At BAE Systems, our welders help us pioneer advanced technologies and protect the people, assets and national security of the nations we serve. It’s skilled, hands-on work that contributes to some of the most exciting and innovative engineering programmes in the world. From bridges and energy facilities to advanced naval vessels and aerospace platforms, a welder’s role is an essential part of modern manufacturing.
If you’re exploring welder jobs, welding apprenticeships or a long-term welding career, this guide will help you understand what to expect, and where it could take you.
What is a welder?
A welder is a highly skilled tradesperson who joins pieces of metal together. Using specialist tools and techniques, combined with intense heat, they fuse materials such as steel, iron and aluminium to create strong, durable structures.
Common welding techniques include:
- MIG (metal inert gas)
- TIG (tungsten inert gas)
- SMAW (shielded metal arc)
- FCAW (flux cored arc)
Welding is a vital part of the manufacturing process for all manner of metal structures. This makes it an in-demand skill within many industries, including:
- Automotive
- Aerospace
- Defence
- Energy
- Construction
- Maritime and shipbuilding
Because of this, welding jobs remain consistently in demand both in the UK and internationally.
What does a welder do?
If you’re researching welding jobs in the UK, or internationally, you might be wondering what a typical day looks like.
Welders work closely with engineers, designers and fabricators to turn technical drawings into full-scale structures. A typical day could include:
- Preparing materials – Measuring, cutting and shaping metal pieces ahead of welding.
- Setting up equipment – Ensuring tools and safety equipment are correctly configured.
- Welding joints – Fusing components to form complex assemblies.
- Inspecting work – Checking weld quality to meet strict safety, quality and performance standards.
How to become a welder?
While welding career pathways differ by country, many people begin their journey through vocational training or apprenticeships.
Typical routes include:
Education and training
Enrolling in a college or technical training programme to learn core welding techniques such as MIG and TIG welding.
Welding apprenticeships
A welding apprenticeship in the UK combines classroom learning with paid, on-the-job training. At BAE Systems, our Advanced apprenticeship programmes allow you to earn while you learn, gaining hands-on experience on real engineering projects.
Industry qualifications
Profeional certifications demonstrate your skills and knowledge and can help you progress into higher-paid welder jobs or specialist roles.
Ongoing development
Advanced manufacturing continues to evolve, so developing new skills can increase earning potential and career progression opportunities.
How much can a welder earn?
If you’re considering welding as a career, salary is naturally an important factor.
Salaries vary depending on experience, industry and location – as an example, a welders UK salary could be around £30,000. Entry-level welders can expect competitive starting pay, with experienced or specialist welders earning significantly more, particularly in advanced manufacturing and defence sectors.
In addition to salary, many welding roles offer structured progression, training opportunities and long-term job security.
Is welding a good career?
A welding career offers:
- Global opportunities - Your skills will be in demand around the globe and your skills transferable to a wide range of projects. Throughout a welding career you could choose to specialise in a particular industry or turn your hand to other types of construction.
- Job stability – Welders are essential to a vast range of projects and will continue to be, as the manufacturing industry grows, relying on qualified welders.
- Hands-on satisfaction – Transforming raw materials into awe-inspiring structures is likely to give you a great buzz when your projects are completed. As a welder at BAE Systems, you could contribute to world first technology breakthroughs, such as the launch of our Dreadnought Class submarines
- Transferable skills – Welding qualifications are recognised across multiple industries and geographies.
At BAE Systems, your work could help pioneer advanced capability while protecting those who depend on it.
Why apply for welder jobs at BAE Systems?
If you’re looking for welder jobs in the UK, whether as an apprentice or an experienced professional, BAE Systems offers opportunities to work on some of the most advanced engineering programmes in the world.
As one of the UK’s leading manufacturing employers, our projects are at the forefront of technological advancement. We employ tens of thousands of people across the UK and internationally, collaborating across air, maritime, land, cyber and space domains.
From advanced submarines and next-generation aircraft structures to complex naval platforms, our welders contribute to projects that pioneer new technology and protect what matters most.
With world-class facilities, structured development pathways and clear progression routes, a welding career with BAE Systems can provide long-term growth - both in the UK and as part of a global organisation.
Learn more about BAE Systems
If you’re interested in our apprenticeship programmes, you may wish to read our 5 reasons to join article. We also have some inspiring stories for you to browse, from both apprentices and experienced professionals.