Welder
Job Description:Welders cut, join and shape materials like metal in the aerospace, construction and engineering industries.
Job Category: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
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