Welding
About Welding
Welders do not only join or cut metals, they also work with plastics. Welders also work in many different industries from oil and gas to constructions sites to renewable energies (wind farms). Welding is a in demand profession as there is a increase in construction in all industries. As a welder you may have to travel to other countries for work, especially in the oil and gas industry.
Type of apprenticeships
Welding apprenticeship starts from level 2 and goes up to level 4. Welding apprenticeship will involve academic learning which is taught in a academic setting and practical experience which you will get on the job. Welding apprenticeships can start from level 2 or 3 (some places categories it differently), note that level 3 will take longer and provide more in-depth knowledge. You will also be able to do some level 4 apprenticeships to progress up the management chain, these will help you become a inspector/supervisor. The most common level 4 welding apprenticeship is for the nuclear industry.
During the apprenticeship you will be examined in various ways:
- Professional interview;
- Written test;
- Practical test.
Entry Requirements
Level 2: At least have 5 GCSE at grade 4/C or above, including math and english. You will also need to be at least 16 years old and living in the country you are applying.
Level 3: At least have 5 GCSE at grade 4/C or above, including math and english. You will also need to be at least 16 years old and living in the country you are applying.
Level 4: You will need to be at least 16 years old, living in the country and have a level 3 qualification in the sector you are applying too.
GCSEs that suit this Apprenticeship
Regardless of what GCSEs you do you can always go down various career paths, but certain GCSEs will give you an advantage and some will be required. Below is a list of GCSEs which will help you with welding apprenticeship:
- English Language and Literature *(required)
- Mathematics *(required)
- Science (double or triple)
- IT
- Design and Technology
- Electronics
- Art
A-levels that suit this Apprenticeship
Higher level apprenticeships may need A-level qualifications to enter, however, regardless of what A-levels you do you can always go down various career paths, but certain A-levels will give you an advantage and some will be required. Below is a list of A-levels which will help you with welding apprenticeship:
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Physics
- IT / Computer Science
Duration of Degree
The duration of the apprenticeship course will vary depending on the level you are in, below is a list of various levels and their normal duration:
- Level 2: 1.5 - 2 years
- Level 3: 2 - 4 years
- Level 4: 2 - 3 years
Who This Apprenticeship Suits?
Every apprenticeship will be enjoyable and suit different personalities, below is a list of characteristics and personalities which will enjoy a welding apprenticeship:
- Enjoy working hands on
- Enjoy working with metal
- Enjoy being out instead of an office environment
Module /Topics
Welding apprenticeship has many topics that need to be covered, below is a list of the topics that will be in the curriculums of each level.
Level 2/3:
- Machine welding;
- Manual welding;
- MIG and TIG welding;
- Plateworking;
- Sheet metalwork;
- Structural steelwork;
- Pipe and tube fabrication;
- Health and safety.
Level 4:
- Material science;
- Welding technologies;
- Non destructive testing (NDT) techniques;
- Health and safety;
- Before, during and after weld;
- technical requirements and specifications;
- Certificate verification;
- Business knowledge;
- Management knowledge.
Industry Sectors
Welding allows you too apply to different industries, below is a list of them:
- Mechanic garages
- Building merchants
- Oil and Gas
- Construction
- Metal works companies
Types of Jobs
Welding apprenticeship allows you to apply to a wide variety of roles, below is a list of them:
Level 2/3:
- Plating (ships, operations units, cars etc...);
- Welder (pipes, beams, repairs etc...);
- Manufacturing (custom pipe works, ships etc...).
Level 4:
- Nuclear welding inspection technician.
Work hours and Salary
As a welding graduate you will usually work 40-45 hours a week. The salary you will get will vary on your experience and which sector you go into, below is the average expected salaries:
- Level 2/3: During the apprenticeship you will usually be paid minimum wage. Minimum wage is £4.30 from ages 16-18 years, £6.56 from ages 18-20 years and £8.36 for ages 21 and over. There is also a national living wage at £8.91 for ages 23 and over. Once you are a qualifed welder you can look to earn £20,000 - £30,000 at the start and can see it rise to £45,000 - £80,000 with more experience.
- Level 4: At this level you can earn £30,000 - £40,000 at the start. Once qualified you can look to earn £45,000 - £60,000. Note if you work in hazardous conditions or remote locations (e.g. oil and gas sector) you can expect to earn more, between £50,000 - £100,000 (depending on sector and experience).
