Metal Products (A)
This course is designed to develop metal construction skills to a high standard of accuracy and finish. The curriculum is suited to any student who wishes to gain knowledge of metals (especially steel) in a practical environment.
Students who develop skills associated with designing, constructing and repairing objects will be able to use them in the traditional fields of metalwork - such as Fitting and Machining or Engineering - as well as many other career areas.
The following units can be used to make up a Metal Products course.
Working with Metal
This unit is designed to familiarise students with workshop procedures using metal. Students learn to work safely with metal products, using and naming selected tools and materials correctly. Students learn to use selected tools and machinery to follow a given design to complete the projects undertaken in this unit. They learn communication skills such as following instructions, seeking help and recording processes as well as strategies to solve problems.
Techniques in Metal Manufacture
This unit explores metal manufacturing skills. Students learn the fundamentals of working safely with a variety of metal manufacturing processes including gas and arc welding. They learn to use a range of metal work tools in a variety of fabrication processes to follow a given design to complete the projects undertaken in this unit. Students learn communication skills such as following instructions, seeking help and recording processes as well as strategies to solve problems.
Welding and Cutting Skills
This unit is designed to develop welding and mechanical cutting skills. Students learn the fundamentals of working safely with gas and arc welding. Students learn to use a range of mechanical cutting machinery and processes and continue to develop skills in welding. They investigate emerging technologies in global metal manufacturing. Students follow a given design to complete the projects undertaken in this unit. They learn communication skills such as following instructions, seeking help and recording processes, as well as strategies to solve problems.
Metal Project
This unit is designed to develop project management skills. Students create a project from a design brief or modify an existing design to meet a particular need, using skills such as machining and welding. They consider the choice of appropriate materials and techniques, the project timeline and the economic use of materials. They learn communication skills such as following instructions, seeking help and recording processes as well as strategies to solve problems.