Welder
Cut, shape, join and repair metal for use in a wide range of industries.
About the job
Salary
Source: National Careers Service
Weekly
£481
Entry level
£865
Experienced
Monthly
£2,083
Entry level
£3,750
Experienced
Yearly
£25,000
Entry level
£45,000
Experienced
2,500
people are currently employed
Low growth
200 fewer jobs in 5 years
These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Oxford Economics
What it's like
You would cut, shape, join and repair metal for use in a wide range of industries including construction, engineering, transport, aerospace, and offshore oil and gas.
You would:
choose and lay out materials to be cut or joined
follow engineering instructions and drawings
decide on the best welding method for the job
test cuts and joins using specialised instruments
Common types of welding include:
oxyacetylene
MIG (metal inert gas)
MMA (manual metal arc)
TIG (tungsten inert gas)
laser and ultrasonic
Many welders work on a production line. You'd then work as part of a team and use semi-automatic spot-welding tools to make items like cars.
As well as working with metals and alloys, you could also learn methods for cutting and joining plastics and other materials.
You’d need to have a good understanding of numbers and technical plans. It would also be important for you to have great coordination and knowledge of safe working practices.
Hours
Environment
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Here are some of the skills you'll need to do this job:
- time management
- managing resources
- implementing ideas
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- observation
- working with numbers
- resourceful
- verbal communication
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore the sections shown for more information about getting into this career.
You might have qualifications which are not shown here but will allow you access to a course. You can compare your qualifications by looking at their SCQF Level. For more information about this, check out the SCQF website.
Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Engineering Science
Practical Craft Skills
Practical Metalwork
Skills for Work: Construction Craft
Skills for Work: Engineering Skills
Foundation Apprenticeship: Engineering
Skills for Work: Practical Experiences: Construction and Engineering
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
You could do a Modern Apprenticeship leading to a relevant Scottish Vocational Qualifications in Fabrication and Welding (SVQ Level 3), a National Certificate (SCQF Level 5/6) or a National Qualification (SCQF Level 6) in areas like Fabrication and Welding or Mechanical Engineering.
You can enter some Fabrication and Welding National Certificate or National Qualification courses (SCQF 5-6) with no formal qualifications but most courses ask for National 4/5 qualifications (SCQF Level 4/5).
You may need to pass an aptitude test to enter this type of apprenticeship.
Qualifications that show understanding and experience of the industry such as Skills for Work Engineering Skills (SCFQ Level 4) or Engineering Construction Skills (SCQF Level 3).
A Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card or equivalent safety passport to work on site.
Possibly a Client Contracter National Safety Group (CCNSG) passport to work on site.
To pass a Welder Approval Test following your training.
Good eyesight and general fitness, also physical strength and stamina are required for the job.
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