大象传媒

A young man stands in a metal workshop
A young man, Billy, is shown welding

Age

17

In my job

As a welder I join metal together using heat and machinery in a workshop. Day to day I can make anything from tiny metal components to a four metre gate. I use a lot of manual handling skills, and need very good hand-eye coordination skills as well as wearing protective clothes to be safe. My job also includes a lot of mathematical tasks, like working out distances.

A young man, Billy, is shown welding

At school

I took GCSE Engineering and gained a basic level of understanding of how to use hand tools. It gave me basic knowledge of engineering. I left in year 11 after my GCSEs and worked all summer.

At college

I went to do Engineering full time at college but after two months I decided an apprenticeship, would be a much better path for me to take, and I found one with a company called Artisan Engineering Services. So I switched courses at the same college, and now get paid as well as learning the key skills I need to do my job.

Quote

Working for a small friendly company has given me a great work ethic, and I take pride in my work.

Top tips

You don鈥檛 necessarily have to go to university and do a job where you have to wear a suit. You can make money in other ways, and sometimes you can make even more money than those who have gone to university!

A young man, Billy, welding
Billy's career path
Billy's career path
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What to expect if you want to be a welder

  • Welder average salary: 拢20,000 to 拢34,000
  • Welder typical working hours: 44 to 46 hours per week

What qualifications do you need to be a welder?

You could get into this role via a college course such as a Level 2 Award, a Level 3 Diploma, or a T-level in Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control (England-only). You can also do an advanced apprenticeship, apply directly if you have experience, or do specialist courses run by private training organisations.

Sources: LMI for All, National Careers Service,

This information is a guide and is constantly changing. Please check the for the latest information and all the qualifications needed and the for more on T-levels

For careers advice in all parts of the UK visit: , , and .

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Work experience can help you make informed decisions about your future career.


Find work experience placements with Workfinder.

Tips and advice
Help with interviews, writing a CV and all things work experience related.

Image representing Design and Technology
Image caption,
Work experience can help you make informed decisions about your future career.
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