Welder apprenticeships - where to start
You can get into this job through
a college coursean apprenticeshipapplying directlyspecialist courses run by private training organisations
College
You could take a welding qualification at college before applying for a job as a trainee welder. Relevant courses include:
- Level 2 Award in Welding Skills
- Level 2 Award in Welding Techniques and Skills
- Level 3 Diploma in Fabrication and Welding Engineering Technology
- T Level in Structural Steelwork
You may need 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a Level 2 course. You'll need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a Level 3 course or T Level.
Apprenticeship
You can get into this career by doing:
a general welder Level 2 apprenticeship
a pipe or plate welder Level 3 apprenticeship.
You'll usually need some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for a Level 2 apprenticeship. You'll need 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for a Level 3 apprenticeship.
Direct Application
You can apply directly for jobs if you have welding experience. For example from working in engineering construction, marine engineering or pipefitting.
Other Routes
You could take a course in welding techniques or inspection work through The Welding Institute. You'll normally need to be working in engineering to do this.
You'll need an industry safety certificate like the Client Contractor National Safety Group (CCNSG) Safety Passport Scheme for many jobs.
Professional and industry bodies
You could join The Welding Institute for professional development and training opportunities.
Welder apprenticeships - what it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- knowledge of engineering science and technology
- the ability to work on your own
- the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
- design skills and knowledge
- knowledge of maths
- the ability to work well with your hands
- the ability to analyse quality or performance
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Welder apprenticeships - what you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
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
- calibrate tools and machinery
- 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
Working environment
You could work in a workshop, on a construction site or on a demolition site.
Your working environment may be hot, cramped and at height.
You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.
Career path and progression - Welder apprenticeships
You could become a supervisor or metal fabrication workshop manager.
You could also work in welding inspection, non-destructive testing and quality control.
With commercial diver training, you could specialise in underwater welding, for example in oil, gas and marine engineering.