This is the 20^th instalment in a series of blogs that provide information on occupational roles that employers struggle to fill. In this article we take a look at the role of the pipe welder.

There are regional differences in the skills and occupations where employers are experiencing shortages and throughout this series we will endeavor to provide information on where the greatest demand for the occupations and skills exist geographically.

What does a pipe welder do?

Pipe welders join metal pipes together. They cut and shape pipes using power saws and other tools. Pipe welders usually work in construction and engineering, transport, automotive, aerospace and offshore oil and gas.

Pipe welding is a highly skilled job and as such being certified is important. Sometimes pipe welding is used to transport hazardous materials and as such you don’t want the pipes joined incorrectly.

How do you become a welder?

An apprenticeship might be a good way of starting your career as a welder. You would get to learn the job from experienced welders, developing your technical skills whilst gaining the necessary qualifications to become certified.

Maths skills and the ability to understand technical drawings / plans are important and if you are going to consider underwater welding as a career you will need diver training.

Starting salaries are between £16,000 to £19,000 and a highly experienced welder could earn around £35,000.