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A Welder uses heat to join metal parts together. You might create new parts or pieces of equipment or you may perform repairs on existing metal structures. Welders work from drawings or specifications and they are employed in a range of industries including building, engineering and mining. Depending on your role, you might work in a workshop or you may have to complete tasks on site when required.
Being a Welder means you need to be good with your hands and have strong hand-eye coordination. Attention to detail is important and you’ll need to be able to interpret plans and follow directions. Welders usually work as part of a larger team but you might have to work independently as well. You’ll need to be organised and be able to manage your time well.
There are 14 courses available for people who want to become a Welder. These are the top 5 most popular courses.
Possible job outcomes:
The Certificate III in Engineering - Fabrication Trade (MEM31922) is the qualification for trade apprentices working under qualified boilermakers or welders. Completed over 12 months, this nationally recognised training course teaches professional level mechanical cutting, metal fabrication, and a wide range of welding processes. Students gain proficiency using hand tools, industrial machinery, taking measurements and performing calculations. Graduate ready to become a licensed tradesperson. Enquire now for more information about enrolling an apprentice or trainee in the course and the opportunity for government subsidised training..
Average duration: 12 months.
The Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade (MEM30219) is for trade apprentices (fitters and turners, toolmakers, metal machinists) or anyone needing an entry point into mechanical engineering. It’s a nationally recognised qualification that will teach you how to work in a manufacturing or engineering environment — performing complex measurements and working to quality standards. Enquire now for information about career outcomes and opportunities for enrolment..
If you’re a qualified engineer and wanting to expand your skillset and employability why not enrol in the Diploma of Engineering – Advanced Trade (MEM50119). Over 2 years you will be honing your skills in technical drawing, graphical techniques, interpreting technical specifications and manuals — plus using the latest computing technologies. Graduates of this nationally recognised training course will be eligible for employment as an Advanced Engineering Tradesperson – Level II. Enquire now for the list of elective options, career outcomes, and enrolment dates..
Average duration: 24 months.
Get started in manufacturing production and assembly work with the MEM20219 Certificate II in Engineering - Production Technology. This nationally recognised qualification is hands-on and will teach you how to safely use and maintain a range of production equipment and machinery. The course also delivers generalist technical skills including welding, soldering, machining, mechanical and thermal cutting. Enquire now for the list of entry requirements, study units, and batch intake dates near you..
Become a trade qualified engineer with the MEM40119 Certificate IV in Engineering. This nationally recognised training course begins with basic engineering trade skills: reading technical drawings, taking engineering measurements, performing computations, working safely in engineering, planning and completing work tasks, using hand tools and computing technologies. You’ll then begin ferrous (and non-ferrous) melting and casting operations, testing foundry related materials, advanced welding to code standards, and other technical skills. Enquire now for the full list of graduation competencies, entry requirements, and upcoming enrolment dates..
In Australia, a full time Welder generally earns $1,350 per week ($70,200 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.
The number of people employed in this industry has fallen slightly in recent years. There are currently 69,600 people working as a Welder in Australia compared to 75,800 five years ago. Welders may find work across all regions of Australia.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights
To become a Welder, consider the Certificate II in Engineering – Production Technology. You’ll learn about different types of welding including oxy, metal arc and tungsten arc, as well as soldering, metal fabrication and cutting techniques. You could also enrol in a Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade, a Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade, a Certificate IV in Engineering or a Certificate IV in Engineering (Welding).
We’ll find nearby campuses and check if you’re eligible for funding in your state.
Here are some potential career pathways within metalworking and welding. Click on an occupation to learn more about the role and the qualifications that can help you get started in this industry.
Metalworking
Apprentice Engineer
$960 weekly pay
Engineering Tradesperson
Blacksmith
$1,250 weekly pay
Boilermaker
Fabricator
Metal Worker
$1,150 weekly pay
Sheet Metal Worker
$1,400 weekly pay
TIG Welder
$1,350 weekly pay
Welder
Welding Instructor
$1,450 weekly pay
Welding
Brake Press Operator
Learn more about Welder courses in your area.