Training Handbook, Assessment & Certification.
🔸The Fundamentals of Welding & Brazing Self Study Time 20 Hours. This course reviews the fundamentals of welding technology, the principles and applications of fusion & solid state welding processes, welding metallurgy, welding standards, welding symbols, welding procedure specifications, welder qualifications, welding codes & the technology of brazing. Self Study Course fees £950 per person, inclusive of a full-colour Training Handbook, Assessment & Certification.
🔸The Welding of Aluminium Alloys Self Study Time 5 Hours. The course covers the metallurgical, process engineering & quality requirements applicable to the fusion welding of Aluminium Alloys. Self Study Course fees £550 per person, inclusive of a full-colour Training Handbook, Assessment & Certification. Please Contact Us to make a booking.
🔸The Welding of Low Alloy & Alloy Steel Self Study Time 5 Hours. The metallurgical, process engineering & quality requirements applicable to the fusion welding of low alloy & alloy steel. Self Study Course fees £550 per person, inclusive of a full-colour Training Handbook, Assessment & Certification. Please Contact Us to make a booking.
🔸The Welding of Reinforcing Carbon Steel Self Study Time 5 Hours. The metallurgical, process, engineering, quality, inspection & testing requirements applicable to the fusion welding of reinforcing Carbon steel for applications into pre-assembled fabrications (e.g. pile cages, beam and column cages.) Self Study Course fees £550 per person, inclusive of a full-colour Training Handbook, Assessment & Certification. Please Contact Us to make a booking.
🔸The Welding of Stainless Steel Self Study Time 5 Hours. The course covers the metallurgical, process engineering & quality requirements applicable to the fusion welding of structural stainless steel (Austenitic, Duplex & Ferritic grades.) Self Study Course fees £550 per person, inclusive of a full-colour Training Handbook, Assessment & Certification. Please Contact Us to make a booking.
🔸 Visual Inspection of Brazed Joints Self Study Time 6 Hours. This course covers a review of the principles of brazing; the types of brazing defects that can occur, their causes & how to avoid them and the requirements for the visual inspection of brazed joints according to BS EN 12799:2000. Self Study Course fees £550 per person, inclusive of a full-colour Training Handbook, Assessment & Certification.
🔸 Visual Welding Inspection - Steel Structures Self Study Time 7 hours. This course provides candidates with comprehensive knowledge, skills & understanding on how to carry out a visual welding inspection of welds for supply into steel structures to satisfy the requirements of UKCA & CE Marking to BS EN 1090. Self Study Course fees £650 per person, inclusive of a full-colour Training Handbook, Assessment & Certification.
🔸Welding Inspection - Steel & Aluminium Structures Self Study Time 10 Hours. This course provides candidates with comprehensive knowledge, skills & understanding on the requirements for the welding inspection (visual inspection & other Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) inspection techniques) of structural steel & aluminium welds for supply into steel & aluminium structures to satisfy the requirements of UKCA & CE Marking to BS EN 1090. Self Study Course fees £750 per person, inclusive of a full-colour Training Handbook, Assessment & Certification.
Course Tutor: Philip Bralsford CEng MIMMM MWeldI DipMet MMet MBA
Philip is a highly accomplished Metallurgist, Materials Engineer and Lead Auditor, with decades of industry experience.
With a distinguished academic background, including a Diploma in Metallurgy (DipMet) with Distinction and Master of Metallurgy (MMet) in Advanced Metallurgy from the University of Sheffield, his career has been marked by significant contributions to leading engineering companies such as British Steel, Sheffield Forgemasters and Corus, where he has played a pivotal role in research, product development, quality control and the implementation of innovative solutions.
Philip's commitment to excellence is further evidenced by his accreditations from professional bodies including Chartered Engineer (CEng), professional Member of The Institute of Materials (MIMMM) and professional Member of the The Welding Institute (MWeldI.)
Philip has also designed and implemented comprehensive training programmes focusing on metallurgical techniques, materials materials science & engineering, welding technology, corrosion engineering and quality management. He has also authored a range of industry-leading publications 'Engineering Materials Handbooks.'
Philip provides training for a number of high-profile clients & professional bodies, including: Arcelor Mittal; The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC); UKRI - Science & Technology Facilities Council; The Institute of Cast Metals Engineers (ICME); TAQA Bratani; Building Research Establishment (BRE); McLaren Automotive; Moog Aircraft Group; J & D Pierce Contracts Ltd; Harold Newsome Ltd; Bourne Group Ltd; Mueller Europe; TEi Ltd; Ultra Maritime; William Cook Cast Products; WQiC; Voestalpine Bohler Welding & RWE Generation UK PLC.
Philip has received excellent feedback from the clients & candidates who have undertaken his training. For some of their comments see below:
'I`d like to say a big thank you for putting together a course that not only has excellent reference books to work from, but also enabled me to study when I had time. I`m sure the books will be put to good use in the future.'
'Our Engineers have found the course and its subject material very informative and helpful as two engineers relatively new to welding. They have also found the material very well presented and easy to follow.'
'It's been done in a way that's understandable for people who already have some knowledge and for those who don't, It's learnable and understandable.'
'I think there is very little or almost nothing to improve, as the course is very well designed, built and the Tutor is very experienced.'
'Thank you Philip for your time. I've enjoyed the course a lot and after meeting with you, I've learnt even more about the role of an RWC. Thank you again for your feedback on where we need to be and I will continue to make a great effort to learn more.'
‘I felt the course material was invaluable. I came away with a complete understanding simply because it was written by somebody who clearly understood their subject area. I look forward to studying again with Philip.’
