How to Become a Welder in the UK: A Step-by-Step Guide
Welding is a highly skilled and rewarding profession that plays a crucial role in industries such as construction, manufacturing, shipbuilding, and automotive repair. Welders are in demand across the UK, and if you're interested in a career that combines technical skill with hands-on work, welding might be the perfect choice for you.
In this blog, we’ll explore the steps to becoming a welder in the UK, including the skills you’ll need, qualifications to pursue, and job opportunities available in the industry.
Step 1: Understand the Role of a Welder
Before you embark on your journey to becoming a welder, it’s important to understand what the job entails. Welders are responsible for joining metal parts together using various welding techniques, such as MIG, TIG, and Stick welding. Welders work in various industries, including construction, manufacturing, automotive repair, shipbuilding, and aerospace.
The role of a welder typically involves:
Reading and interpreting technical drawings and blueprints.
Operating welding equipment and using different welding processes depending on the project.
Inspecting and testing welds for strength and durability.
Working in a variety of environments, including workshops, construction sites, and shipyards.
Welders must have a keen eye for detail, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to work in physically demanding conditions.
Step 2: Pursue Education and Training
There are several routes to becoming a welder in the UK, and while formal qualifications aren’t always required, they can significantly improve your employment prospects and help you gain the necessary skills and knowledge.
1. Vocational Courses
One of the most common pathways into welding is through vocational courses at colleges or technical schools. These courses provide hands-on training in welding techniques, safety procedures, and the use of welding equipment.
City & Guilds Welding Qualifications: City & Guilds offers a range of welding qualifications, from beginner to advanced levels. These courses cover essential skills such as MIG, TIG, and Stick welding, as well as welding health and safety standards.
NVQ (National Vocational Qualifications) in Welding: An NVQ in welding is a widely recognised qualification in the UK that demonstrates your competence in welding tasks. You can obtain an NVQ while working, as it's often assessed on the job.
BTEC Diplomas: A BTEC Level 2 or Level 3 Diploma in Fabrication and Welding Technology is another option for those looking to gain a more academic qualification while learning practical skills.
These courses can last anywhere from a few months to several years, depending on the level of qualification and the intensity of the training.
2. Apprenticeships
Another excellent route to becoming a welder in the UK is through an apprenticeship. Apprenticeships combine classroom-based learning with practical, on-the-job training. As an apprentice, you’ll work under the guidance of experienced welders while earning a wage.
Intermediate Apprenticeship in Welding: This is the entry-level apprenticeship and provides a solid foundation in welding skills, health and safety, and workplace standards.
Advanced Apprenticeship in Welding: This apprenticeship is more in-depth and will help you develop specialised welding skills, such as TIG or MIG welding.
Apprenticeships typically last 2-3 years and are an excellent way to gain hands-on experience while working towards industry-recognised qualifications.
Step 3: Obtain Relevant Certifications
While formal qualifications will give you the skills needed to start your welding career, certain certifications can boost your employability. Some welding positions, especially in industries like aerospace, construction, and oil and gas, may require specific certifications to ensure that welders meet industry standards.
Some relevant welding certifications in the UK include:
CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) Card: Required for most construction jobs in the UK, a CSCS card demonstrates that you have the skills, training, and qualifications needed to work safely on a construction site.
BS EN ISO 9606-1 Welding Certification: This is an internationally recognised welding certification that qualifies welders to work with steel and other metals. It demonstrates your competence in specific welding techniques and is often required for jobs in the construction and engineering sectors.
BS 4872 Welder Approval Test: This certification is for welders who need to demonstrate their ability to perform welds to a high standard for general fabrication work.
Step 4: Gain Work Experience
Experience is key in the welding industry. After completing your training or apprenticeship, gaining work experience will help you develop your practical skills, improve your speed and efficiency, and build a portfolio of your work. Many welders start their careers in entry-level roles as welders’ mates or assistants, which allows them to gain hands-on experience while working alongside more experienced professionals.
Temporary or Contract Work: Some welding jobs are offered on a temporary or contract basis, which can be a great way to gain experience in different industries, such as automotive, construction, or manufacturing.
Fabrication Shops: Working in a fabrication shop is another way to gain experience in welding various metals and materials. This type of job will expose you to a range of welding processes and techniques.
Building experience also helps you establish connections in the industry, which can be valuable for finding more advanced opportunities in the future.
Step 5: Specialise in a Welding Technique
Once you’ve gained basic welding skills and experience, you may want to specialise in a specific area of welding. Welding techniques like TIG welding, MIG welding, or pipe welding require additional training but can open up more lucrative job opportunities in specific industries.
TIG Welding: Known for its precision and clean welds, TIG welding is often used in aerospace, automotive, and artistic metalwork. Specialising in TIG welding can lead to opportunities in industries where high-quality welds are essential.
MIG Welding: MIG welding is commonly used in industries like automotive repair, construction, and manufacturing. Specialising in this technique can make you highly employable, especially in large-scale fabrication environments.
Underwater Welding: For those looking for a challenge, underwater welding is a specialised field that requires additional training and certification. It’s used in industries like oil and gas and marine construction.
Specialising in one or more welding techniques can help you stand out in the job market and increase your earning potential.
Step 6: Explore Career Opportunities
The UK welding industry offers a range of career opportunities in different sectors, including:
Construction: Welders are needed to build steel structures, bridges, and buildings.
Manufacturing: Welders play a crucial role in the production of machinery, vehicles, and consumer goods.
Automotive Repair: Welders are employed to repair damaged vehicle frames, exhaust systems, and bodywork.
Shipbuilding and Marine Industry: Welders work on the construction and repair of ships, oil rigs, and offshore platforms.
As you progress in your career, you may also choose to become a welding inspector, foreman, or even start your own welding business.
Conclusion: Becoming a Skilled Welder in the UK
Becoming a welder in the UK requires a combination of education, training, experience, and certifications. Whether you start with a vocational course, apprenticeship, or on-the-job training, the welding industry offers plenty of opportunities for skilled professionals. With the demand for welders continuing to grow in sectors like construction, automotive, and manufacturing, now is a great time to pursue a career in welding.
Looking to kick-start your welding career? Contact us today to learn more about our training programs and professional welding services.
