Introduction
Welding is the backbone of many industries in the UK—from shipbuilding and construction to energy and advanced manufacturing. In 2024, demand for qualified welders has reached historic highs due to a convergence of major infrastructure projects, post-pandemic reshoring, and a growing retirement wave in the skilled trades.
According to industry reports:
- Over 17,000 welding vacancies remain unfilled as of mid-2024
- Welding contributes £2.3 billion to the UK economy annually
- Demand for welders is projected to rise 14% by 2027
This guide covers everything from qualifications and visa routes to salary trends, digital job hunting, and automation-proof skills. Whether you're UK-based or an international professional looking to migrate, this is your roadmap to success in welding.
Why the UK Needs More Welders
Key Growth Drivers
Several economic trends have created sustained demand for welders:
- National Infrastructure Investments
- Major projects like HS2, Sizewell C, and offshore wind farms have created thousands of welding roles.
- The nuclear and rail sectors alone account for 11,000+ job openings in 2024.
- Industrial Reshoring and EV Manufacturing
- Automotive manufacturers are building new battery plants across the UK.
- Aerospace and heavy manufacturing are increasing domestic output due to supply chain shifts.
- Ageing Workforce
- Nearly 4 in 10 UK welders are over 55, accelerating the need for skilled replacements.
- Apprenticeship intake is currently filling less than 35% of annual demand.
Welding Salaries in the UK
Based on 2024 national data, here’s what welders can expect at different stages of their careers:
| Level | Base Salary | Overtime/Earnings Range |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level | £18,000 – £21,000 | Up to £25,000 with overtime |
| Mid-Level (2-4 years) | £28,000 – £35,000 | £40,000+ with weekend shifts |
| Coded Welder | £40,000 – £50,000 | Up to £60,000 |
| Lead Inspector / Supervisor | £55,000 – £65,000 | Occasionally higher in nuclear roles |
Specialist contract welders in sectors like oil and nuclear can earn £60–£75 per hour, especially during maintenance outages.
Certification and Qualifications
Essential UK Welding Certifications
Welders must hold at least one recognised trade qualification:
- City & Guilds Level 2 Welding Certificate
Duration: 6–9 months | Cost: £1,700–£2,000 - EAL Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Welding
Duration: 12 months | Cost: Approx. £2,500 - BS EN ISO 9606-1 / ASME IX Coding
Needed for pressure vessels and structural work
Additional coding requirements vary by employer or sector. Costs for individual codes range from £400–£1,000.
Welding Apprenticeships
Ideal for those entering the industry:
- Level 2 Plate Welding (18 months)
- Level 3 Pipe Welding (24 months)
- Welding Inspection Technician (3 years)
- Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (4 years)
Apprentices typically earn £15,000–£22,000/year during training and may be offered full-time roles afterward. You can explore vacancies on the UK Apprenticeship Portal.
International Welders: Qualification Conversion
If you're trained outside the UK, you'll need to convert your credentials:
- UK ENIC/NARIC Verification – Validates overseas qualifications
- Practical Skill Assessment – Conducted at centers like TWI Cambridge
- Health & Safety Training – Required for CSCS certification
Special notes by nationality:
- India: ITI-trained welders often need additional European-standard coding
- Philippines: May require supplementary inspection exams
- Australia/Canada: Easier recognition through mutual trade agreements
Total conversion time: 4–8 weeks on average.
Visa Routes for Foreign Welders
Skilled Worker Visa (Most Common Path)
To qualify under the UK's Skilled Worker route:
- Job must be on the Shortage Occupation List (SOL)
- Minimum salary: £20,960 (or higher depending on role)
- Offer must come from a licensed UK sponsor
Common SOL roles in welding include:
- Pipe Welders
- Structural Welding Technicians
- High-integrity Pressure Welders
You can search for licensed employers using the UK Home Office List.
Alternative Visa Routes
If SOL doesn’t apply, consider:
- Scale-up Visa – For companies growing >20% annually
- Temporary Work Visa (GAE) – For younger applicants from approved countries
- Global Talent Route – If you hold international accolades or qualifications
Some major infrastructure projects also offer sponsorship bonuses of £5,000–£7,500.
Where the Best Welding Jobs Are
Energy and Offshore
Regions: Scotland (Aberdeen), North East England (Hartlepool, Blyth)
Top Employers:
Certifications Required:
- BOSIET Offshore Safety Certificate
- OGUK Medical
- CSWIP 3.0 or 3.1 for inspection roles
Daily rates often exceed £400 per day, with generous offshore premiums.
Nuclear Welding and Decommissioning
Key Sites: Sellafield (Cumbria), Hinkley Point C (Somerset)
Roles and Pay:
| Job Title | Salary | Bonuses |
|---|---|---|
| Coded Nuclear Welder | £42,000 – £54,000 | £10,000+ during outages |
| QA Welding Inspector | £55,000 – £65,000 | Additional project-based bonuses |
Demand is expected to increase through 2030, with long-term job stability.
How to Find Welding Jobs in the UK
Top Job Search Websites
- Indeed UK – Daily listings by location
- Reed – Includes apprenticeships
- CV-Library – Highly rated for skilled trades
- NES Fircroft – Specialist recruiter for energy
LinkedIn and Digital Profiles
To stand out online:
- Use a keyword-rich headline like: “Coded Welder – CSWIP | ISO 9606 | Pipe & Plate”
- Upload short clips of welding tests or portfolio work
- Request endorsements from former supervisors or clients
You can increase profile visibility up to 3X using SEO tools like Jobscan.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Lack of Certification – Not holding proper coding can disqualify you from high-paying roles.
- Ignoring Health & Safety – Employers often reject candidates without CSCS or equivalent.
- Poorly Optimized CVs – Missing keywords can cause CVs to be filtered out by applicant tracking systems (ATS).
- Outdated Skills – Not staying current with robotic and automation tools limits job opportunities.
- Applying Without Sponsorship Research – Many foreign applicants waste time applying to non-sponsoring firms.
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Hired as a Welder
- Complete a Recognised Welding Qualification
- Gain BS EN / ASME IX Certifications
- Register for a CSCS or equivalent safety card
- Create a job-optimised CV and LinkedIn profile
- Apply through targeted websites or attend career fairs
- Prepare for a practical test or onsite assessment
- Secure visa sponsorship (if required)
- Start with contract roles or apprenticeships if necessary
- Upskill into robotic welding or inspection for long-term growth
Future-Proof Skills for Welders
Robotics and Automation
- Fanuc or KUKA robotic training
- Programming experience can boost salaries by 25–40%
- Often used in aerospace, automotive, and high-volume manufacturing
Green Energy and Sustainability
Emerging specialisations include:
- Hydrogen pipeline welding
- Offshore wind turbine repair
- Structural welding for solar infrastructure
Courses in these areas are available through Welding Institute (TWI).
Conclusion
Welding in the UK is not just a job—it’s a high-demand, high-skill career with multiple pathways to prosperity. Whether you're entering through apprenticeships, upskilling from a general metalwork background, or migrating with international credentials, the welding industry is wide open in 2024. With nuclear expansion, offshore wind, and smart manufacturing leading the way, welders with the right skills and certifications are perfectly positioned to earn high salaries and build long-term careers.
For international welders, streamlined visa options, skills bootcamps, and relocation incentives make the UK one of the most accessible and rewarding destinations. Invest in core qualifications, stay ahead of automation, and leverage the digital job market to thrive in the new welding economy.
FAQs
1. Can foreign welders get UK jobs easily?
Yes, if the job is on the Shortage Occupation List and you meet the experience/certification requirements.
2. What does “coded welder” mean?
It refers to a welder certified for a specific process, position, and material under codes like ISO 9606 or ASME IX.
3. Is robotic welding replacing manual jobs?
It’s augmenting—not replacing. Skilled welders with robotic training are in even higher demand.
4. Are there opportunities for women welders in the UK?
Absolutely. Female welders are encouraged to apply, with initiatives by Women in Welding gaining traction.
5. What’s the best-paid welding job in the UK?
Coded nuclear welders and offshore inspection roles typically offer the highest pay—often over £70,000/year.
