How to become a Welder

452

£18,000/y

avg. starting salary

Lost your spark? It might be time to change careers… Welders are skilled tradesmen who cut, shape, manipulate and join pieces of metal. They use a variety of welding techniques (such as Arc, MIG, TIG and Stick Welding), depending on the requirements of the job. They also work in a range of different sectors, with everything from transport and logistics, through to oil and gas, engineering, and even the aerospace industry relying on their expertise. So whether it’s repairing holes on large metal structures, repairing oil rigs, or even helping to build new components for the space station, there’s no job too large (or too small) for a good Welder. Typical duties for a Welder could include:

Measuring and cutting metal plates and pipes
Selecting material to join together
Using heat and gas to join parts
Making repairs, and fixing pipes
Inspecting their own cuts and welds
Working on assembly lines for certain tasks
Maintaining the machinery they work with

First and foremost, you’ll need excellent hand/eye co-ordination, not to mention meticulous attention to detail, in order to become a Welder. Welding is an incredibly physically demanding career. Bear in mind that you’ll be working at extreme temperatures for long periods of time, often operating heavy machinery. If you can’t stand the heat, this might not be the right role for you. And to avoid awkward situations, Welders should also be able to follow technical drawings to the letter. Other key skills for a Welder include:

Manual dexterity
Concentration
Problem solving
A natural aptitude for numbers
The ability to work to strict deadlines
An in-depth knowledge of health and safety procedures

Trainee Welder

Up to £18,000

Welder

Up to £30,000

Specialist Welder

Up to £40,000

"I’m a really practical person, so sitting behind a desk all day was never going to be my thing. When I found the apprenticeship scheme to become a welder, it just seemed to fit. I love having a job where I get to work with my hands all day, and actually see the final product of what I’ve been working on. Right now I’m working in the shipping industry, building and repairing haulage vessels, but eventually I’d like to move onto something more specialist. The pay for those positions can be pretty great too."

Get qualified

The most common route to becoming a Welder is to sign up for an apprenticeship. However, Welding course in welding can be taken independently, including the Certificate in Welding and are a great way to break into the industry. A degree will generally not be necessary.

Recommended Welder courses

Welding Diploma Level 3 and MIG Metalwork Training

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The average annual salary for a welder at entry level is roughly £22,000, but that of a welder with more experience might reach £38,000, according to the Office for National Statistics. Welders make an average yearly pay of £27,416. It is possible even …
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Welding Training Course

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