How to become a welder
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
- specialist courses run by private training organisations
College
You could take a welding qualification at college before applying for a job as a trainee welder. Relevant 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 Structural Steelwork
Entry requirements
You may need:
- 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T level
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Apprenticeship
You can get into this career by doing:
- a general welder intermediate apprenticeship
- a pipe or plate welder advanced apprenticeship
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
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Direct Application
You can apply directly for jobs if you have welding experience. For example from working in engineering construction, marine engineering or pipefitting.
Other Routes
You could take a course in welding techniques or inspection work through The Welding Institute. You'll normally need to be working in engineering to do this.
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Registration
- you'll need an industry safety certificate like the Client Contractor National Safety Group (CCNSG) Safety Passport Scheme for many jobs
Professional and industry bodies
You could join The Welding Institute for professional development and training opportunities.
Further information
You can find out more about welding careers through the Engineering and Construction Industry Training Board and The Welding Institute.