Welding & Fabrication

Join, cut and shape metal for construction, manufacturing, shipbuilding and engineering using techniques such as MIG, TIG and arc welding, working from engineering drawings. Welders work in fabrication workshops, on sites and in heavy industry, and can specialise as highly-paid coded welders. Typical pay ranges from about £25,000 to £45,000+, with premium rates for coded and specialist welding such as offshore work. Prospects are steady with high-earning niches — strong demand in energy, defence, rail and infrastructure for certified welders.