Welding Competition - WorldSkills UK

Overview

Welding is the process for joining metals using in a large variety of applications. Welding is the joining of metals at a molecular level. A weld is a homogeneous bond between two or more pieces of metal, where the strength of the welded joint exceeds the strength of the base pieces of metal.

This competition is designed to test your skills in the three main Welding processes: Manual Metal Arc (MMA) Metal Active Gas (MAG) Tungston Inert Gas (TIG).

The competition has 3 stages; each stage gradually builds up to challenge you to develop your welding skills, At each stage you will be required to complete a number of welding test pieces in carbon steel Aluminium and Stainless steel in a variety of welding position.

This competition is aimed at Trainee/Apprentice welders working and/or training in the welding industry at level 2-3 or higher level. The test pieces are marked to a set criterion based on BS EN ISO 5817.

The skills you need to demonstrate

Health and Safety
Attention to detail
Ability to work on your own
Numerical skills
Manual dexterity
Quality assuring
Accuracy
Knowledge of national and international welding standards
Multi process welding techniques

Entry criteria

This is an individual competition; there is no limit to the number of entries per organisation.
Competitors must be familiar with the core competencies (these can be found in the documents within the ‘Useful resources’ section) and have achieved or working towards a Level 3 in the last 12 months
Any welder who is currently undergoing training may enter the competition.
Entrants must be proficient in MMA and TIG and MIG/MAG.
There is no age limit for the National Welding Competition but for those competitors wishing to participate at the international competition level, competitors must not be older than 22 in the year of that event.

How it works

1. Register

Our competitions are open to all so please register between 27 February – 24 March 2023

2. Entry Stage

The first stage of competition is a practical test

3. National Qualifiers

Competitors take part in competitions in venues across the UK or online

4. Announcement of finalists

Scores are quality assured and Finalists are announced

5. Training and development

Competitors prepare and practise in readiness for the National Finals

6. National Finals

The Finalists come together to compete in the National Finals

7. Squad UK

Competitors who are age eligible and have achieved the benchmark score will be invited to opt into Squad UK during December 2024 for the WorldSkills 2026 Cycle, subject to the skill progressing to the international competition cycle.