What is the Welder?

 Welders operate welding equipment to weld ferrous and non-ferrous metals. This unit group also includes machine operators who operate previously set up production welding, brazing and soldering equipment. They are employed by companies that manufacture structural steel and platework, boilers, heavy machinery, aircraft and ships and other metal products, and by welding contractors and welding shops, or they may be self-employed.

 

What kind of work do they do?

·         Read and interpret blueprints or welding process specifications

·         Operate manual or semi-automatic welding equipment to fuse metal segments

·         Operate manual or semi-automatic flame-cutting equipment

·         Operate brazing and soldering equipment

·         Operate metal shaping machines such as brakes, shears and other metal straightening and bending machines

·         Welders may specialize in certain types of welding such as custom fabrication, ship building and repair, aerospace precision welding, pressure vessel welding, pipeline construction welding, structural construction welding, or machinery and equipment repair welding.

 

How do I get into this trade?

You need to complete an Apprenticeship. Usually, you will need at least Grade 10 with good results in English and Maths. You may be able to start this apprenticeship while you are still at school.

 

How will I know if it's for me?

Welders wear protective clothing, including eye protection, safety shoes, hoods and sometimes helmets to keep themselves safe. Modern labour laws dictate that they work in well-ventilated areas. Welders and cutters need manual dexterity, good eyesight, and good hand-eye coordination. Welders often work in a variety of awkward positions, having to make welds while bending, stooping, or working overhead. In some settings, however, working conditions are much better and few hazards or discomforts are encountered.