One of the assignments I give my guys is shown here, on page 45:
http://www.wabo.org/uploads/Welder/STD%2027-13%20Fifth%20Edition%20July%202008.pdfI add some additional required dimensions, add a general tolerance, change the shape and dimensions of the attachment plate (including adding a triangle shaped cutout in its center), and add some welding symbols to follow. Then have them weld it out with 1/16" T-1, backgouge over head, and back weld. Then they process destructive test samples in accordance with the standard's directions. This test requires 4 side bends, two of which come from directly under the rat hole, two from the ends of the joint.
They may do it again later as an actual certification test with gassed or gasless FCAW or with SMAW. But this is just one of several assignment I use primarly to check blueprint reading, ability to run a burn table, read weld symbols, weld to size, fit, measure accurately, follow written directions, and so-on.
Pretty good assignment I think.