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.