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Welder

Alternative titles for this job include Pipe welder, MIG welder, TIG welder, arc welder, boilermaker

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

Average salary (a year)

£22,000 Starter

to

£45,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

44 to 46 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends on shifts

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

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 provider

College

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

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

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could do a:

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

More Information

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 through The Welding Institute (TWI). You usually need to be working in engineering to do this.

More Information

Registration

Professional and industry bodies

You could join The Welding Institute (TWI) for professional development and training opportunities.

Further information

You can find out more about welding careers through the The Welding Institute (TWI).

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • 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
  • knowledge of maths
  • 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

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

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.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and 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

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Fabrication Apprentice

  • Wage: £13,569.58 Annually
  • Location: Central Park, Rugby, Warwickshire

Apprentice Production/Welding Engineer

  • Wage: £12,168.00 Annually
  • Location: HAVERHILL
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Award in Welding Skills

  • Provider: NEWCASTLE AND STAFFORD COLLEGES GROUP
  • Start date: 14 September 2023
  • Location: Stafford

L2 Cert Welding Skills

  • Provider: RIVERSIDE COLLEGE
  • Start date: 18 September 2023
  • Location: WIDNES
Find courses near you

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