Overview
Job Title: Welder
Employer: Wabtec
Location: Northampton
Shift: Monday to Friday
Terms of employment: Full-time
Start date: Starts as soon as possible
Job Description
It’s not just about your career or job title… It’s about who you are and the impact you will make on the world! Because whether it’s for each other or our customers, we put People First.
When our people come together, we extend the possibility and continuously look for ways to improve what we create and how we do it. If you are constantly striving to grow, you’re in good company.
We are revolutionizing the way the world moves for future generations, and we want someone ready to move with us.
About Us
Wabtec Corporation is a leading global provider of equipment, systems, digital solutions, and value-added services for freight and transit rail as well as the mining, marine, and industrial markets.
Drawing on nearly four centuries of collective experience across Wabtec, GE Transportation, and Faiveley Transport, the company has grown to become One Wabtec, with unmatched digital expertise, technological innovation, and world-class manufacturing and services, enabling the digital-rail-and-transit ecosystems.
Wabtec is focused on performance that drives progress and unlocks our customers’ potential by delivering innovative and lasting transportation solutions that move and improve the world.
We are lifelong learners obsessed with making things better to drive exceptional results. Wabtec has approximately 27,000 employees in facilities throughout the world.
Tasks
Becoming a member of the Fabrication/Weld department team, working on the 1400-2200 shift (38 hours/week) Monday to Friday, you will be responsible for tacking and welding metal components as per drawing.
You will also be checking the quality of parts before and after welding. Measuring parts before and after welding against drawing, grinding, and fettling products using air and electric hand tools.
In addition, you may be asked to perform other duties outside of your function or trade, for which adequate training will be provided if necessary.
Requirements
- Ability to read drawings.
- Team player with a positive can-do attitude.
- Practical, hands-on.
- Have good communication skills.
- Willing to work flexibly.
- Attention to good Housekeeping.
Job Demands
A manual environment, lifting heavy equipment with magnetic hoists and chain/strap hoists.
Benefits
- Retention bonus (up-to £650)
- 4 x life assurance
- Sick Pay scheme
- Pension
- Holiday 23 days per year plus bank public holidays
- Free hot drinks
- Access to retail discounts
How to Apply
Online through the company website
Wabtec is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action company committed to building a diverse and welcoming work environment.
Notwithstanding any restriction imposed by law or contract, all eligible applicants shall be given equal consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, country of origin, or any other characteristic.
What is a Welder?
A welder uses intense heat to fuse materials such as metals or thermoplastics to generate strong, long-lasting bindings. As a welder, you are skilled at producing safe joins fast and effectively.
You also know which techniques work best on certain materials. Additionally, you know what procedures and tools are required to ensure that working at high temperatures is safe for you and others.
You become proficient in various methods and collaborate with engineers and other experts to produce final goods. The physical and mental benefits of exquisite handcrafting and the mental delight of upholding strict technical standards are combined in welding.
Welders in Different Sectors
Welders are required in any business where strong metal connections are needed. Consider the manufacturing industry if you wish to work in an indoor bustling setting.
Welders in these roles work on everything from tools and containers to automobiles, ships, and airplanes. If you enjoy working outside and visiting different job sites, welding is a better fit for you in the construction business.
Construction welders largely construct modern buildings’ steel frameworks. You might be surprised to learn that there is a demand for welding expertise in businesses like computer components manufacturing.
Types of Welders
Gas metal arc welders: These welders employ a tiny wire electrode and Metal Inert Gas welding procedures. The wire heats up while it travels through the welding device in gas metal arc welding. The automobile and construction industries also employ this technique on metals.
Gas tungsten arc welding: These welders use tungsten inert gas to fuse thin, non-ferrous metals like copper and aluminum. This method, which is widely used in the manufacture of airplanes, produces the weld using a non-consumable electrode.
Shielded metal arc welding: This process relies on a manual technique using consumable electrodes coated with flux. It is low-cost and doesn’t require advanced equipment.
What is the Work Environment of a Welder?
Welders work in several situations. Some work regularly in factories or workshops, while others work on busy job sites in construction or demolition.
Owing to the nature of the work, the atmosphere is frequently stuffy, hot, and noisy. It could be altitude or in a sealed underground area.
Your chances of success increase with how fast and safely you can work in these settings.
Career Advancement as a Welder
Learning new skills is the secret to developing professionally as a welder. Gaining experience with novel methods and tools increases your prospects.
Welding experience is also a fantastic way to get into other similar fields. If you’d like to transition from welding to another profession, consider a career in management.
As a supervisor or workshop manager, you will supervise the work of other welders and the procedures that support them.
A different approach would be to switch from welding to testing or quality control, where one would examine the results of welding procedures on a bigger scale.
Consider teaching in a professional or further education setting if you want the fulfillment of imparting your knowledge to a new generation.
What are the Required Skills and Education for a Welder?
Education and apprenticeship programs: Secondary education is the minimum needed to become a welder. You begin as an inexperienced welder and acquire the necessary skills through on-the-job training.
You must finish a three-year apprenticeship program and a few welding-related college courses to obtain a trade certification. In the United Kingdom, trade certification is required.
Start your apprenticeship by enrolling with the British Apprenticeship and Industry Training if you wish to work in the country.
Experience: Experience is not required for unskilled employment but is anticipated for a skilled post. It will be a bonus if you have prior experience working with robotics or as a machine operator assistant.
Skills of a Welder
- Observation skills: You require observation skills and attentiveness to details since you pay attention to every component. Attention helps you avoid the implications of mistakes and prevents errors that lead to poor-quality finishes.
- Manual dexterity: Working as a welder requires good hand skills to produce neat products. Manual dexterity, like motor and hand-to-eye coordination, helps discharge your duties.
- Understanding of safety protocols: As a welder, it is important to understand the necessary safety protocols, such as wearing helmets, respirators, and protective gear. Knowledge of safety protocols ensures that you work in a safe and productive environment.
- Time management skills: as a welder, you work in a fast-paced environment since you simultaneously complete multiple projects. With time management, you can prioritize and plan your work activities well.
- Analytical and problem-solving ability: As a welder, you are expected to solve problems during construction. Your problem-solving ability helps you identify issues, analyze them, and find solutions. Analytical skills come in handy when studying a project’s specifications and blueprints and identifying areas that need welding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the United Kingdom in need of welders?
Welders are employed in various sectors, such as manufacturing, industrial maintenance, and construction. There is a significant demand for the position in the UK, with 17,700 new job vacancies anticipated between 2022 and 2031. Get the skills you need to take advantage of the growing demand.
What does a welder do?
As a welder, you apply heat and join metal components using welding torches and other cutting-edge equipment. When fixing machinery, you either fill gaps or melt and fuse the parts. The job entails examining specifications and plans to ensure the components are attached correctly.
Is a welder a skilled worker?
In the United Kingdom, you can work as an unskilled welder and develop your knowledge through on-the-job training. While unskilled welders get great opportunities, skilled worker jobs are also available. Skilled welders need a trade certification to qualify for the role.
Is being a welder a secure job?
Experienced people are needed as the welding business in the UK is expanding. This is a fantastic chance if you like to work with your hands. Additionally, the remuneration is tempting, and acquiring new skills will boost your income.