Job Overview 

Welders cut, shape and join sections of metal plate and pipes in a wide range of industries. These include construction and engineering, transport, aerospace, and offshore oil and gas. They also carry out repairs on manufacturing equipment and machinery. 

Skills

You will need to have:

• good hand-to-eye coordination

• the ability to work accurately 

• good concentration levels 

• the ability to work without direct supervision 

• the ability to understand technical plans and drawings 

• good maths skills 

• the ability to solve problems 

• an understanding of safe working practices

Qualifications 

A common way into this career is through an Apprenticeship in engineering. To get on to a scheme, you will usually need four GCSEs (grades A-C), in subjects like maths, engineering, ICT, English or science.