Welder Metal, Machinery & Related Trades Workers
SaveWhat Does a Welder Do?
Welders operate welding equipment in order to join metal workpieces together. They can use fusion welding processes based on different techniques and materials. They also perform simple visual inspection of welds.
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Where Do I Start?
Welding Techniques
The different methods of welding together pieces of metal using various equipment, such as oxygen-acetylene welding, gas metal arc welding and tungsten inert gas welding.
Sign up to trackReady to go deeper? Pick up to 3 skills to focus on from the list below.
These are common skills for this role. Real-world experience matters more than ticking every box — use this as a guide, not a checklist.
Skills You Need to Become a Welder
Essential Skills
Essential Skills
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EssentialWelding Techniques knowledge
The different methods of welding together pieces of metal using various equipment, such as oxygen-acetylene welding, gas metal arc welding and tungsten inert gas welding.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialFuel Gas knowledge
The various qualities, hazards and applications of gaseous fuels, such as oxy-acetylene, oxy-gasoline, oxy-hydrogen and others.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialQuality Standards knowledge
The national and international requirements, specifications and guidelines to ensure that products, services and processes are of good quality and fit for purpose.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialTypes Of Metal knowledge
Qualities, specifications, applications and reactions to different fabricating processes of various types of metal, such as steel, aluminium, brass, copper and others.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialFlammable Fluids knowledge
The behaviour of liquids and gases that represent a serious explosion and fire danger, and their appropriate handling systems and effective storage.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialMetal Thermal Conductivity knowledge
The property of metals to conduct heat.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialTorch Temperature For Metal Processes knowledge
Ideal temperature of tools and machinery equiped with torches to perform various metal processing on workpieces.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialAlign Components skill
Align and lay out components in order to put them together correctly according to blueprints and technical plans.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialApply Arc Welding Techniques skill
Apply and work with a variety of techniques in the process of arc welding, such as shielded metal arc welding, gas metal arc welding, submerged arc welding and flux-cored arc …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialApply Precision Metalworking Techniques skill
Comply with precision standards specific to an organisation or product in metalworking, involved in processes such as engraving, precise cutting, welding.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialEnsure Correct Metal Temperature skill
Ensure the necessary, usually constant, temperature of processed metal workpieces during metal fabrication processes.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialEnsure Equipment Availability skill
Ensure that the necessary equipment is provided, ready and available for use before start of procedures.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialInterpret 2d Plans skill
Interpret and understand plans and drawings in manufacturing processes which include representations in two dimensions.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialInterpret 3d Plans skill
Interpret and understand plans and drawings in manufacturing processes which include representations in three dimensions.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialJoin Metals skill
Join together pieces of metal using soldering and welding materials.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialMonitor Gauge skill
Oversee the data presented by a gauge concerning the measurement of pressure, temperature, thickness of a material, and others.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialOperate Welding Equipment skill
Use welding equipment to melt and join together pieces of metal or steel; wear protective eyewear during the working process.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialPerform Test Run skill
Perform tests putting a system, machine, tool or other equipment through a series of actions under actual operating conditions in order to assess its reliability and suitability to realise its …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialRecognise Signs Of Corrosion skill
Recognise the symptoms of metal showing oxidation reactions with the environment resulting in rusting, copper pitting, stress cracking, and others, and estimate the rate of corrosion.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialRemove Inadequate Workpieces skill
Evaluate which deficient processed workpieces do not meet the set-up standard and should be removed and sort the waste according to regulations.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialRemove Processed Workpiece skill
Remove individual workpieces after processing, from the manufacturing machine or the machine tool. In case of a conveyor belt this involves quick, continuous movement.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialSelect Filler Metal skill
Select optimal metal used for metal joining purposes, such as zinc, lead or copper metals, specifically for welding, soldering or brazing practices.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialSmooth Burred Surfaces skill
Inspect and smooth burred surfaces of steel and metal parts.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialSpot Metal Imperfections skill
Observe and identify various kinds of imperfections in metal workpieces or finished products. Recognise the best fitted manner of fixing the problem, which could be caused by corrosion, rust, fractures, …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialTroubleshoot skill
Identify operating problems, decide what to do about it and report accordingly.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialWear Appropriate Protective Gear skill
Wear relevant and necessary protective gear, such as protective goggles or other eye protection, hard hats, safety gloves.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialHandle Fuels skill
Handle and store fuels and assess their potential risks and dangers.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialOperate Oxy-Fuel Welding Torch skill
Operate a cutting torch fueled by oxyacetylene gas safely to perform welding processes on a workpiece.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialPerform Metal Active Gas Welding skill
Weld metal, mostly steel, workpieces together using active gas mixtures such as concotions of argon, carbon dioxide and oxygen.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialPerform Metal Inert Gas Welding skill
Weld metal workpieces together using inert gasses or gas mixtures such as argon and helium. This technique is usually used for welding aluminium and other non-ferrous metals.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialPerform Tungsten Inert Gas Welding skill
Weld metal workpieces together by tungsten intert gas (TIG) welding. This arc welding process welds metal workpieces using the heat generated between an arc of electricity struck between a non-consumable …
Course recommendations coming soon.
Optional Skills (5 of 47 displayed)
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OptionalDefense System knowledge
The various weapons and weapon systems used to protect citizens and to harm or shield incoming enemies and enemy weapons.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalMechanics Of Motor Vehicles knowledge
The way energy forces interact and affect components in motor vehicles such as cars, buses, invalid carriages and other motorised vehicles.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalAircraft Mechanics knowledge
Technicalities over mechanics in aircrafts and related topics in order to perform a wide range of repais in aircrafts.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalCutting Technologies knowledge
The variety of cutting technologies, such as software or mechanics, guiding cutting processes through lasering, sawing, milling etc.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalFerrous Metal Processing knowledge
Various processing methods on iron and iron-containing alloys such as steel, stainless steel and pig iron.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalManufacturing Of Metal Containers knowledge
The manufacture of reservoirs, tanks and similar containers of metal, of types normally installed as fixtures for storage or manufacturing use. The manufacture of metal containers for compressed or liquefied …
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalManufacturing Of Small Metal Parts knowledge
The manufacture of metal cable, plaited bands and other articles of that typr, uninsulated or insulated cable not capable of being used as a conductor of electricity, coated or cored …
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalManufacturing Of Steam Generators knowledge
The manufacture of steam or other vapour generators, the manufacture of auxiliary plant for use with steam generators: condensers, economisers, superheaters, steam collectors and accumulators. The manufacture of nuclear reactors, …
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalManufacturing Of Steel Drums And Similar Containers knowledge
The manufacture of pails, cans, drums, buckets, boxes, through metalworking processes.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalManufacturing Of Tools knowledge
The manufacture of knives and cutting blades for machines or for mechanical appliances, hand tools such as pliers, screwdrivers etc. The manufacture of non-power-driven agricultural hand tools, saws and saw …
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalManufacturing Of Weapons And Ammunition knowledge
The manufacture of heavy weapons (artillery, mobile guns, rocket launchers, torpedo tubes, heavy machine guns), small arms (revolvers, shotguns, light machine guns), air or gas guns and pistols, and war …
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalMechanics Of Vessels knowledge
The mechanics involved in boats and ships. Understand the technicalities and participate in discussions over related topics in order to solve problems related to the mechanics.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalMetal Joining Technologies knowledge
The various technologies used for the joining and assembling of fabricated metal workpieces.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalMetal Smoothing Technologies knowledge
The various technologies used for the smoothening, polishing and buffing of fabricated metal workpieces.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalNon-Ferrous Metal Processing knowledge
Various processing methods on non-ferrous metals and alloys such as copper, zinc and aluminium.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalTypes Of Metal Manufacturing Processes knowledge
Metal processes linked to the different types of metal, such as casting processes, heat treatment processes, repair processes and other metal manufacturing processes.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalMetal Bending Techniques knowledge
Understand different techniques for the bending of metal sheets. Connect knowledge of different techniques with activities such as assembly, design, and maintenance.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalAdjust Temperature Gauges skill
Operate temperature gauges to maintain food and drink items at appropriate temperatures.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalApply Brazing Techniques skill
Apply and work with a variety of techniques in the process of brazing, such as torch brazing, braze welding and dip brazing.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalApply Preliminary Treatment To Workpieces skill
Apply preparatory treatment, through mechanical or chemical processes, to the workpiece preceding the main operation.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalApply Soldering Techniques skill
Apply and work with a variety of techniques in the process of soldering, such as soft soldering, silver soldering, induction soldering, resistance soldering, pipe soldering, mechanical and aluminium soldering.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalApply Spot Welding Techniques skill
Apply and work with a variety of techniques in the process of welding metal workpieces under pressure exercised by electrodes, such as projection welding, radius style electrodes spot welding and …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalAssemble Metal Parts skill
Align and arrange steel and metal parts in order to assemble complete products; use the appropriate hand tools and gauges.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalConsult Technical Resources skill
Read and interpret such technical resources such as digital or paper drawings and adjustment data in order to properly set up a machine or working tool, or to assemble mechanical …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalEnsure Correct Gas Pressure skill
Ensure the necessary, usually constant, pressure of gas which is part of a machine or tool, such as torching equipment, used to process metal workpieces during metal fabrication processes.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalFollow Health And Safety Procedures In Construction skill
Apply the relevant health and safety procedures in construction in order to prevent accidents, pollution and other risks.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalFollow Safety Procedures When Working At Heights skill
Take necessary precautions and follow a set of measures that assess, prevent and tackle risks when working at a high distance from the ground. Prevent endangering people working under these …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalInspect Construction Supplies skill
Check construction supplies for damage, moisture, loss or other problems before using the material.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalKeep Records Of Work Progress skill
Maintain records of the progress of the work including time, defects, malfunctions, etc.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalMark Processed Workpiece skill
Inspect and mark parts of the workpiece to indicate how they will fit into the finished product.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalOperate Lifting Equipment skill
Transport heavy objects using lifting equipment such as cranes, forklifts etc.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalOperate Precision Measuring Equipment skill
Measure the size of a processed part when checking and marking it to check if it is up to standard by use of two and three dimensional precision measuring equipment …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalOperate Soldering Equipment skill
Use soldering equipment, such as a soldering gun, a soldering torch or a gas-powered iron, to melt and join together pieces of metal or steel.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalPerform Product Testing skill
Test processed workpieces or products for basic faults.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalPrepare Pieces For Joining skill
Prepare metal or other material workpieces for joining processes by cleaning the workpieces, checking their measurements with the technical plan and marking on the pieces where they'll be joined.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalRead Standard Blueprints skill
Read and comprehend standard blueprints, machine, and process drawings.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalRecord Production Data For Quality Control skill
Keep records of the machine's faults, interventions and irregularities for quality control.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalWork Ergonomically skill
Apply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and materials.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalWrite Records For Repairs skill
Write records of the repairs and maintenance interventions undertaken, of parts and materials used, and other repair facts.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalApply Flux skill
Apply a chemical cleaning agent, such as ammonium chloride, rosin, hydrochloric acid, zinc chloride, borax, and others, that removes the oxidation from metals being joined during soldering, brazing, and welding …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalApply Thermite Welding Techniques skill
Weld using equipment that operates based on an exothermic reaction fuelled by thermite.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalHandle Gas Cylinders skill
Grip gas cylinders in a safe manner and ensure they are compliant with safety and health regulations.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalOperate Brazing Equipment skill
Use equipment designed for brazing processes in order to melt and join together pieces of metal or steel.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalOperate Oxy-Fuel Cutting Torch skill
Operate a cutting torch fueled by oxyacetylene gas safely to perform cutting processes on a workpiece.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalOperate Oxygen Cutting Torch skill
Operate an oxygen cutting torch to cut metal, which uses an oxidation reaction combined with heat, allowing quick reaction with iron and steel but uneffective on other materials. Advance the …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalOperate Plasma Cutting Torch skill
Use a plasma cutting torch, which forces a narrow stream of plasma through a nozzle to melt metal, and a gas jet to blow the molten metal away.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalPerform Welding Inspection skill
Inspect and assure the quality of welded metals using diverse testing techniques.
Course recommendations coming soon.