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HNC FABRICATION WELDING AND INSPECTION

  • Start date:   August 2025
  • Level of Qualification:   SCQF Level 7
  • Course Type:   Full-time

HNC FABRICATION WELDING AND INSPECTION

The HNC in Fabrication and Welding Inspection is an essential course for anyone looking to advance their skills in one of the most critical techniques used in engineering. Welding and fabrication play a pivotal role in the creation and maintenance of structures, machinery, and systems across a wide range of industries.

Start date – Aug 2025

End date –  Jun 2026

SCQF Level -  7

Mode –  Full time

Duration: 1 year

This course offers students the opportunity to deepen their knowledge and expertise in specialized fabrication, welding, and inspection systems, providing an in-depth understanding of the principles and technologies used in these fields. 

Throughout the course, you will explore key processes and advanced techniques that are widely used in local industries, from construction and manufacturing to energy and aerospace. The curriculum is designed to give you a comprehensive understanding of how to inspect, assess, and ensure the quality and integrity of welded structures, making you a valuable asset to any engineering team.

With hands-on experience and industry-relevant knowledge, this advanced course will equip you with the skills needed to thrive in the fast-paced world of fabrication and welding inspection, opening doors to exciting career opportunities in engineering. 

Konrad Szatanik is studying Fabrication & Welding at West Lothian College, and he talks about his experience at college, and how he hopes the course will help him achieve his aspirations to join the British Army.

  • What this course includes

    • Welding principles and applications 1 
    • Welding principles and applications 2 
    • Fabrication : Preparation, joining and assembly 
    • Quality Management: An Introduction 
    • Fabrication and welding materials 
    • Inspection systems 
    • Communication 
    • Welding Procedures 
    • Containers: Design and Manufacture 
    • Engineering Drawing 
    • Material Selection 
    • Fabrication, Welding and Inspection Graded Unit

Why choose this course

This course will equip you with specialized skills directly relevant to local industries, offering valuable opportunities to collaborate with employers in West Lothian. 

The qualification provides an in-depth understanding of key principles and technologies at a Higher National level, focusing on core areas such as fabrication, welding, quality control, materials, and inspection systems. Through this program, you will gain expertise in one or more of the following areas: Fabrication, Welding, and Pipework Engineering, allowing for a high degree of specialization. 

With a curriculum designed to meet the demands of industry, this course provides a strong foundation in the practical and theoretical skills sought by employers, making it an ideal choice for those looking to advance in the engineering sector. 

Entry requirements

  • NC in a suitable subject or two SQA Highers, preferably in related subjects or
  • Foundation Apprenticeship in a related subject
  • A relevant SVQ3

We welcome applications from mature students with other qualifications or experience.

If English is not your first language, ESOL Level 5 is an entry requirement for this course.

Progressing students will learn from their course tutor is they require to attend a Bridge to Engineering course on the week of 10th-13th June full-time.

Direct entry students will undergo an aptitude test and will learn during interview if they require to attend a Bridge to Engineering course on the week of 10th-13th June full-time.

  • Graduation 2024

    Where it leads

    Education: HND; degree-level of study. You may be able to gain direct entry to year 3 of a degree course once you complete your HND. 

    Employment: Employment within the fabrication and welding industry. 

    Past students have found employment with companies such as Screwfix, West Lothian Council, Plexus, Mitsubishi, JBT, Volvo, Click Netherfield and Babcock.

Interview arrangements

If we invite you for interview, plan to be in college for around two to three hours. Bring evidence of any qualifications stated on your application form. 

HNC applicants only: we will ask you to complete an aptitude test with questions testing some standard mathematics and English skills. 

For all applicants, the interview will involve: 

  • Interview with two members of the engineering team (10 minutes). We will ask you about your interests and why you want to study engineering

Fees, finance and funding

There may be help available to assist with your study related costs. Impartial, confidential help and advice on financial matters is available from the Student Funding Team - including Bursaries, Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA), Student Awards Agency for Scotland, Student Loans Company and student support funds. Click here to find out more.

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