Welding
trades

Description

Welding trades workers join metal parts by welding, brazing and soldering, and cut and remove defects from metal using a variety of equipment and techniques.

Tasks

selects appropriate welding equipment such as electric arc, gas torch, etc. connects wires to power supply, or hoses to oxygen, acetylene, argon, carbon dioxide, electric arc, or other source and adjusts controls to regulate gas pressure and rate of flow cuts metal pieces using gas torch or electric arc guides electrode or torch along line of weld, burns away damaged areas, and melts brazing alloy or solder into joints cleans and smoothes weld checks finished workpiece for defects and conformity with specification.

Educational Requirements

Entrants typically possess GCSEs/S grades or an appropriate GNVQ/GSVQ. Training is typically by apprenticeship incorporating practical experience and technical training. NVQs/SVQs are available at Levels 1, 2 and 3. Welders must normally pass a competency test in the particular type of welding to be carried out.