To become a welder you’ll need certain welding qualifications. At The Trades College, we’re here to help you kickstart your new trade career. Keep reading to learn more about becoming a welder, and how we can help!
What does a welder do?
The general purpose of a welder is to join and fill seams/holes in metal components. They will do this by following blueprints and specifications. Welding is an incredibly varied job role, so, likely, you will never get bored. Specific duties a welder might perform include:
- Using electricity and torches to solder together metal components (e.g. steel, titanium, and copper).
- Welding small (i.e. residential) and large (i.e. commercial) components.
- Following blueprints to carry out jobs according to specification.
- Assessing equipment, structures and materials to determine appropriate welding methods.
- Monitoring equipment according to health and safety guidelines.
- Maintaining knowledge of universal specifications to adhere to relevant building codes.
- Developing a working knowledge of welding methods and materials.
- Operating or supervising specialised welding machinery.
- Trimming metal components using both fire and electricity.
- Disassembling and disposing of large metal objects.
- Following appropriate safety regulations (e.g. wearing heat-resistant gloves and protective masks).
There are a few different types of welding, usually, you will specialise in one area. The main four types of welding are:
- Tungsten Inert Gas (TIGW) Welding
- Metal Inert Gas (MIG) Welding
- Shielded Plasma Metal Arc Welding
- Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW)
Depending on the area of welding you choose, you will be required to carry out different tasks with different materials.
Sound like something you might be interested in? Read on to find out more about welding qualifications and courses.
Which welding qualifications do you need?
The only way to become a fully qualified welder is by completing an NVQ (National Vocational Qualification). In the UK, City & Guilds is an accredited provider of NVQs. As part of a City & Guilds welding qualification, you will complete modules such as:
- Level 1 Award in introductory Welding Skills Oxy-Acetylene Welding
- Level 1 Award in introductory Welding Skills Metal Inert Gas Welding
- Level 1 Award in introductory Welding Skills Metal Arc Welding
- Level 1 Award in introductory Welding Skills Metal Arc Welding
- Level 2 Award in Welding Skills Tungsten Inert Gas Welding
- Level 2 Award in Welding Skills Manual Metal Arc Welding
You could also take the apprenticeship route to become a welder, however, this takes years to complete and may only be available to those aged 16-21. Fast-track courses are the most efficient way to get your welding qualifications and start working as soon as possible. This way, you can start earning faster!
All of The Trades College’s courses are approved by City & Guilds, as well as all BPEC qualifications are delivered through BPEC approved training centres.
What are the benefits of becoming a qualified welder?
Thinking of becoming a welder but want to know more about the benefits? There are many pros to gaining your welding qualifications, from job security to flexibility.
Job Security
There is a huge skills gap in the United Kingdom, meaning the demand for skilled trades workers is high. Due to this high demand, it is unlikely that you’ll struggle to find work as a qualified welder. You can be comfortable knowing that you have access to jobs, whether you’re part of a company or self-employed.
Diverse Industry
Welding is a crucial skill needed across many industries. Because of this, you’ll be able to work in many different environments and locations. Not only is the job itself very diverse, but you could also be required to travel for some jobs. This travel will allow you to work with different people, equipment and cultures. You might be fully qualified, but you’ll never stop learning!
Salary
The average salary for a welder in the UK is around £25,000 – increasing to over £30,000 with experience and qualifications. With the opportunity for pay increases over time and more control over your wages, welding is an incredibly viable career choice.
Flexibility
As a qualified welder, you have the opportunity to be your own boss or even start your own business! This will allow you to select jobs, making your work life more flexible.
Interested in gaining your welding qualifications? Join us at The Trades College to kickstart your new career today! Visit our contact page to get in touch.
