New training course on risk management in welding fabrication now available

PORTO SALVO, Portugal - Feb. 19, 2019 - PRLog -- Welding professionals looking to improve their qualifications on risk management are now uniquely positioned to benefit from the results of the RMWF (Risk Management in Welding Fabrication) project. This project has updated the EWF Guideline for the Qualification of the European Welding Fabrication Risk Manager (EWF_640-18) that was approved by EWF members. The update included an alignment of the qualification with the EQF and ECVET tools, thus introducing a learning outcomes approach and modular system into the curriculum. It provides welding professionals across Europe with a harmonised training developed in close alignment with industrial standards.

The project's consortium will be actively engaged in raising awareness of all stakeholders of the need to comply with European standards, from SMEs to Training Centres and businesses in the welding fabrication industry.

The project's milestones included defining industry requirements, updating the existing course guideline, developing a harmonised course support and, finally, pilot-courses evaluation report and exam database. RMWF is comprehensive in that it is ready for the new generation well as to current welding professionals, by including an e-learning platform that allows for an on-demand learning process and contributes to broader acceptance of Vocational Education and Training.

The course includes practical training and case studies and the content is based on knowledge about risk management and management of welding fabrication. It is also requires prior knowledge on the fundamentals of welding technology and fabrication.

Also, through the project, all course participants will improve their competitiveness and employability in the labour market. Since it is integrated within the EWF network at European and National level in partner countries, RMWF is poised to be uniquely prepared to the needs and opportunities offered by the labour market and closer linked to business and community.

Empowering businesses with qualified professionals in Risk Management

There has always been a need for trained welding specialists with extended knowledge towards risk management in welding fabrication since welding fabrication poses many risks regarding professionals' health, product's quality, as well as environmental hazards. Manufacturing is also evolving fast, with newer and demanding industry requirements, including better resources utilization and tougher, lighter materials, pushing welding to the edge, requiring new and complex technological breakthroughs in welding fabrication. These, in turn, create the need for professionals to stay abreast of existing and new regulations as well as new technologies, while ensuring a safe working environment.

The RMWF project has addressed this complex challenge by creating a training programme accepted throughout the entire EWF network that empowers welding professionals with risk management knowledge that, in turn, contributes to a faster adoption of newer and more demanding welding techniques. The target group of this project comprised welding personnel already qualified in basic welding (having already an IWE/EWE/IWT/EWT diploma) working in the manufacturing sector, from professionals in welding, Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) and in Post-Welding Heat Treatment, local, regional and central government, and industrial stakeholders ranging from companies in metal construction, automotive industry, railway industry, among other.

The training guideline in risk management to welding fabrication will only have a significant impact if approached from a transnational perspective. The National R&D Institute for Welding and Material Testing Timisoara (ISIM), a centre of excellence in the field of welding and material testing is the project coordinator and, together with the University of Miskolc (UoM), have developed the two courses, in which trainees were able to learn about risk assessment and management and to give feedback on the resources developed by the project.

The project's partners include ISIM, the University of Miskolc (UoM), TVE Mérnökiroda Kft. (TVE), Quality Management Software (QMS), European Federation for Welding, Joining and Cutting (EWF). Together they bring their unique experience and competences, from Academia to Industry and Accreditation Bodies.

RMWF project has received funding from the European Union's Erasmus+ (Strategic Partnerships for vocational education and training).

About the European Federation for Welding, Joining and Cutting

EWF is a pioneer in implementing a harmonized qualification and certification system for joining professionals. Through European projects EWF has been innovating in training methodologies, and involved in the development of new technologies and uses for joining. Through its member organisations, EWF has established a firm link to the local industry, providing knowledge and training as well as participating in research initiatives that address the most pressing questions and challenges in the field of joining technologies.

https://www.ewf.be