COURSE OVERVIEW

This is a fast-track Welding Engineering course which is unrivalled in the market and which provides candidates with comprehensive knowledge & skills in welding engineering applicable to the welding of a wide range of ferrous metals (steel, stainless steel & cast iron) & non-ferrous metals (Nickel alloys; Aluminium alloys; Titanium alloys; Magnesium alloys; Zirconium alloys; Cobalt alloys & Copper Alloys.)

The course is suitable for candidates at all levels, including those new to Welding Engineering, as no specific qualification entry requirements are required. 

The course has been developed by academic & industry experts which ensures that the content is both academically rigorous and practically relevant. 

To build a successful career in Welding Engineering, you need practical, industry-led training — and that’s exactly what we deliver. 

Candidates also receive a comprehensive, full-colour Training Handbook that serves as both a course guide and a valuable reference tool after completion of the course.

COURSE STRUCTURE

The course covers the following: 

Chapter 1 — Fundamentals of Welding & Welding Processes

This chapter establishes the scientific and technical foundations of welding. It introduces the definitions of welding, metals and alloys, and explains the key mechanical and physical properties that influence weldability. Learners explore fundamental metallurgy, essential welding terminology and the decision‑making process for selecting appropriate welding processes.

A comprehensive overview of welding technologies is provided, covering fusion welding (arc, gas, thermit), resistance welding (spot, projection, butt, seam), beam welding (electron beam, laser, hybrid), and solid‑state processes (friction, FSW, ultrasonic, explosive, diffusion). The chapter also covers welding codes and standards, joint types, thermal cutting, fatigue considerations, welding positions, symbols, WPS development, welder qualification, distortion and residual stress, and post‑weld heat treatment—including temper embrittlement, J‑Factor/X‑Factor and Ac1 estimation.

Chapter 2 — Review of Arc Welding Processes 

This chapter provides a focused technical review of arc welding. It explains the degree of automation, key arc parameters, and how these influence weld quality and productivity. Each major arc welding process is examined in detail, including MMA, TIG, MIG / MAG, FCAW, MCAW, SAW, and PAW.

Consumable types, classifications, and selection criteria are also covered, enabling learners to understand how filler metals and shielding gases affect weld integrity and performance.

Chapter 3 — Welding Inspection & Welding Quality Management 

This chapter covers the full lifecycle of welding inspection—from material certification and equipment calibration to pre‑weld, in‑process, and final inspection. It explains preheat and interpass control, common welding imperfections and methods to prevent them.

Visual inspection requirements are aligned to BS EN ISO 17637 (general) and BS ISO 19828 (aerospace). NDT methods (RT, UT, MPI, PT, ET) are introduced, along with weld repair principles.

The chapter also details weld quality requirements across key industry standards: structural steel / aluminium (BS EN 1090), pressure vessels (BS EN 13445‑5), railway vehicles (BS EN 15085‑3), piping (BS EN 13480‑5), reinforcing bars (ISO 17660) and beam‑welded products. It concludes with welding quality management systems, including ISO 3834, welding coordination responsibilities (BS EN ISO 14731), and non‑conformance / corrective action processes.

Chapter 4 — Developing & Writing a Qualified WPS

This chapter explains the full lifecycle of welding procedure qualification. It introduces the three key stages: drafting the preliminary WPS (pWPS), obtaining a WPQR / WPAR through destructive testing and writing the final WPS. Destructive tests include tensile, Charpy impact, fracture toughness, proof, hardness, bend, fracture tests and macro / micro examination. A worked case study demonstrates WPS development for S355 structural steel.

Chapter 5 — Welding of Steel 

A comprehensive review of steel metallurgy, weldability and product standards. Topics include CEV and PCM calculations, chemical composition and standards for structural, pressure vessel, pipeline and concrete reinforcement steels. Low‑alloy and alloy steels are covered in depth, including CrMo/CrMoV, cryogenic steels, maraging steels, sour‑service steels and Hadfield manganese steel. The chapter also examines major cracking mechanisms—solidification, lamellar tearing, reheat cracking, and hydrogen‑induced cracking—and the BS EN 1011‑2 method for determining preheat temperature.

Chapter 6 — Welding of Cast Iron

Covers the metallurgy and weldability of grey, ductile, white, and malleable cast irons. Explains why cast irons are crack‑sensitive and outlines special welding techniques such as controlled heat input, nickel‑based fillers, and preheat/slow cooling.

Chapter 7 — Welding of Stainless Steel

A detailed review of all stainless steel families: austenitic, ferritic, martensitic, precipitation‑hardening, and duplex. For each class, the chapter explains metallurgy, fabrication issues, weldability, and susceptibility to defects such as sensitisation, sigma‑phase formation, hydrogen cracking  and loss of toughness.

Chapter 8 — Dissimilar Metals Joining by Welding & Brazing

Explores the metallurgical constraints that govern dissimilar metal welding, including dilution, thermal expansion mismatch, and formation of brittle phases. Topics include filler metal selection, buttering techniques, and case studies such as carbon steel to austenitic stainless steel and P91 to stainless steel. Brazing is introduced as an alternative joining method.

Chapter 9 — Welding of Nickel Alloys

Covers the metallurgy, fabrication issues, weldability, and common imperfections in nickel‑based alloys. Emphasis is placed on heat‑affected zone control, hot cracking and filler metal compatibility.

Chapter 10 — Welding of Aluminium Alloys

Explains aluminium metallurgy, temper designations, purchasing considerations, weldability and typical imperfections such as porosity, lack of fusion and hot cracking.

Chapter 11 — Welding of Titanium Alloys

Focuses on titanium’s reactivity, the need for inert gas shielding and the metallurgical behaviour of alpha, beta, and alpha‑beta alloys. Covers weldability and common defects.

Chapters 12–15 — Welding of Magnesium, Zirconium, Cobalt & Copper Alloys

Each chapter provides a concise overview of metallurgy, weldability and key fabrication considerations for these specialist alloys. 

INDUSTRY SECTORS

The welding engineering knowledge & skills gained on the course are valuable across a wide range of welding industry sectors, including:

🔺 STEEL & ALUMINIUM STRUCTURES

🔺 CONCRETE REINFORCING STEELS

🔺 PRESSURE VESSELS 

🔺 PIPELINES

🔺 RAILWAY VEHICLES

🔺 AEROSPACE

🔺 AUTOMOTIVE

🔺 OIL & GAS

🔺CHEMICAL

🔺POWER GENERATION, INCLUDING NUCLEAR 

🔺RAILS

🔺GENERAL ENGINEERING

🔺DEFENCE

BENEFITS OF OUR TRAINING

1. Career Advancement: The training is designed to enhance candidate's career prospects by increasing their technical knowledge, skills, and understanding. 

2. No Prior Knowledge Required: The course is suitable for candidates at all levels, including those new to Welding, as no specific qualification entry requirements are required. The course material is clear & easy to follow with reference to helpful U-Tube videos.

3. Industry-Relevant: Developed by academic & industry experts ensures that the content is both academically rigorous and practically relevant. 

4. Accredited Certifications: Our courses have accreditation from highly experienced, professionally accredited Chartered Engineers (CEng), Materials Engineers, Metallurgists (MIMMM) & Welding Technologists (MWeldI), with decades of industry experience working for leading engineering companies such as British Steel, Sheffield Forgemasters & Corus. 

5. Proven Success: Our training has empowered 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, William Haley Engineering Ltd, RWE Generation UK PLC, TEi Ltd, The Institute of Cast Metal Engineers (ICME), Sulzer and The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC.) Candidates have also been accepted on University MSc courses in Welding Engineering following successful completion of the course.

6. Comprehensive Curriculum: This is a comprehensive course. 

7. Excellent Feedback: The course has received excellent feedback from candidates who have completed it, highlighting its effectiveness in developing knowledge, skills, and understanding. For some of their comments, see below under the HEADING: 'CANDIDATE FEEDBACK ON OUR TRAINING.'

FLEXIBLE SELF STUDY COURSE FOR CANDIDATES

Start & learn when it suits you — flexible learning for job‑ready Welding Engineering skills!

With our flexible, self study courses, 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. 

Total estimated Self Study time required to complete the course is 70 Hours. 

All course materials would be posted & e-mailed to the candidate. 

Candidates also receive a comprehensive, full-colour Training Handbook that serves as both a course guide and a valuable reference tool after completion of the course. 

Candidates also have the support of a Course Tutor as they progress through the course.

Candidates are assessed on the course by continuous assessment.

Course Fees: £1750 per person inclusive of a full-colour Training Handbook & all Assessment & Certification fees.

To make a booking, please follow the link to download & complete a booking form. 

COURSE PACKAGE FOR TRAINING PROVIDERS

Are you a training provider looking to grow your technical training course offerings quickly, professionally and with proven industry impact? 

If so, we offer for purchase this course package, which forms part of our extensive range of course packages, which include all the course materials required to enable training providers, further & higher educational institutions and employers, deliver industry-leading technical training courses. 

Course materials you will receive for this course package: 

1. Course Presentation: (in Microsoft PowerPoint format.) The presentation also provides the basis for producing a Training Handbook for the course.

2. Covers & Contents: For use when producing a Training Handbook.

3. Course Assessments & Model Answers. Including a marking scheme.

All course materials are written in English and are supplied in ‘Microsoft PowerPoint', 'Microsoft Word' or ‘Adobe Acrobat pdf' format. 

All course materials would be supplied without any branding and are editable to enable you to apply your own company name / logos / branding.

Total estimated time to deliver the training 70 hours.

For a quotation to purchase the course package, please Contact Us.

CANDIDATE FEEDBACK ON OUR TRAINING

As shown below, we have received some EXCELLENT FEEDBACK from the candidates who have completed the course:

'Really enjoyed the course, very detailed but not too deep to understand.'

If I come across any others interested I will definitely recommend.'

'I would like to say thanks for a wonderful & informative course. The 2 books were superb & will become a staple of my guidance notes along with all the relevant standards.'

'Really enjoying the course & the content is excellent.'

'Excellent course, CWE certificate recognised and assisted on where I am today (Saudi Aramco.)'

'I have enjoyed the course very much and have found the course manuals to be brilliant.'

‘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 Bralsford.’

'Well constructed course notes covering inspection, NDE, welding processes and a special thank you for easy to read welding of various materials, especially non-ferrous metals which can be very complex.'

'Well-structured and well-designed course.'

'I thoroughly enjoyed the training.'

'I found the course to be really informative and worthwhile over the last few months after leaving a mainly composites / polymers based job role. It’s been a great way of refreshing my memory whilst learning about the complexities of welding various materials so thanks for this.'

'The course notes were excellent and I thoroughly enjoyed the course.'