This category includes courses of a Technical nature that are usually conducted in conjunction with Practical Work, where practice of a learned skill is necessary for successful completion.

Designed to be self-taught skills training, they are better run with assistance (formal or informal) of an Instructor, although with the right facilities, this is not strictly necessary.

                                 

Scope: These are typically longer courses than the simpler on-line courses mentioned, and are designed to teach the subject matter (knowledge and understanding), as well as to allow the student sufficient time and resources to practice certain skills. The course materials deal with the theoretical component, but encourages practical work as well.

Target Audience: Those involved (or training to become involved) in various technical disciplines of the courses mentioned. Typically the courses are for adult, post-educational learning where career development and advancement are the main motivational criteria.

Practical Welding Course: Manual Metal Arc (MMA or Stick) Welding

The Practical Welding Course is the largest of its kind in the world, and consists of both the Theoretical and Practical aspects necessary to train welders up to a "coded welder" standard. It was designed, written and produced by Techtape - Technical Video Productions. It is broken up into 4 Courses, 1 for each of the Welding Processes.

The MMA or Stick Welding course starts with the basics: - definitions, terms and other information a good welder needs to know - these are the Introduction Modules. These first modules need to be completed before moving on to subsequent more specific Modules which get the Learner to start actually welding, by practicing. It should be noted that the Safety Topic is included in this Introductory section.
The course continues by introducing the Learner to the basics of welding - Equipment and trying to actually strike an arc and start welding. There is a great deal if Practice Required with these initial Modules.

The course continues by introducing other aspects the welder needs to know, like Joint Preparation and Fit up - all essential to producing good welds.

After several Modules addressing actual welding of joints, the welder is taken through numerous other related modules about Metallurgy, Defects,  Inspection and Testing and so on.

There are 19 Modules to be covered in total, with an average time of about 6 weeks to complete. Some learners will grasp it sooner, others may take longer. Most important is to Practice and Practice until an expert.

All Theory is tested on-line through Computer Based Training (CBT) tests. The Practical Work is required by the Trainee in order to become an expert welder. An Instructor is necessary to guide and to ensure the standards of workmanship are achieved and the course requirements are satisfied. This course is best run in an established training facility or in a suitable location in the workshop. Learners need access to workshop facilities, equipment, consumables and an experienced Instructor if possible.

Welding Quality Control, Inspection and Testing

This course is specifically aimed at Welding Inspectors and Quality Control Personnel, but is also extremely useful for Workshop Supervisors, Managers and Laboratory Technicians.

Understanding of the welding process is essential is one is going to monitor quality and soundness of welds. Inspection and testing is an inherent part of the welding process in any fabrication facility, workshop or site. It is more cost effective to spend time inspecting and testing welds through a structured Quality Control System, than it is to repair defective welds after the event.

These modules also form part of the Welder Training for specific Welding Processes, as it is necessary for quality welders to know and understand the Quality Requirements for weldments, and how they are monitored, controlled and tested.

This course consists of 13 Modules of the following topics and subjects:

  • Introduction to Welding (3 Modules)
  • Joint Preparation and Welding Positions (2 Modules)
  • Inspection and Testing (5 Modules)
  • Quality Control (3 Modules)

These above modules should be followed consecutively, and wherever possible practical examples examined and compared.