If you’re interested in welding as a career, you’ve come to the right place. We love welding here at The Skills Centre and we know what a great career choice it is. Let’s take a look at what the job involves and what the benefits are.
What does a qualified welder do?
Welding is an extremely varied industry to work in, due to the vast array of applications in the trade. A welder might work in a range of environments such as factories, construction sites and oil rigs. The general role of a welder is to use heat to connect different materials, mainly metals and thermoplastics. These bonds must be strong and secure to ensure the connection will not break.
What are the different types of welders?
Welders can be divided into different categories depending on the techniques they most commonly utilise. You can divide them into three categories:
- TIG welders. Welders who specialise in tungsten inert gas can use this process to carry out slower, more complex jobs.
- MIG welders. Working with metal inert gas is a faster process, allowing these welders to work on a variety of different tasks.
- Pipe welders. Pipe welding primarily uses TIG welding practices, however, involves special requirements.
There is a growing demand for qualified welders
Because fewer people are becoming craft professionals, the construction industry will face an even greater labour shortage in a few years. It is estimated that 29% of the current workforce will be retired by 2026.
That’s more than a fourth of the entire construction industry! With the number of craft professionals needed on the rise, there is no better time to enter the industry. Especially welding.
How do you become a qualified welder?
There are many different paths you can take to become a qualified welder in the UK. You’ll need to build a range of technical skills, as well as complete a suitable course to provide you with the official qualifications needed. You could train as a welder by:
- Applying for a welding apprenticeship
- Completing a further education course, e.g. a Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Welding Techniques and Skills
- Completing a university course such as Materials Science
- Completing a Welding Institute course (this is a good option if you have previous experience in other areas of engineering)
- Completing a welding course with us here at The Skills Centre
As well as these qualifications, welders need to prove that they are competent in handling the necessary tools and equipment. Many employers will require a safety certificate such as the Client Contractor National Safety Group (CCNSG) Safety Passport.
What are the benefits of working as a welder?
There are many benefits to joining the welding industry, so it is something to consider if it seems like the right career path for you.
Career progression
Due to the nature of the job, there will be many opportunities to progress your welding career. The more skilled you become, the more opportunities there will be for you to work on bigger, more complex projects.
Opportunity to specialise
Alongside the career progression, you might consider specialising in a specific area of the trade. For example, training to become specialised in TIG, MIG, or pipe welding. This specialisation might involve studying a higher education course but this would allow you to become a specialist in your particular field.
Start your training as a qualified welder today
Now is the perfect time to start your training as a welder. With the range of flexible courses available here at The Skills Centre, there’s nothing stopping you from starting your dream career. What’s more, you can work your way through the course at your own pace with course layouts that work around you and your commitments.
Get in touch with us today to discuss your options. Head to our contact page to chat with our team.
