Welder (Ordnance Factory) Apprenticeship Course Syllabus

Course Title

Welder (Ordnance Factory) Apprenticeship Course

Course Code

FMOWOR101

Description

This course, under the Flexible Memorandum of Understanding (Flexi-MoU) Scheme within the Apprenticeship Training Scheme (ATS), provides specialized training for welders in ordnance factories. It focuses on applying welding techniques, including Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), and Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), to fabricate and repair weapon components, ammunition tooling, and defense equipment. Apprentices will gain hands-on experience using welding equipment, performing quality inspections, and ensuring safety, preparing them for roles in ordnance factories under the Ministry of Defence. The course emphasizes precision and safety in high-risk defense manufacturing environments and aligns with the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) and the Apprentices Act, 1961.

Objectives

  • Perform GMAW, GTAW, and SMAW to weld weapon components and ammunition tooling to defense specifications.
  • Fabricate and repair defense equipment, ensuring structural integrity and precision.
  • Inspect welds using visual and non-destructive testing (NDT) methods to meet BIS, DRDO, and ASME standards.
  • Adhere to safety, environmental, and defense regulations in welding operations.

Duration

12 months (2 weeks basic training, 11 months on-the-job training)

Schedule

The course spans 12 months, combining basic training and on-the-job practical training as per Flexi-MoU guidelines. Each phase focuses on specific skills essential for welders in ordnance factories. Below is the detailed breakdown:

Weeks 1-2: Basic Training

Introduction to welding in ordnance factories, workplace safety, and trade practices. Overview of welding processes (GMAW, GTAW, SMAW), materials (high-grade steel, alloys), and equipment (MIG/TIG welders, plasma cutters). Training on personal protective equipment (PPE), hazard identification, and safety regulations for explosive and high-risk environments.

Months 1-3: SMAW and Component Welding

Performing Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) to join weapon components like rifle frames and artillery casings. Training on electrode selection, weld positions (flat, horizontal, vertical), and fabricating defense equipment parts.

Months 4-6: GMAW and Tooling Fabrication

Applying Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) for fabricating ammunition tooling and repairing weapon components. Training on achieving consistent welds for high-strength steel, including multi-pass techniques.

Months 7-9: GTAW and Precision Welding

Using Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) for precision welding of alloys and thin materials used in defense equipment, such as missile casings. Training on achieving defect-free welds for critical applications.

Months 10-11: Weld Inspection and Equipment Maintenance

Inspecting welds using visual inspection and basic NDT methods (e.g., dye penetrant, magnetic particle testing). Training on repairing welds, maintaining welding equipment, and documenting weld quality reports per DRDO standards.

Month 12: Final Project and Assessment

Completion of a comprehensive welding project (e.g., fabricating a weapon component or repairing an artillery casing) and preparation for joint ITP-DGT assessment.

Assessment Methods

Apprentice performance is evaluated through a combination of practical, theoretical, and participatory components, preparing them for the Certificate of Proficiency:

  • Practical Assessments: 50% (welding tasks, weld quality)
  • Project Work: 30% (complete welding fabrication or repair)
  • Theoretical Tests: 15% (welding principles, safety regulations)
  • Attendance and Participation: 5%

Instructor

Industry Expert (designated by ITP, e.g., ordnance factory welding supervisor or quality control engineer)

Language

Available in: English

Status

Published

Additional Notes

Apprentices must be at least 18 years old (due to hazardous environments and explosive materials) and meet the minimum educational qualification (typically 10th grade passed or equivalent, preferably with an ITI Welder certificate, as per ITP requirements). The course includes 20-25% basic training and 75-80% on-the-job training, with a stipend as per NAPS guidelines (e.g., Rs. 7700 per month for one-year ITI trade passed apprentices, as per Gazette notification dated 25th September 2019). The government reimburses 25% of the stipend (up to Rs. 1500/month) to the ITP. Successful completion leads to a Certificate of Proficiency, recognized for employment in ordnance factories, defense manufacturing, and related industries. The training emphasizes precision, safety, and compliance with BIS, DRDO, and ASME standards, addressing the demand for skilled welders in India’s defense manufacturing sector, critical for self-reliance in defense production (e.g., Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives targeting USD 25 billion in defense exports by 2025). For specific ITP curriculum details, contact the Apprenticeship Training Portal (www.apprenticeshipindia.gov.in). This syllabus can be adapted for posting on vocational training websites like https://mmiti.in or https://iti.today, aligning with your previous requests for trade syllabi (e.g., Welder (Integrated Steel Plant), Fitter/Grinder/Machinist/Turner (OF), Technician - Plant Maintenance) and your focus on enhancing MM Private ITI’s offerings in Kasganj. The inclusion of calculations for welding parameters (e.g., welding current, arc voltage, heat input), as requested in your "Workshop Calculation and Science" inquiry on March 25, 2025, ensures technical depth suitable for your audience. Your prior request on April 19, 2025, for Welder (GMAW & GTAW) and Welder (Pipe) syllabi in English and Hindi informs the welding techniques emphasized here, tailored to ordnance factory needs. Note that, based on your mention of Pacific Private ITI on March 22, 2025, which may lack official NCVT recognition, this syllabus is designed for verified Flexi-MoU programs to ensure credibility for MM Private ITI.