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Fabricator / Welder

What is fabrication and welding?
What does a fabricator/welder do?
What work is carried out by a fabricator/welder?
Is fabrication/welding a good career choice?
What employment and career opportunities are available in fabrication/welding?
What skills must a fabricator/welder develop?
What training and qualifications are available for fabricator/welders?
What if I need more information?
What competencies do I require for this skill?

What is fabrication/welding?

Metal Fabrication is the forming of metal, usually steel plate, into various forms either by welding or other forms of metal joining processes.

Metal fabrication falls into two categories, either "light" (metals under 3mm thick) or "heavy" fabrication.

What does a metal fabricator/welder do?

A metal fabricator has to be able to interpret engineering drawings and then accurately cut steel plates into the required shapes. They must then weld them into the structure according to the drawings.

Metal Fabricators must learn to read engineering drawings, use geometric development methods and metal forming techniques. They must also be able to use computers in making metal products, and have a comprehensive knowledge of a range of industrial welding and joining processes to manufacture the required items.

What are some examples of work carried out by a metal fabricator?

Typical examples of "heavy" metal fabrication would be the manufacture of articles such as:

bridge structures
cranes and ship structures.

Examples of "light" fabrication would be:-

motorcar bodies,
water tanks,
metal chairs, etc

Other types of work would include the repair of broken items such as the welding of :-

shafts,
plates and blades on earth moving equipment
the rebuilding of worn metal parts.

Is metal fabrication/welding a good career choice?

Yes. Metal fabrication and welding is ideally suited to people who like to use their hands to build and construct metal structures from engineering specifications. People who enter into this trade normally develop specialised talents in structural fabrication or pressure related construction and/or welding.

What employment and career opportunities are available in fabrication/welding?

Metal fabrication and welding tradespersons are in great demand due to the amount of construction and general manufacturing taking place.

Because of the high level of skill required, good quality welding operators are in great demand and are able to command very high wages.

Metal fabricator welders have the opportunity to:-

Contract themselves out to companies
Start their own business
Specialize in underwater welding
Become fabrication/welding inspectors or supervisors for medium to large companies

What skills must a fabricator/welder develop?

Metal fabrication and welding tradespersons must :-

have an understanding of building metal structures
read and interpret engineering drawings
fabricate shapes using geometric development techniques
be able to use a range of welding processes.

They must develop artistic welding skills to join a wide range of metals in all positions.

What training and qualifications are available for fabricator/welders?

Depending on their level of training and experience, a metal fabricator welders may be considered to be either a tradesperson at Certificate III qualification level, or engineering technician up to Certificate IV level of qualification. Training is gained by way of a 4-year apprenticeship or traineeship under the New Apprenticeship Scheme. Both options provide paid employment while skills are being learned.

Whilst you are an apprentice (4 year term) your wages are usually set as a percentage of the qualified trades person.

As a guide, in: -

1. First year	42%
2. Second year	55%
3. Third year	75%
4. Fourth year	88%

When you have finished your base trade training, your classification will also be at tradesperson level. With over-award payments you could expect to earn much more then this and you can also apply for higher grading when you get more qualifications.

Employers would normally seek job applicants who have at least completed the School Certificate. Job seekers who have undertaken the Higher School Certificate, are often highly regarded, and so may be given advanced standing/exemptions in their studies at TAFE. Once completed, the Trade Certificate III qualification can be used for advanced standing toward a relevant TAFE Certificate IV or Diploma qualification. The Engineering Skills Centre at Sydney Institute, Ultimo is a highly respected provider of a wide range of general and specialist trades training at both trade and post trade levels.

What if I need more information?

For further advice related to Metal Fabricator/Welders as a career you could contact:-

Engineering Skills Centre at Sydney Institute, Ultimo (TAFE NSW)
Manufacturing and Engineering Division, TAFE NSW
ACTU (Australian Council Of Trade Unions).