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How to become a Welder

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Welder jobs

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Welder courses

Career progression and salary expectations for a Welder

Apprentice Welder

| Up to £18,000

As an Apprentice Welder, you'll start your career by learning basic welding techniques and safety procedures under the guidance of experienced welders or instructors. This role provides hands-on experience with welding equipment and materials, laying the foundation for a successful career in welding.

Welder

| Up to £30,000

As a Welder, you'll take on more responsibility for interpreting blueprints, preparing materials, and performing various welding techniques independently. This role involves working in various industries such as construction, manufacturing, or automotive, and requires proficiency in welding processes such as MIG, TIG, and ARC welding.

Senior Welder

| Up to £40,000

In this advanced role, you'll oversee welding projects, supervise junior welders, and ensure quality and safety standards are met. You'll also be responsible for coordinating workflow, training staff, and troubleshooting welding issues.

The role of a Welder

What does a Welder do?

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

Is a career as a Welder right for me?

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

What's it like to be a Welder?

"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 as a Welder

The most common route to becoming a Welder is to sign up for an apprenticeship, as this will help you to gain practical experience whilst carrying out on-the-job training. Studying for vocational qualifications in welding, or gaining certifications in specific welding processes and materials (such as TIG or MIG welding), as well as industry certfications such as those from the Welding Institute (TWI) will also enhance your job prospects and credibility.

Recommended Welding courses

Welding Diploma - Accredited

Essential Safety Training

6-in-1 CPD Accredited | Last Updated 2025 | PDF Certificate | 24/7 Tutor Support, Lifetime Access |Money-Back Guarantee
- Compare
- Online
- 8.1 hours · Self-paced
- Certificate(s) included
- 10 CPD points
- Tutor support
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★★★ 1,500+ Positive Reviews from Students! ★★★ Join thousands of professionals who trust Essential Safety Training for industry-leading workplace safety education. New Year Special: Comprehensive 6-in-1 Welding Diploma - Accredited Updated: 25th January 2025 Courses Included in T …
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Level 3 Diploma in Welding (UK Standard)

Essential Safety Training

4-in-1 CPD Accredited | Last Updated 2025 | PDF Certificate | 24/7 Tutor Support, Lifetime Access |Money-Back Guarantee
- Compare
- Online
- 4.1 hours · Self-paced
- Certificate(s) included
- 10 CPD points
- Tutor support
See more See less

★★★ 1,500+ Positive Reviews from Students! ★★★ Join thousands of professionals who trust Essential Safety Training for industry-leading workplace safety education. New Year Special: Comprehensive 4-in-1 Level 3 Diploma in Welding (UK Standard) - CPD Accredited Updated: 25th Dece …
£25