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Welder

Welder soldering metal in a workshop

Welders cut, join and shape plates or sections of metal together by applying extreme heat using electric or gas equipment. The edges of the metal melt and then bind together as they cool, creating a permanent join.

The Work

There are three main types of welding: manual (using hand held equipment), semi-automatic and fully mechanised, so the job can vary.

Depending on the type of industry you work in, you could be:

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual salaries may vary, depending on:

A Modern Apprentice may start on the National Minimum Wage (NMW). The apprentice rate, for those aged under 19 or aged 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship, is £6.40 an hour (1 April 2024). Some employers may pay their apprentices more.

Salaries for qualified welders are normally in the range of £10.00 to £18.00 an hour, depending on specialist skills. Bonuses and extra pay for shift work are common.

Conditions

Workforce Employment Status

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Useful Subjects

Getting In

There are openings for welders in both heavy engineering industries and shipyards and in light engineering factories. There can also be jobs in construction, transport, civil engineering and the oil and gas industry.

Workforce Education Levels (UK)

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Job Outlook Scotland

Employment

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Job Outlook Scotland and UK

  Scotland
2024
2874
0.4 %
RISE
2029
2886
  United Kingdom
2024
41853
1.6 %
RISE
2029
42525

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What Does it Take?

You need to be:

You need to have:

Training

Getting On

Video

Courtesy of Careersbox

Contacts

The following organisations may be able to provide further information.

Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB)
Website: http://www.ecitb.org.uk/
Twitter: @ECITB_Skills
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ECITB/

Welding Institute (TWI)
Tel: 01223 899000
Website: http://www.theweldinginstitute.com
Twitter: @WeldingInst
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWeldingInstitute/

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Career Area

Engineering

Career Sectors

Aeronautical Engineering

Chemical and Materials Engineering

Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Engineering General

Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering (including Fabrication and Welding)

Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering

Offshore and Energy