If you’re looking to develop your trade and work as a fully trained Welder, there is a growing need for tradespeople in the industry. Welders are needed all over the UK, so let's talk about how to apply for the role and what a Welder does on a day-to-day basis.
What is a Welder?
A Welder is a trained professional who uses a multitude of technical skills and an understanding of welding tools and techniques to fuse metal parts to create sturdy structures and repairs. This role is essential in industries such as construction, manufacturing, shipbuilding, and more. Welders help build and repair everything from buildings to bridges, pipelines and machinery. Safety is essential for a Welder, as they work with high heat and molten metal. A Welder must wear protective gear to protect against sparks, intense heat and harmful fumes.
Welding is both physically demanding and highly technical. It requires hand-eye coordination, physical stamina, precision, and problem-solving skills to succeed in this role. It also involves reading and interpreting blueprints or technical drawings to understand the specifications of a project.
Welders can work in a variety of conditions, both in a factory and on various sites. Work hours can often be flexible depending on the industry you’re working in, as some Welders are needed on-site, which might require overnight shifts or weekends. Becoming a Welder can also offer various career paths, such as specialised welding or roles in quality control.
How to Become a Welder
To become a Welder, you will need strong hand-eye coordination, physical stamina, and the ability to use welding tools and machinery. You also need to follow safety procedures, as welding without proper protection can be dangerous. Most of the skills you need can be learned through an apprenticeship, which is common for this kind of job.
What to Put on a Welder CV
Experience within manufacturing or similar industry is important for this role, as you’ll need to understand what tools and materials you will use as a Welder. Demonstrate your understanding of health and safety, and that you are capable of following safety procedures.
Similar Jobs to Welder
There are other jobs that offer overlapping skills with those needed for a Welder. These include Metal Fabricator, Ironworker, Pipeline Welder, TIG or MIG Welder Specialist, who need blueprint reading capabilities and some welding experience. These roles are perfect for those looking to advance their welding career or branch into something different.
Other Jobs in Manufacturing, Engineering, and Construction
Manufacturing is a vast industry with many different avenues for work. Outside of being a tradesperson, you might consider roles in production and assembly, such as a Machine Operator or Fabricator. More technical and maintenance roles include Maintenance Technician and Toolmaker. There are also roles in logistics, engineering, and quality assurance, such as Warehouse Operative, Manufacturing Technician, CAD Technician, or Quality Control Inspector. All these roles require different skill sets and will offer different working hours with varying levels of flexibility and shifts.
Apply for Welder Jobs Near You
There is always a demand for Welders across different industries, so if you have the passion for the role and enjoy working with your hands, then there are Welder roles all across the UK.
Welder Job Description FAQ
Is a Welder a Good Career Choice?
As there is an ever-increasing demand for skilled tradespeople, being a Welder can be a good career choice for those looking for good earning potential, job security, and the chance to develop their welding skills.
What Skills Does a Welder Need?
To be a successful Welder, you must have a combination of soft skills, technical skills, and physical abilities, such as an understanding of welding equipment, manual dexterity, safety awareness, hand-eye coordination, and the ability to follow blueprints.
What Are the Biggest Challenges of Being a Welder?
Some of the biggest challenges a Welder can face include how physically demanding the job can be. Welding may also need to be performed in hazardous environments, and a Welder must constantly learn and refine their welding skills.
What Personal Qualities Make a Great Welder?
There are a few technical and personal qualities you will need to be a great welder. These include equipment proficiency, physical stamina and strength, problem-solving skills, adaptability, and teamwork and communication.
