International Welding Specialist course: IWS

The International Welding Specialist - or Welding Specialist - course is for welders working in or wanting to progress to a managerial position. The knowledge gained is practical and therefore directly applicable. You will learn about welding processes, materials and constructions. Also about quality systems, project management and safety. This knowledge can be translated into various practical applications. Think about checking welding, anticipating the outcome of welding, creating effective welding methods and making an effective division of labour among welders on the shop floor.

What will you be able to do after this course

After completing the International Welding Specialist course, you will have the knowledge and insight that is important when choosing a welding process, in quality assurance, work preparation and work execution. These are important skills for a welding foreman or welding coordinator, for example.
 

Who is the IWS training for?

Welders working in or wanting to progress to a managerial position or specialise in the international welding sector.

What do you cover during the IWS course?

The Welding Specialist course is set up according to NIL guidelines and consists of 249 teaching hours, spread over the duration of two years. Of these 249 hours, 189 are theory and 60 practical hours in our own welding school. If the student already holds an IWP diploma, the IWS is a one-year course.

The theory is divided into four modules:
  • Module 1: Processes and equipment
  • Module 2: Materials and their use in welding
  • Module 3: Structures and design
  • Module 4: Fabrication and applications

The practical lessons are structured so that students broadens their skills in the welding processes in which they have little or no experience. In this section, the student works on an individual practical assignment obtainable in our welding school. In this part, the student works on one or several work pieces in preparation for the exam.

Admission requirements determined by NIL

The Netherlands Institute for Welding Technology (NIL) sets certain entry requirements for the Master Welder course. The welder must have:
  • A technical or engineering-related recognised education, at least at MBO level 3/ EQF level 3.
  • Or a mbo-level 2 / EQF level 2 education in a technical direction and an IWP education
  • Or a mbo-level 2 / EQF level 2 education in a technical direction and a NIL Level 4 education.

Subsidy possibilities

There are several possibilities to qualify for an attractive subsidy. You will have to apply for this yourself, but of course we are happy to help you on your way by informing you about the various possibilities.

OOM Foundation
OOM is a training consultancy in the metalworking industry. Their goal is to raise the level of craftsmanship in the metal industry. They do this by stimulating the learning culture within companies. OOM co-finances the training costs for employer, employee or student.  Read more about the OOM foundation.

STAP Budget
STAP budget is a personal development budget which you can use to train yourself or to be retrained. It is used to cover (part of) the costs of a training activity. Per year you can do a maximum of 1 STAP course, for which a maximum of 1000 euros STAP budget can be allocated. All our courses, workshops and trainings are eligible for this reimbursement. Read more about the STAP budget.

Welding specialist training internationally recognised

The theory and practical exams to become a Welding Specialist are prepared and administered by the Netherlands Institute for Welding Technology. At the end of the academic year, each module is concluded with an exam according to the regulations set by the International Institute of Welding (IIW). After passing all exam parts, you will receive the internationally recognised diploma 'International Welding Specialist'.

More information

Our teachers come from the world of practice. In our classrooms, we use state-of-the-art equipment, which means that theory lessons can also be followed digitally at a distance. Are you interested in the IWS training? Apply directly or call our Training Department on +31 416 235036. You can also leave your details and we will call you.

Our overall approach

When it comes to welding, elektrolas has all the knowledge and resources in-house. We are a point of contact for all those involved in the welding process, from tendering to quality control. We are a total provider in the welding field. We secure quality, offer training, sell, rent and service on welding equipment. This is our disc-of-five. Five services that reinforce each other. That is how we ensure that our customers are ready for the future.