MIG Welding
(Metal Inert Gas)
City & Guilds Level 1
Course
OverView
Course Overview
This course is ideal for you if you are a beginner or a welder wishing to gain experience of other welding processes and seeking a basic qualification in welding. You may already have attended a Welding Taster Day or Introduction to Welding course, although this is not necessary.
This is an elementary level of training, which will teach you the foundation skills needed to undertake MIG welding for employment in the welding and fabrication sector if you have little or no experience. It is also an excellent program to develop the skills to support a hobby or interest that you may have.
Course Modules
The course will enable learners to develop skills for safe welding as well as acquiring associated underpinning knowledge to a level that will enable them to produce welded joints in simple welding positions and work with specified materials, thicknesses, and tolerances. The course is entirely practical in the workshop.
During this course, you will learn:
- Understanding workshop safety protocols.
- Identifying hazards and implementing safety measures.
- Proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Setting up and shutting down MIG welding equipment.
- Producing welded beads on plate in the flat (PA) position.
- Creating lap welds in horizontal/vertical (PB) positions.
- Executing tee-fillet and corner welds in the flat (PA) position
- Tack welding practice.
- Producing various joint configurations:
▪ Butt welds.
▪ Lap fillet welds.
▪ Tee fillet welds.
▪ Corner welds
- Understanding MIG welding equipment components.
- Selecting appropriate consumables for different tasks.
- Adjusting gas flow rates and understanding their impact
- Engaging in hands-on projects such as producing a steel container and conducting leak tests.
- Utilizing virtual reality welding training to simulate real-world scenarios.
Course Modules
The course will enable learners to develop skills for safe welding as well as acquiring associated underpinning knowledge to a level that will enable them to produce welded joints in simple welding positions and work with specified materials, thicknesses, and tolerances. The course is entirely practical in the workshop.
During this course, you will learn:
Health & Safety
in Welding
- Understanding workshop safety protocols.
- Identifying hazards and implementing safety measures.
- Proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
MIG Welding
Techniques
- Setting up and shutting down MIG welding equipment.
- Producing welded beads on plate in the flat (PA) position.
- Creating lap welds in horizontal/vertical (PB) positions.
- Executing tee-fillet and corner welds in the flat (PA) position
Identifying and rectifying
common weld defects
Welding Joints
and Positions
- Tack welding practice.
- Producing various joint configurations:
▪ Butt welds.
▪ Lap fillet welds.
▪ Tee fillet welds.
▪ Corner welds.
Equipment and
Consumables
- Understanding MIG welding equipment components.
- Selecting appropriate consumables for different tasks.
- Adjusting gas flow rates and understanding their impact.
Practical
Applications
- Engaging in hands-on projects such as producing a steel container and conducting leak tests.
- Utilizing virtual reality welding training to simulate real-world scenarios.
You will also learn the process and health & safety requirements for MIG welding.
This is an industry-focused program, during which you will learn using industry-standard welding equipment.
Required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and equipment:
Steel toecap boots
Clothes made of non-synthetic fibbers
A notebook and pen
Entry Requirements
- Good eyesight and physical steadiness are required to take part in this course.
- No prior qualifications needed; a genuine interest in welding is essential.
- Basic verbal and written communication skills are beneficial.
- Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as steel-toe boots and flame-retardant overalls are required.
Course Syllabus
Beginner MIG Welding Course Syllabus
Course Duration: 4 to 6 weeks (Depending on schedule, 2-4 sessions/week)
Prerequisites: None
Certification: Certificate of Completion
Module 1:
Introduction to MIG Welding (GMAW)
Theory (2 Sessions)
- Introduction to welding and MIG (Gas Metal Arc Welding)
- History and applications of MIG welding
- Comparison with other welding types (TIG, Stick, Flux-core)
- Basic principles of electricity in welding
- Types of metal transfer (short circuit, spray, globular, pulsed spray)
Common MIG welding equipment and components:
- Power source
- Wire feed unit
- Torch/gun
- Shielding gases and regulators
- Welding wire types (solid, flux-cored)
Practical (1 Session)
- Workshop orientation
- Hands-on identification of MIG welding equipment
- Cable management and setting up a MIG welder
- Basic machine operation: adjusting voltage, wire feed, and gas flow
Module 2:
Safety in Welding
Theory (1 Session)
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Safe handling of compressed gases and cylinders
- Fire prevention and first aid basics
- Fume extraction and ventilation
- Electrical hazards
Practical (1 Session)
- PPE usage: helmets, gloves, jackets, boots
- Safe setup of a MIG welding station
- Emergency protocols and extinguisher use
Module 3:
Metal Preparation and Joint Design
Theory (1 Session)
- Cleaning and preparing materials (grinding, degreasing)
- Importance of fit-up and joint design
- Types of weld joints: butt, lap, corner, edge, T-joints
- Welding positions: flat (1G), horizontal (2G), vertical (3G), overhead (4G)
Practical (1 Session)
- Cutting and cleaning metal using hand tools and grinders
- Practicing correct work piece setup and clamping
- Practicing on flat position tack welds
Module 4:
Welding Techniques
Theory (1 Session)
- Welding parameters: voltage, wire feed speed, travel speed
- Understanding weld pool behaviour
- Techniques: push vs. pull, weave vs. stringer bead
- Troubleshooting common welding defects (porosity, spatter, undercut)
Practical (3–4 Sessions)
- Practice on:
o Bead on plate (no joint)
o Fillet welds in flat and horizontal position
o Lap joints, butt joints in flat position - Adjusting settings for different metal thicknesses
- Visual inspection of weld quality
Module 5:
Welding Different Materials
Theory (1 Session)
- Welding mild steel, stainless steel, and aluminium basics
- Shielding gases for different materials (e.g., 75/25 CO₂/Argon for steel, pure Argon for aluminium)
- Wire selection for different materials
Practical (2 Sessions)
- Welding mild steel in multiple joint types
- Introduction to aluminium welding (optional for basic course)
- Techniques to reduce distortion and spatter
Module 6:
Project Work & Final Assessment
Practical (2 Sessions)
- Capstone welding project: Fabrication of a small item (e.g., box, frame, stool)
- Applying joint design, setup, and multi-pass welding
- Peer and instructor review
Assessment (1 Session)
- Written test: basic theory and safety
- Practical test: weld quality on a specified joint (visual + bend test if available)
MIG Welding Course · Enrolment
Choose Your Track
Three schedules built around real work and study commitments — same certified curriculum, different pace.
Supplementary
Skills (Optional)
Basic blueprint reading
Measuring and marking tools
Introduction to welding symbols
Resume and job prep tips for welders
Materials & Tools
Required
- MIG welder (preferably with adjustable voltage & wire feed)
- Mild steel plates (2–6 mm)
- Welding wire (ER70S-6 for steel)
- Shielding gas: Argon/CO₂ mix
- PPE (helmet, gloves, jacket, etc.)
- PPE (helmet,Grinder, wire brush, chipping hammer, clamps gloves, jacket, etc.)
Ready To Build Your Future?
Enrol today and take the first step towards a rewarding career in welding and fabrication.