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Overview
Welders cut, join and shape metal plate, pipework and composite materials in the aerospace, construction and civil engineering industries.
Activities
As a welder, you will:
- Follow engineering drawings and instructions for each job
- Check dimensions and thicknesses of materials to be welded
- Prepare and set out sections to be joined or repaired
- Alter tools and machinery, so that it works for each specific job
- Operate welding equipment
- Inspect and test welds and joins, using precision measuring instruments
- Dismantle and cut up metal in structures that are being demolished
- Clean tools, equipment and work areas
Organisations
You could work in a workshop, on a construction site or on a demolition site anywhere across our region. There are also foundry employers where welders work.
Workplace
Your working environment may be hot, cramped and involve height.
You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.
Working Hours
44 to 46 a week.
Salary
Salary: New workers start around £16,506. Normal pay is £24,630 per year.
Predicted trends -10.5% decrease leading to: 7,774 fewer jobs by 2027.
Qualifications
You could take a welding qualification at college before applying for a job as a trainee welder. Most employers will require some GCSEs, usually including English and Maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship, however some may be more flexible. If you have an EHCP you may be able to apply under the DfE exemption which allows the apprentice to use Entry Level 3 English and Maths qualifications. The apprentice would have to be competent enough to successfully achieve all other aspects of the apprenticeship requirements, become occupationally competent and achieve Entry Level 3 in English and Maths before the end of their apprenticeship.