Welcome to Next Phase Recruitment! Please see below our current jobs that match your search criteria. For a broader job search please visit the home page or call us on 01403 216216 to discuss career options in other areas of Life Science and Technology.

Welder

Welders 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, welders 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.

Reading

Reading is a large town located at the confluence of the river Thames and the River Kennet in Berkshire, approximately 25 miles from Oxford, 42 miles from London and 17 miles from Basingstoke.   Reading was established in the 8th century as a market town and became prosperous over the following centuries thanks to its cloth, iron works, breweries, bulbs/seed and biscuit industries.  In the 20th century the town continued to expand and is now a significant business centre and home to the UK offices of a significant number of global Pharmaceutical, Life Science and IT companies.   The town has become famous for its annual Reading Festival held over the August Bank Holiday weekend and attended by thousands of music lovers.

Famous people born in Reading: Ricky Gervais (comedian) and Kate Winslet (actress)