Welder
Welder
Job Description & Responsibilities
Working as a Welder is an exciting career that allows you to become a specialist in how things are made e.g. balconies, staircases, steel framework, catering equipment etc. Typical responsibilities include:
- You will need to read from technical drawings or engineering instructions
- Calibrating equipment to undertake the weld
- Tidying up your section after the welding has been completed
- Inspecting and testing the weld after to see if the job has been completed to the required standard
- Sheet Metal Fabrication - using machinery & tools
Types of Welder
Welders can be divided into different categories depending on the technique they use:
TIG Welders – This is someone who has mastered working Tungsten inert gas welding
MIG Welders – This is someone who has mastered working with metal inert gas welding
There are also specialisations like pipe welding, MMA and Stick.
Welder FAQ's
What Skills & Experience Do I Need?
There are many paths to becoming a skilled Welder
- Apprenticeships with combined classroom and practical work experience
- College qualification level 2 & 3
- Further education like a Level 2 Award in Welding
- You can also take courses from establishments like The Welding Institute
Formal qualifications wont be the only requirement. You will also need to show the following:
- Good time management as you work on your own a lot of the time
- Good dexterity and hand-eye coordination
- Knowledge of engineering to understand projects
What's the Average Salary?
The average salary for a Welder is £29,000, although the figure can fluctuate depending on location and experience. As you gain more experience and become more qualified, you will find that your overall salary can increase to over £34,000. You can also increase your salary by working in industries that require specialist skills, such as underwater welding. A lot of welding roles also offer overtime at increased rates.
