employment, Construction
The UK’s construction industry is experiencing a phase of exceptional growth, and alongside this growth is the increase in demand for highly skilled labour. Welding fabricators play a vital part in the growth of the construction industry and are in significant demand. With this in mind, we take a closer look at the role of a welder.
What work does a welding fabricator do?
A welding fabricator works on average between 44-46 hours per week, with occasional shift/evening/weekend work. Welders will read engineers’ drawings for each job. Closely following these, they will check the dimensions of the materials needed, and cut, shape and join metal plate, composite materials and pipework to precision accuracy. Aviation, construction and civil Industries all utilise the experience of welding fabricators. Within these industries, there are multiple types of welders, with the below being amongst the most common:
- Pipe welders
- Metal Inert Gas (MIG) welder
- Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welder
- Stick (SMAW) welder
- Arc welder
- Boiler maker
How secure is a job within the welding industry?
The welding industry offers huge potential for employment and makes an excellent and exciting career choice. Skilled welding fabricators are reportedly in short supply, and this trend is likely to continue. It goes without saying that welding fabricators will be in demand if the UK’s commitment to achieve net-zero carbon emissions (through nuclear plant development) by 2050 is to be realised. Hinkley Point alone, has over 500 welders involved in the project. With this in mind, we take time to explore the welding industry...
What career opportunities are there for welding fabricators?
Once qualified there are plenty of options to progress within the construction industry. For example, you could diversify into Inspection, Robotics, Lecturing, Project Management or Sales. Welders and their experience are required in all aspects of engineering, from traditional housing and construction projects, to more niche areas such as aviation.
What qualifications do I need to become a welding fabricator?
There are typically three entranceways into a career in welding, either through a college course, through an apprenticeship or through a specialist course run by a private training organisation. Depending on which route you take, depends upon which qualifications are needed. Typically, if you enter a Level 2 training course you will need 2 or more GCSEs or equivalent at grade D or above. For a level 3 course, you may need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grade D or above.
How much can a welding fabricator earn?
How much pay you can expect to take home is dependent upon your level of experience, and the project you are working on. Newly trained welding fabricators earn on average between £20k – £25k. With a few years’ experience, on average you could expect to earn up to £30k. However, senior welding fabricators can earn anything between £30k-£50K
If you’ve recently qualified as welding fabricator and you’re looking for your first opportunity, check out the current vacancies on the PPR website. Alternatively, if you’re an experienced welder looking for your next role or you’re part of a construction company looking for new welders, call PPR today on 01895 80 81 88 or contact us online.
