Welder

Job Description:

Welders cut, join and shape materials like metal in the aerospace, construction and engineering industries.

Job Category:
Engineering & Construction

What you will do:

As a welder you could:

  • follow engineering drawings and instructions
  • check the size of materials and prepare them to be joined
    calibrate tools and operate welding equipment
  • inspect and test joins using precision measuring instruments
    dismantle and cut up metal

Working environment

  • You could work in a workshop, on a construction site or on a demolition site.
  • Your working environment may be hot, cramped and at height.
  • You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.

Skills:

You’ll need:

  • knowledge of engineering science and technology
    the ability to work on your own
  • the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
  • design skills and knowledge (creativity)
  • knowledge of maths

As well as:

  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail (organisational skills)
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • the ability to analyse quality or performance
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Illustration of employee looking at workspace

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly
  • specialist courses run by private training provider

College
You could do a welding qualification at college before applying for a job as a trainee welder.

In the UK, for example, courses include:

  • Level 2 Award in Welding Skills
  • Level 2 Award in Welding Techniques and Skills
  • Level 3 Diploma in Fabrication and Welding Engineering Technology
  • T Level in Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control

Apprenticeship

For example in the UK, you could do a:

  • General Welder Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
  • Pipe Welder Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
  • Plate Welder Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship

Direct Application
You could apply directly for welding jobs.

You’ll need welding experience, for example from working as a pipe fitter or working in engineering construction or marine engineering.

Other Routes
You could take a course in welding or inspection work- in the UK this would be through The Welding Institute (TWI). You usually need to be working in engineering to do this.

Working Hours and Environment:

A typical week consists of 44-46 hours of work. You could be required to work evening/weekends on shifts.

Career Path & Progression:

With experience you could:

  • become a supervisor or metal fabrication workshop manage
  • work in welding inspection, non-destructive testing or quality control
  • do commercial diver training and specialise in underwater welding, for example in oil, gas and marine engineering
  • become a further education teacher and teach welding