What is a Welder?
Summary
Welders are skilled technicians/tradespeople who work in several industries, including construction, manufacturing, mining, and the automotive sector. In their role, they are required to use tools that generate heat and electricity, designed to fuse parts together to build structures, machinery, and equipment. Due to the increased need for civil development and infrastructure, there is an increasing demand for Welders to join the Australian workforce.
Fabricators are also classified as Welding Trades Workers; however, their primary job functions can vary slightly to the requirements of a typical Welder. Plastic fabricators and metal fabricators rely on various welding tools and techniques to join materials and repair structures.
Plastic Fabricators: work with different types of plastics to assemble products, parts, or machine components. Their role involves cutting, shaping, or joining plastic materials using specialised tools and techniques, such as Electrofusion, Butt Fusion, Socket Fusion, and Extrusion welding.
Metal Fabricators: work with several kinds of metal, such as steel, aluminum, or copper, to assemble structural components, machinery parts, or create metal objects. They are usually tasked with cutting, shaping, and welding metal materials.
Key Responsibilities of a Welder
The main job requirements of a Welder can vary depending on the type of industry they work in and the equipment, machinery or structures they are expected to work with. But in general, the key job functions of a Welder often include:
- Reading technical drawings, blueprints, or systematic data to repair, maintain or produce parts.
- Preparing their workspace in accordance with quality control requirements and safety regulations.
- Operating and understanding specific welding equipment to fuse/join metal parts together.
- Undergoing product and equipment inspections to make sure the finished repairs and/or product is up to standards and meets all specifications.
- Following workplace safety procedures to prevent injury, such as; wearing PPE, reporting incidents, and obtaining a White Card.
How to Get a Job as a Welder in Australia
- Get the Certifications: When working in any high-risk environment, you must hold a White Card. To become a Welder, you typically need to obtain at least a Certificate in Engineering or Trade. You may also benefit from securing a diploma or degree in engineering, or welding.
- Learn Key Skills: The best way to learn the key skills is to get experience on site as an apprentice tradesperson, before progressing into a Welding role. Practical experience in the manufacturing/construction industry is important to learning the skills and safety requirements associated with this role.
- Showcase your Soft Skills: Welders are often valued for their hard skills such as; welding technique and metal fabrication skills, however great welders are also known to pay great attention to the details and have great concentration skills.
- Search for Jobs: Consider reaching out to staffing and employment agencies that specialise in filling Construction and Industrial roles.
- Prepare a Strong Resume: Tailor your resume to the specific role you’re applying for. Mention your experience as a welder and mention that you obtain a White Card and certification.
5 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What qualifications do I need to become a Welder?
To become a Welder, on-site experience as an apprentice is highly valued and you may be required to obtain a White Card. For most roles, you will need to obtain at least a Certificate in Engineering or Trade. Some positions will require further education such as a degree in engineering.
What industries or businesses will hire Welders in Australia?
Welders are often found in the industrial, mining and construction sectors. Welding can also be a freelance trade for some.
What skills and qualities will a company search for when they hire a Welder?
Being proficient in using job-related welding techniques and reading technical drawings is an important skill to hiring managers. But soft-skills including; attention to detail, manual dexterity and an innovative mindset are also significantly considered during the hiring process.
What is the average income for a Welder in Australia?
A full-time welder can expect to earn an annual salary between $70,000, $80,000. However this depends on the job requirements, qualifications obtained and the industry.
*This is to be used as a guide only and is not a representation of the roles we currently have available.
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