£16,640
Average salary at age 20
£30,160
Average Salary
47
Average hours per week
Description
Welding trades workers join metal parts by welding, brazing and soldering, and cut and remove defects from metal using a variety of equipment and techniques.Main Tasks
- Selects appropriate welding equipment such as electric arc, gas torch, etc.;
- Connects wires to power supply, or hoses to oxygen, acetylene, argon, carbon dioxide, electric arc, or other source and adjusts controls to regulate gas pressure and rate of flow;
- Cuts metal pieces using gas torch or electric arc;
- Guides electrode or torch along line of weld, burns away damaged areas, and melts brazing alloy or solder into joints;
- Cleans and smoothes weld;
- Checks finished workpiece for defects and conformity with specification.
Qualifications
Entrants typically possess GCSEs/S grades or an appropriate GNVQ/GSVQ. Training is typically by apprenticeship incorporating practical experience and technical training. NVQs/SVQs are available at Levels 1, 2 and 3. Welders must normally pass a competency test in the particular type of welding to be carried out.UK Prospects
53400
Workforce Size
4.10%
Predicted decline 2024 - 2027
5630
Predicted Replacement 2024 - 2027