Welder

Career role Name

Welder

Career Cluster

Skilled Trades

Career Role details

Joins metal parts using heat and specialized equipment.

Job duties and Responsibilities

Selecting appropriate welding equipment and methods, preparing metal surfaces, executing precise welds, inspecting work for quality and integrity.

Industry alignment

Manufacturing (shipbuilding, automotive, aerospace), Construction (bridges, buildings, pipelines), Metal Fabrication, Repair Services.

Work environment

Can be indoors in workshops or outdoors on construction sites. Involves heat, sparks, and fumes. Requires protective gear. Standard hours, but project deadlines can lead to overtime.

Opportunity Type

Good demand, particularly in specialized welding. Moderate stress related to precision and safety. Salary growth depends on skill and certification. Limited creativity, focus on technical proficiency. Good job stability.

Key skills needed

Welding techniques (Advanced), Metal properties knowledge (Proficient), Blueprint reading (Proficient), Safety procedures (Advanced), Quality control (Proficient).

Interest type alignment

Realistic (hands-on fabrication, working with tools), Investigative (understanding metal behavior under heat), Conventional (following welding standards).

Career growth Path

Apprentice Welder (0-2 yrs), Certified Welder (2-5 yrs), Specialized Welder (e.g., TIG, MIG, Underwater) (5+ yrs), Welding Supervisor (7+ yrs), Quality Inspector (8+ yrs).

Suggested education Pathways 10th standard onwards

ITI Welder Trade, Vocational Training Courses, Certified Welding Programs (e.g., AWS certifications).

Education Stream recommendations

Any

Demand in India

High demand in manufacturing, infrastructure, and heavy industries.

Demand globally

Strong global demand, especially for specialized welders in complex industries.

Career & Job Prospects

Fabrication, Assembly, Repair, Inspection. Related roles: Fabricator, Metalworker, Pipe Welder, Structural Welder.

Role overview