Welder/Fabricator
Welder Fabricators work in a range of different sectors including construction, transport and logistics, utilities, engineering, aerospace, off-shore oil and defence. Depending on the requirements of the job, welder fabricators will work with metals and alloys, cutting and joining using a variety of welding techniques such Arc, MIG, TIG and Stick Welding. Similar job titles include Fabricator, MIG/TIG Welder, Coded Welder, Automotive Welder, Machine Shop Operator or Engineering Fitter.
Day-to-day tasks for Welders may include setting out the materials to be cut or joined following engineering instructions and drawings, inspecting and testing cuts and joins using precision measuring instruments as well as using general workshop tools and small machine equipment such as saws, drills, lathe & mills, including hand tools and hand power tools. Welders will also frequently use manual and computer-operated machinery for drilling, milling and cutting.
Next Phase regularly has opportunities for Welder Fabricators and MIG/TIG Welders working on armoured vehicles focusing on vehicle protection systems, seats and the installation of sub systems. Previous experience of working on automotive or military projects is highly advantageous for these welding jobs.
Skills Required for a Career in Welding
- NVQ Certification in Fabrication & Welding Engineering Level 2 and 3-
- City and Guilds trained
- Welding standards to BS4872-1: 1982 and BS9606-1
- Understanding of technical plans
- Ability to concentrate for long periods
- Reasonable maths and measuring skills
- self- motived, able to work as part of a team
Salary Levels and Career Progression
The starting salary for a career in welding is around £16,000 to £19,000 which can increase to around £35,000 for highly experienced welders. Due to the nature of the work and the need to be flexible with regard to location, many welders work on a self-employed contract basis for which the hourly rate is around £16. With experience and a good track record, welders may be promoted to a supervisory role or be a workshop manager.
Kent
Kent is a county in South East England, to the south east of London. Major towns and cities in Kent include Canterbury, Sevenoaks, Maidstone, Ashford, Folkestone, Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells, Dartford, Gravesend, Sittingbourne, Faversham, Deal and Dover. France, which on a good day, can be seen clearly from Folkestone and the White Cliffs of Dover, lies across the Channel and is easily reached by regular ferry services from ports including Dover and Folkestone.
Kent has a very diverse economy with major industries including haulage, logistics, tourism, technology and scientific research. With its good transport connections many people also commute into London. Tourist attractions in Kent include Canterbury Cathedral which has been the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury since the 6th century, HM dockyard Chatham and numerous castles.
Famous people born in Canterbury: Orlando Bloom and Mick Jagger, musician.
Kent's life sciences sector has created some of the most revolutionary and world-renowned medicines in existence.
Pfizer, Mylan, Diasorin, Smiths Medical and over 450 other life science sector companies have made Kent their home over the years, putting the country on the map as a key location for everything from bio-tech, pharmaceuticals and diagnostics to global science logistics, med-tech manufacturers and contract research organisations.
Kent is a great place to further your career in life sciences. If you are a looking for pharmaceutical jobs in Kent, scientific careers in Kent or want to discuss cell therapy, gene therapy, ATMP, medical device, technology, biotech or pharmaceutical job opportunities in Kent, give our Next Phase team a call. The Kent area is continuing to expand as a centre for jobs in science, process development, technology, software development, project management, informatics, quality, reg affairs and supply chain.
At Next Phase we help people find new jobs in life sciences across the UK, Europe and USA. This page lists some of the job opportunities in Kent, and if you give us a call we can also talk to you about other scientific jobs, pharmaceutical career opportunities and the latest updates in cell and gene therapy and ATMP development in the Kent area.
