Welding is one of the most versatile and portable trade skills you can learn. From construction steelwork to aerospace fabrication, offshore oil rigs to motorsport, welders work across virtually every industry.
The UK is facing a severe shortage of qualified welders — the Welding Institute estimates the country needs 10,000+ additional welders by 2028. This makes it one of the strongest trades for career changers and school leavers alike.
Course Options
Introductory Welding (MIG/MMA)
£500 - £1,500Hands-on introduction to basic welding processes. Good for understanding whether welding suits you before committing to a longer course.
City & Guilds Welding Diploma
£2,000 - £4,500Comprehensive welding training covering MIG, TIG, and MMA processes. Theory and practical across different materials and joint types.
Coded Welder Certification
£800 - £2,500Industry-recognised coded welding test. Proves you can produce welds to a specific standard. Required for structural, pressure vessel, and pipeline work. The certification employers actually care about.
TIG Welding Specialist
£1,500 - £3,000Specialist course in TIG (GTAW) welding — the highest-skill, highest-paid welding process. Used in aerospace, nuclear, pharmaceutical, and precision fabrication.
Welding Apprenticeship
Free (employer-funded)Work for a fabrication shop or contractor while attending college. The most employable route but positions can be competitive.
Career Prospects
Welders earn £25,000 - £40,000 employed, with coded welders on £35,000 - £55,000. Offshore and nuclear coded welders can earn £60,000 - £100,000+. TIG welders in aerospace command premium rates.
The key to high earnings in welding is specialisation and certification. A basic MIG welder earns decent money. A coded TIG welder with nuclear or aerospace approvals earns exceptional money.
How to Choose a Training Provider
Focus on centres with proper workshop facilities — multiple welding bays, extraction systems, and access to different processes (MIG, TIG, MMA, flux-core). Ask what materials they train on (mild steel only vs stainless, aluminium, duplex). Check if coded welder testing is available on-site.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a welder?
Basic competency in 2-4 weeks. Employable with a coded certification in 3-6 months. Fully qualified via apprenticeship in 3-4 years. Most career changers can be working within 3 months with the right intensive course + coded test.
What's the best welding certification to get?
BS EN ISO 9606 coded welder certification — it's what employers ask for. The specific code depends on your target industry (structural, pipe, pressure vessel). TIG certifications command the highest rates.
Is welding dangerous?
It involves genuine hazards (UV radiation, fumes, heat, electric shock) but with proper PPE and training it's no more dangerous than most construction trades. Good training covers safety extensively.
Can I learn welding at 40+?
Absolutely. Many welders retrain later in life. The physical demands are moderate compared to trades like roofing or bricklaying. Steady hands and patience matter more than age.
What's the difference between MIG, TIG and MMA?
MIG (wire-fed, gas-shielded) is the most common and easiest to learn. MMA (stick welding) is versatile and used heavily in construction. TIG is the most skilled process — slower but produces the highest-quality welds. Most welders learn all three.
Do welding certifications expire?
Yes — coded welder certifications typically last 2 years and must be renewed by retesting. Some can be extended with employer endorsement if you've been welding continuously.