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Engineering Trades

People in the engineering trades use materials such as metals and plastics to make components, framing, structural steelwork or tools.

Engineers need to understand material properties and behaviour under different circumstances and be able to cut, form and shape them to meet different requirements. At Ara we offer a wide range of engineering trade qualifications. You can start with the pre trade certificates learning the core skills and capability expected in the industry.

Engineering Trades refers to:

Fabrication: Fabrication is the cutting, forming and assembly of metal components, usually from steel plate or aluminium. Components could be anything from a simple workbench to a trailer or boat. Engineering fabrication trades people will often specialise in one or more areas, generally determined by the key activities of their business. Welding is used in fabrication work, but is not always completed by the fabricator. On large projects welders and fabricators will often work together.

General Engineering: Those interested in learning this trade use lathes, mills, grinders and a whole host of other machine tools. It also involves assembly of components, otherwise known as fitting. The most common trades that develop from this programme are machining & toolmaking and/or maintenance & diagnostics.

Welding and Structural Steel: Bridges, buildings, towers and large constructions generally have a steel framework that supports or provides the platform for construction. The steel framework is termed structural steel. Most of the steel framework is welded using a range of processes.

Studying Engineering Trades

People attracted to this field enjoy hands-on work, using precision machinery and creating or repairing functional things, from the tools that tradespeople use, right up to large-scale projects like ships, skyscrapers and bridges. At Ara you will apply theory to practical sessions, building new skills and experiences that you can take into the workplace and continue to build on.

Our expert tutors will support your success and teach you the value of a positive, can-do attitude and how to make the most of the opportunities that come your way. At Ara you will graduate with practical, industry-endorsed skills to help you get started in your first job. You will learn to safely and efficiently use and maintain machinery, with careful calculations, attention to detail and a passion for getting the job done right. An Ara trades qualification stands you in good stead to create the future you choose.

Many Ara trades programmes include an apprenticeship. You can find out more here.