Pipe welder apprenticeship

Weld tubes and pipes to high standards of quality

A pipe welder manually welds tubes and pipes to high standards of quality and integrity using manual arc welding processes. During the pipe welder apprenticeship, you’ll need to learn a minimum of two of the processes, as well as the ability to weld in at least four material groups. This is because each welding process requires significantly different welding equipment, assemblies, controls, skills and techniques, and represents an individual production process and each material type requires specific controls and techniques to achieve a satisfactory weld. For example, you might learn to use tungsten inert gas and manual metal arc to join carbon steel, low alloy steel, austenitic stainless steel and nickel alloy materials. Pipe welders are required to continually monitor and adapt their orientation to achieve the quality of work demanded by high integrity piping systems, necessitating significant manual dexterity and coordination.

Duration: 48 months

Relevant school subjects: DT

Entry requirements for the pipe welder apprenticeship: Depend on employer

Achievement upon completion: Level 3 (Advanced)—equivalent to A-levels

Potential salary upon completion: £29,000 per annum

Find out more: www.apprenticeshipguide.co.uk