Sheet metal workers

Insufficient data

Average salary

Average annual salary UK | Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings

hours

Average weekly hours

Average weekly hours UK | Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings

2.2%

Unemployment rate

Unemployment rate UK 2020 | Labour Force Survey

Definition: Welding trades

*SOC Code (Standard Occupational Classification): 5213

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.

Common tasks include:

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 smooths weld
checks finished workpiece for defects and conformity with specification

Qualifications

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

*Introduced in 1990, SOC is a multi-purpose common classification of occupations in UK. Jobs are defined in terms of skill level and skill content, including qualifications, training and work experience.

Employment status: Welding trades

Regional employment: Welding trades

Future employment: Welding trades

Top 12 industries: Welding trades

Alternative & related job titles: Welding trades

Fabricator-welder Fitter-welder Spot welder Welder Welding technician

Equality focus: Welding trades

Breaking down the official government big data sources by gender, age and region. Hours and pay data based on full time equlivalent roles.