Welding is an essential skill in manufacturing, construction, and repair industries, involving the process of joining metal pieces using various techniques and equipment. One of the most popular methods is Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), commonly known as stick welding. With the growing demand for skilled welders, TESDA offers specialized SMAW courses to help individuals gain the skills and knowledge needed to excel in this trade.
Also read: TESDA Gas Metal Arc Welding Courses
The SMAW courses offered by TESDA are structured into four levels: NC I, NC II, NC III, and NC IV. Each level focuses on specific competencies required for certification, covering a range of welding techniques, equipment, and materials used in the industry. These courses aim to develop competent welders ready to meet the needs of the field.
Benefits
Here are some of the benefits of completing a TESDA SMAW course:
- Develop welding skills – Completing any level (NC I to NC IV) of the TESDA SMAW course equips you with essential welding techniques, boosting your employability in industries like construction, manufacturing, and shipbuilding.
- Get certified – TESDA SMAW courses align with industry standards, awarding a National Certificate (NC) recognized by employers locally and abroad, proving your skills and advancing your career.
- Learn safety – Training includes safety procedures, PPE use, and fire prevention, ensuring a safer working environment when handling high heat and hazardous materials.
- Improve problem-solving – Hands-on training helps you read blueprints, troubleshoot equipment, and interpret welding symbols, sharpening critical thinking and workplace adaptability.
- Start a business – Use your skills to offer welding services or train others, creating opportunities for self-employment and increased income.
- Keep learning – Gain a strong welding foundation, staying prepared for new technologies, materials, and techniques as the field evolves.
Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) NC I
The Welding NC I (SMAW) course teaches the skills needed to weld carbon steel plates based on layouts, blueprints, diagrams, work orders, welding procedures, or instructions, using SMAW welding equipment.
Units of Competency
The Units of Competency comprising this qualification include the following:
BASIC COMPETENCIES
- Receive and respond to workplace communication
- Work with others
- Demonstrate work values
- Practice basic housekeeping procedures
COMMON COMPETENCIES
- Apply Safety Practices
- Interpret Drawings and Sketches
- Perform Industry Calculations
- Contribute to Quality System
- Use Hand Tools
- Prepare Weld Materials
- Setup Welding Equipment
- Fit up Weld Materials
- Repair Welds
CORE COMPETENCY
- Weld Carbon Steel Plates Using SMAW
Career Opportunity
A person with this Qualification is competent to be:
- Plate Welder (SMAW)
Training Duration
- 28 hours (Basic Competencies)
- 56 hours (Common Competencies)
- 184 hours (Core Competencies)
Total: 268 hours
Qualifications
Trainees or students applying for this course should meet the following requirements:
- Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written forms
- Physically and mentally fit
- Good moral character
- Basic math skills
Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) NC II
The Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) NC II course by TESDA trains individuals to weld carbon steel plates and pipes. It covers skills needed to follow layouts, blueprints, diagrams, work orders, welding procedures, or instructions using SMAW equipment.
Units of Competency
The Units of Competency comprising this qualification include the following:
BASIC COMPETENCIES
- Participate in Workplace Communication
- Work in Team Environment
- Practice Career Professionalism
- Practice Occupational Health and Safety Procedures
COMMON COMPETENCIES
- Apply Safety Practices
- Interpret Drawings and Sketches
- Perform Industry Calculations
- Contribute to Quality System
- Use Hand Tools
- Prepare Weld Materials
- Setup Welding Equipment
- Fit up Weld Materials
- Repair Welds
CORE COMPETENCIES
- Weld Carbon Steel Plates and Pipes Using SMAW
Career Opportunity
A person with this Qualification is competent to be:
- SMAW Welder
Training Duration
- 18 hours (Basic Competencies)
- 56 hours (Common Competencies)
- 194 hours (Core Competencies)
Total: 268 hours
Qualifications
To enroll in this course, trainees or students should meet the following requirements:
- Completed training in SMAW NC I or hold an SMAW NC I certification
- Able to communicate effectively in both written and spoken form
- Physically and mentally fit
- Able to perform basic math calculations
Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) NC III
The Welding NC III (SMAW) course by TESDA teaches the skills needed to weld alloy steel plates. This includes following layouts, blueprints, diagrams, work orders, or instructions using SMAW welding equipment.
Units of Competency
The Units of Competency comprising this qualification include the following:
BASIC COMPETENCIES
- Lead workplace communication
- Lead small teams
- Develop and practice negotiation skills
- Solve problems related to work activities
- Use mathematical concepts and techniques
- Use relevant technologies
COMMON COMPETENCIES
- Apply safety practices
- Interpret drawings and sketches
- Perform industry calculations
- Contribute to quality system
- Use hand tools
- Prepare weld materials
- Set up welding equipment
- Fit up weld materials
- Repair welds
CORE COMPETENCY
- Weld alloy steel plates using SMAW
Career Opportunities
A person with this Qualification is competent to be:
- Plate Welder (SMAW)
- Pipe Welder (SMAW)
- Plate Welder (SMAW-Alloy Steel)
Training Duration
- 20 hours (Basic Competencies)
- 56 hours (Common Competencies)
- 44 hours (Core Competencies)
Total: 120 hours
Qualifications
Applicants for this course should meet the following qualifications:
- Completed SMAW NC II training or hold an SMAW NC II certification
- Able to communicate effectively in both oral and written forms
- Physically and mentally fit
- Possess good moral character
- Able to perform basic mathematical calculations
Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) NC IV
The TESDA Welding NC IV (SMAW) course teaches the skills needed to weld alloy steel pipes based on layouts, blueprints, diagrams, work orders, or instructions, using SMAW welding equipment.
Units of Competency
The Units of Competency comprising this qualification include the following:
BASIC COMPETENCIES
- Utilize specialized communication skills
- Develop teams and individuals
- Apply problem solving techniques in the workplace
- Collect, analyze and organize information
- Plan and organize work
- Promote environmental protection
COMMON COMPETENCIES
- Apply Safety Practices
- Interpret Drawings and Sketches
- Perform Industry Calculations
- Contribute to Quality System
- Use Hand Tools
- Prepare Weld Materials
- Setup Welding Equipment
- Fit up Weld Materials
- Repair Welds
CORE COMPETENCY
- Weld Alloy Steel Pipes Using SMAW
Career Opportunities
A person with this Qualification is competent to be:
- Plate Welder (SMAW)
- Pipe Welder (SMAW)
- Plate Welder (SMAW – Alloy Steel)
- Pipe Welder (SMAW – Alloy Steel)
Training Duration
- 56 hours (Basic Competencies)
- 56 hours (Common Competencies)
- 56 hours (Core Competencies)
Total: 168 hours
Qualifications
To enroll in this course, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Completed SMAW NC III training or hold an SMAW NC III certification
- Able to communicate effectively in both oral and written forms
- Physically and mentally fit
- Possess good moral character
- Able to perform basic math calculations
Check the TESDA website for updated info on SMAW NC training. This qualification opens welding career opportunities in construction, manufacturing, and engineering.
Sample of Certificate of Completion
Requirements
To enroll in this course, you will need the following documents:
- PSA Birth Certificate
- High School or College Diploma
- Certified True Copy of Official Transcript of Records or Form 137
- Certificate of Good Moral Character or GMRC
- 1 x 1 and/or 2 x 2 pictures
To obtain further details, please reach out to the enrollment site that aligns with your requirements. Kindly note that the criteria may vary.
Also read: TESDA Foundry Melting / Casting Courses
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I enroll in higher levels of SMAW NC without completing lower levels?
A: No, applicants must complete the previous level or hold a certification before enrolling in a higher level.
2. Are there any age restrictions for enrolling in this course?
A: There are NO age restrictions as long as the applicant meets the other qualifications and can physically and mentally handle the training requirements.
3. Do I need to have prior welding experience to enroll in SMAW NC training?
A: No, prior experience in welding is not a requirement, but it can be an advantage.
4. Can I work as a welder after completing SMAW NC training?
A: Yes, this qualification opens career opportunities in various industries that require skilled welders.
5. What are the common job positions for SMAW NC holders?
A: Some of the common job positions include plate welder (SMAW), pipe welder (SMAW), and plate or pipe welder for alloy steel using SMAW.
6. Is there any certification exam after completing the training?
A: Yes, an assessment exam will be conducted by TESDA to determine if the trainee has acquired the necessary skills and competencies for the qualification.
Summary
The Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) NC I, NC II, NC III and NC IV courses teach skills in welding alloy steel plates and pipes using SMAW equipment. These courses cover basic, common, and core competencies, leading to career opportunities in construction, manufacturing, and engineering. Applicants must meet certain requirements, but there are no age restrictions. After training,an assessment exam ensures competency. Visit the TESDA website for training details.