5213 — Welding trades

What this occupation covers

Welding trades workers join metal parts by welding, brazing and soldering, and cut and remove defects from metal using a variety of equipment and techniques.

Typical duties

selects appropriate welding equipment such as electric arc, gas torch, etc.

connects wires to power supply, or hoses to oxygen, acetylene, argon, carbon dioxide, electric arc, or other source and adjusts controls to regulate gas pressure and rate of flow

cuts metal pieces using gas torch or electric arc

guides electrode or torch along line of weld, burns away damaged areas, and melts brazing alloy or solder into joints

cleans and smooths weld

checks finished workpiece for defects and conformity with specification

Entry routes and qualifications

Entrants typically possess GCSEs/S grades. Training is typically by apprenticeship incorporating practical experience and technical training. NVQs/SVQs at levels 1, 2 and 3 and apprenticeships are available. Welders must normally pass a competency test in the particular type of welding to be carried out.

Sponsorship information

Medium Skilled. Actual duties, sponsor, applicant, salary and any transitional or shortage-list conditions must be checked.

Immigration Salary List: 5213 Welding trades – only high integrity pipe welders, where the job requires 3 or more years’ related on-the-job experience. This experience must not have been gained through working illegally.. Nations: England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland. Removal: 31 December 2026.

Temporary Shortage List: Welding trades. Certificate of Sponsorship must be issued before 31 December 2026.

DBS assessment

No code-wide DBS assessment is assigned. Check actual duties, activities, workplace, frequency and jurisdiction. This code does not determine the level of check.

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