Welder / Fabricator
Skilled welders are in chronic short supply. Specialist coded welders can earn £50k+.
Why Welder / Fabricator is AI-Proof
While robotic welding handles repetitive production-line work in factories, the vast majority of welding in the UK happens on-site, in repair situations, or on custom fabrication — environments where human skill and judgement are irreplaceable.
Coded welders — those certified to weld to specific engineering standards (BS EN, ASME) — are in particularly high demand for nuclear, oil & gas, aerospace and infrastructure projects. The skills gap in coded welding has been widening for over a decade.
The UK's infrastructure renewal programme (bridges, railways, energy) requires thousands of qualified welders. Many existing welders are approaching retirement with insufficient new entrants coming through.
Specialist welding techniques like TIG welding of exotic metals (titanium, Inconel) command premium rates and are far beyond the capability of automated systems in field conditions.
A Day in the Life
A fabrication welder might spend the day MIG welding steel components in a workshop, while a site welder could be TIG welding stainless steel pipework in a food processing plant. Coded welders on infrastructure projects work to exacting standards with every weld x-rayed for quality.
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Take the career quizHow to Become a Welder / Fabricator in the UK
MIG Welding Course (Level 2)
The most common welding process. Learn to MIG weld mild steel to a professional standard in 1–2 weeks.
TIG Welding Course
Higher-skill process used for stainless steel, aluminium and precision work. Takes 1–3 weeks.
Coded Welding Certification (BS EN)
Industry-recognised certification for structural and pressure welding. Significantly increases earning potential.
Online courses coming soon
We are building partnerships with leading online learning platforms to recommend specific courses for welder / fabricator. Many people start their career change with an introductory online course on platforms like Udemy, Coursera, and LinkedIn Learning.
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Search by postcodeFrequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to learn welding?
Basic MIG welding can be learned in 1–2 weeks. Becoming proficient across multiple processes takes 6–18 months. Coded welding certification requires additional practice and assessment.
What do welders earn in the UK?
General fabrication welders earn £24,000–£35,000. Coded welders on infrastructure projects earn £42,000–£55,000+, often with overtime and site allowances on top.
Is welding a dying trade?
The opposite. The UK faces a significant skilled welder shortage. While simple repetitive welding can be automated, the majority of real-world welding requires human skill and adaptability.