Welding – MMA/Stick
The MMA Welding short courses provide learners with essential welding skills and knowledge enabling them to progress into a career as a welder, onto an intermediate apprenticeship or onto further learning and different welding processes.
Manual Metal Arc (MMA), also known as arc or stick welding is an arc welding process that uses a consumable flux coated electrode to melt and fuse metal together. It can be a useful process for DIYers or hobbyists as it can be easy and cheap to run from home.
MMA welding is used across the industry in structural, pipe, construction and ship building fields among others.
We recommend you do your own research into which welding process would better align with your goals, although we can advise at enrolment if needed.
These qualifications have proved to be an important part of our curriculum and are very successful at giving learners the skills and knowledge which enable vocational education progression and enhance employability.
Learn, develop and practise the MIG skills required for employment and/or career progression in the welding and engineering sector.
Alongside the practical MMA welding skills, you’ll learn how to safely set up a MMA welding machine and how the arc welding process works. You will also learn the hazards related to arc welding and how to reduce these risks.
At level 3 you can choose to specialise in plate or pipe welding.
After successfully completing your course, you can progress to:
- Higher-level welding and fabrication qualifications
- Advanced welding programmes
- Engineering apprenticeships
- Employment within fabrication, manufacturing and engineering industries
Each course consists of 5 practical welds and an oral knowledge test.
- At level 1 the welds are visually inspected with all welds in the flat or flat/vertical position.
- At level 2 the welds are visually inspected and destructive tested with welds in the flat or vertical position.
- At level 3 the welds are visually inspected and destructive tested with welds in the vertical or overhead position. Also, at level 3 the oral knowledge test is replaced by an online multiple-choice exam.
There are no formal entry requirements for candidates undertaking these qualifications. For level 2 and 3 courses a basic understanding of MMA welding is preferred to improve your chances of success.
However, a good background knowledge, skills and enthusiasm is desired.
- Gain practical MMA welding experience
- Train using industry-standard workshop equipment
- Choose a specialist welding pathway
- Learn skills valued by engineering and manufacturing employers
- Progress towards advanced qualifications and career opportunities
On completion of the course you will receive an Award in MMA Welding s at level 1, 2 or 3 from City & Guilds.
The costs include material, registration and certification. You may be entitled to funding depending on many factors – you would have to discuss this with the enrolment team.
- Level 1(Funded): Fee for those not entitled to a concession £400
- Level 2 (Not Funded): £600
- Level 3 (Not Funded): £700
Use the apply button above to make an application, you will then be contacted by a tutor to discuss best start dates. More info on times and dates can be found below in Additional Information.
Learners are required to bring fire-retardant overalls and steel toe cap safety boots (welding mask & gloves supplied by the college), any additional PPE (air fed mask, welding cap etc.) supplied by learner.
Time & Dates
Course runs for 8 weeks with lessons taking place at the following times:
- Tuesday & Wednesday (Evening): 6pm – 8:30pm
- Thursdays: 10am – 4pm
- Fridays: 9am – 3pm
Dates:
- 07 September - 06 November 2026
- 11 November - 15 January 2027
- 18 January - 19 March 2027
- 12 April - 11 June 2027
Additional days may be added depending on demand and workshop availability.






