Welder

As a welder you could:

• follow drawings and instructions
• prepare materials to be joined and select the right welding procedure
• calibrate tools and operate welding equipment
• inspect and test the quality of joins using precision measuring instruments
• dismantle and cut up metalwork, for example during demolitions

We've identified this as a potential green job

For a welder to be a green job, you could:

• weld components used to build wind turbines
• use newer energy efficient welding methods to reduce waste
• work with fume extraction systems when welding to filter out harmful pollutants

Find out more about green careers

• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• the ability to work on your own
• the ability to work well with your hands
• design skills and knowledge
• knowledge of maths
• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• the ability to analyse quality or performance
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• applying directly
• specialist courses run by a private training provider

With experience you could:

• become a supervisor or metal fabrication workshop manager
• work in welding inspection, non-destructive testing or quality control
• train as a commercial diver and specialise in underwater welding, for example in oil, gas and marine engineering
• become a further education teacher or training assessor
• study materials science to become a welding engineer and work in welding design and standards development