Career guide

Welder: career guide and training

As a welder, you join metal parts, pipes, plates, and structures across Belgium using arc welding, semi-automatic MIG/MAG welding, and TIG welding.

What will you do?

Whether you work as a construction welder, MIG welder, or pipe welder, you choose the right materials and welding methods, set the machine parameters, prepare the weld joints, and position parts according to the markings. You weld the workpieces, inspect the welds and assemblies, and carry out any reworking or finishing. You keep work records and always work according to the safety and execution requirements while working with care for the environment.

  • Choose the right materials and welding methods
  • Set the parameters of machines and equipment
  • Prepare and position the weld joints
  • Weld workpieces (arc, MIG/MAG, TIG)
  • Inspect welds and assemblies for quality
  • Carry out reworking or finishing of the weld
  • Work safely and with care for the environment

Skills to develop

  • Ability to read technical drawings
  • Precise and safety-conscious working attitude
  • Physically fit and steady-handed

Your foundation for this occupation

Drawing interpretation, material recognition and measurement are useful foundations. Focus on the employer’s process: MIG/MAG, TIG and stick welding require different hand skills and settings. Compare welding courses by process, such as MIG/MAG or TIG, and material. Ask about practical hours and assessments. Check whether the qualification matches the employer’s welding work.

From preparation to your first day

  1. Develop the practical skills

    Practise joint preparation, cleaning, tacking and positioning before developing consistent travel speed and heat input. Use the extraction and protection specified for the workplace.

  2. Check your work

    Learn to visually assess weld shape, interruptions and distortion. Explain the material, process and position used for a test piece; one neat weld does not demonstrate every welding skill.

How can you grow?

Pipe welding, aluminium, stainless steel and welding robots offer specialisation. Welding coordination or quality inspection requires further knowledge of procedures, inspection and records.

Frequently asked questions

Why does the employer ask which welding process I use?

TIG involves different movements from MIG/MAG or stick welding. Thin stainless sheet also differs from heavy steel structures. Specify your process, material, thickness and welding position in your profile.

Sources and training

Could this be your match?

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