National Certificate in Welding (Level 3)

This is an introductory qualification for people wishing to pursue a career in welding. It is aimed at preparing candidates to be productive in the use of basic welding techniques in industry.

The underpinning knowledge and skills covered in this qualification include welding safety; measurement; use of hand and power tools; sketching and reading drawings; welding theory for steel, stainless steel and aluminium; and weld quality assurance.

The practical welding skills in this qualification cover joining of steel, stainless steel, and aluminium, employing the following techniques:
. manual metal arc welding (MMAW);
. gas metal arc welding (GMAW or MIG);
. gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW or TIG); and
. cutting using manual processes.

The skills and knowledge recognised by this qualification relate to welding in downhand positions. More complex skills relating to welding using other hand positions are covered in the National Certificate in Welding (Level 4) [Ref: 1616] (see below).

All of the standards in this qualification are compulsory as they cover essential skills and knowledge required for basic welding. People that have completed this qualification will have the opportunity to specialise by undertaking the National Certificate in Welding (Level 4) [Ref: 1616], which includes a flexible elective section that can be tailored to individual preference and different work contexts.

Achievement of this qualification will prepare candidates for industry certifications to the following standards: AS/NZS 1554.1 (GP), AS/NZS 1554.6 (Class B), and AS/NZS 1665 (Category B).

This qualification shares credits in common with National Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (Level 2) [Ref: 1220]. This qualification leads to the National Certificate in Welding (Level 4) [Ref: 1616], which covers more complex welding in all positions; and pipe welding, and may also lead to the National Certificate in Engineering - Fabrication (Level 4) with strands in Heavy Fabrication, Light Fabrication, and Steel Construction [Ref: 0122].

About Us

The Welding Academy has been providing dedicated Welding training to the welding and wider engineering industry for more than 20 years.

Our Mission

Our mission at the Welding Academy is to ensure quality education and training in a caring and safe environment to prepare students for employment in a variety of occupations within the welding and engineering industries.

The Welding Academy is committed to graduating socially and ethically responsible students that are capable of pursuing industrial careers as well as further academic studies.

Graduates

98% of our graduates find work in the welding industry, you will find our students throughout New Zealand and the rest of the world. We have close links with the industry who often require new welders.

Qualification Pathways

With further Work Experience and/or qualifications:

• Workshop Supervisor
• Welding Inspector
• Welding Supervisor
• Welding engineer
• Manufacturing engineer
• Mechanical Engineer
• Engineering Contractor
  
  

Our History

The Welding Academy was established in Christchurch in December 1998 and was registered with NZQA on 1 May 1999. We became an NZQA Category 1 training provider in 2018.

Expansion plans in 2019 resulted in us moving from our previous site on Shakespeare Road to our current site on Lismore Street, Waltham.

In 2021 The Welding Academy became part of the CC Group and with a significant investment, which is ongoing, The Welding Academy continues to grow to meet the demands for welding training in New Zealand.

Career Opportunities

Welding is used in:

• Automotive: Towbars, Trailers and Truck Chassis.
• Agricultural Equipment: Farm Equipment, Irrigation Systems, Repairs and Maintenance.
• Construction: Structural Steelwork, Earthquake Strengthening and Ground Stabilisation.
• Oil and Gas Industry: Tube and Pipework.
• Food and Beverage: Stainless Tube, Tanks, Vats.
• Aviation Industry: Aluminium Repair and Fabrication.
• Marine: Underwater Welding, Boat Building and Repairs.
• Manufacturing in general.