Welder
Use tools to heat, cut and shape metal together to build amazing things – from tiny parts to huge bridges, wind turbines and even rocket pieces!
Also known as: ARC welder, TIG welder, MIG welder, pipe welder
About the job
What it's like
Imagine building the towering structures of offshore windfarms or forging the strong hulls of ships. As a welder, you'll use powerful tools to heat, cut and shape different types of metal. You'll join metal pieces together and repair vital parts to help bring structures to life. Welding isn't just about working with metal - it's about shaping the world around you.
Welders work in various industries, such as:
onshore and offshore: making and repairing wind turbine parts to help power the future
construction: building massive steel structures for skyscrapers, bridges and other projects that shape our cities
engineering: crafting and fixing high-tech machinery and industrial equipment that keep the world moving
transport: assembling and maintaining vehicle frames and parts, from cars to trucks
aerospace: creating and repairing aircraft and spacecraft that explore the skies and beyond
Your tasks might include:
choosing and laying out materials to be cut or joined
following engineering instructions and drawings
deciding on the best welding method for the job
setting up and maintaining equipment
testing cuts and joining using specialised instruments
inspecting welding work
As a welder, you'll use various techniques such as MIG, using a wire that melts and joins the metal, or laser, a modern way to weld using lasers to melt and join metal.
Green job
In this job you could be doing work to help the environment. Find out more about green jobs.
Hours
You’ll usually work Monday to Friday.
If you’re working in construction or other industries with tight deadlines, you may work shift patterns, including nights and weekends.
You may need to work overtime.
Environment
Welders can work in a variety of different environments, from shipbuilding and construction sites to offshore windfarms and repair shops. You might work indoors on automotive and aerospace parts, outdoors on bridges and pipelines, or even underwater for marine repairs. The job often involves extreme temperatures or heavy equipment.
Travel
You may need to travel to different sites. Some jobs may involve international travel and long stays away from home.
Explore more information about this job
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Engineering and manufacturing Energy
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- metal inert gas (mig) welding
- flux-cored arc welding
- carbon steel
- arc welding
- stud welding
- electric resistance welding
- submerged arc welding
- ceramic tile
- filleting
- metal-cored arc welding
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- time management
- managing resources
- implementing ideas
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- observation
- working with numbers
- resourceful
- verbal communication
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Engineering Science
Practical Craft Skills
Practical Metalwork
Skills for Work: Construction Craft
Skills for Work: Engineering Skills
Foundation Apprenticeship: Engineering
Skills for Work: Practical Experiences: Construction and Engineering
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you find work or progress to more advanced study. Useful subjects include:
Fabrication and Welding
Welding
Coded Welding Training
Trainee roles
You can become a welder through paid trainee roles, where you learn on the job even without needing previous experience. You can use the My World of Work job search to look for trainee roles.
Getting work experience in a relevant role can help you. Search for opportunities on Volunteer Scotland.
To work on a construction site, you may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card.
For some jobs, you may need to have a full driving licence to travel to different sites.
You’ll need a welding certificate accredited by City and Guilds
You may need a certificate for safely working offshore by Global Wind Organisation
You may need a Client Contractor National Safety Group (CCNSG) passport to work on site.
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