Introduction to Metal Inert Gas/ Metal Active Gas Welding (MIG/MAG)

Course overview

This introductory course gives delegates practical experience in the safe use of MIG/MAG welding equipment, ideal for organisations seeking to upskill their maintenance or fabrication teams for basic welding repairs.

For businesses, this course offers clear operational benefits. By building in-house MIG/MAG capability, you reduce reliance on external contractors for basic welding tasks, decrease equipment downtime and boost production availability. The course also supports regulatory compliance (such as under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 – PUWER) by ensuring staff are competent and confident in their welding role.

The training begins with a strong focus on health and safety: understanding hazards specific to MIG/MAG welding, the correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE), safe storage and handling of compressed gas cylinders, and the requisite pre-use equipment checks.

Participants are then introduced to the key principles of the MIG/MAG welding process: how the arc forms, the role of the consumable wire electrode, and the importance of the shielding gas in producing high-quality welds. Attendees learn how to set up the welding machines and components and receive a demonstration before moving into comprehensive hands-on practice. During the practical phase, delegates will weld under supervision, gaining familiarisation with equipment, torch control, joint preparation and basic weld creation.

Delivered at PETA’s engineering facility, this course suits novices or existing staff who may need to carry out basic welding work as part of maintenance or fabrications. On completion, delegates will gain practical MIG/MAG welding competence, enhancing your internal capability, improving job-flexibility and delivering value to your operational workforce.

Course benefits

• Builds essential MIG/MAG welding skills for basic fabrication and repair tasks.
• Reduces reliance on external welders by developing in-house maintenance capability.
• Improves workplace safety through correct PPE, gas-cylinder handling and equipment setup.
• Minimises downtime by enabling quicker on-site welding repairs to machinery and components.
• Enhances weld quality through proper torch control, joint preparation and process understanding.
• Strengthens compliance with PUWER and organisational health and safety requirements.
• Increases workforce flexibility by equipping staff with practical, multi-skilled capabilities.
• Provides a solid foundation for progression to more advanced welding qualifications.

Please note

For this course you will need to bring appropriate PPE to include safety footwear. Fire retardant coveralls, welding helmets and gauntlets can be provided, however it would be advisable to bring your own if you have it.

This course specification has been put together to achieve the key learning aims appealing to a broad range of customers. PETA are able to use this course as the basis of a bespoke programme if you would like the learning outcomes to be specific to your organisation. Contact us for more information on our bespoke training options.