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Welder

Kaihonohono Maitai

Welders make, join and repair metal parts for machinery and equipment using welding techniques.

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Secondary education

There are no specific secondary education requirements to become a welder. However, NCEA Level 2 maths, physics, English and technology are useful.

For Year 11 to 13 learners, trades academies and the STAR and Gateway programmes are good ways to gain relevant experience and skills.

These programmes may help you gain an apprenticeship, but do not reduce the amount of time it takes to complete it.

Study fields

Study levels

  • Up to NCEA Level 3
  • Certificate

Useful experience

Useful experience includes:

  • welding experience
  • other mechanical engineering or construction work
  • work in an engineering workshop.

What you will do

Welders may do some or all of the following:

  • study plans and drawings
  • cut and bend and fit steel or metal parts
  • make jigs (of wood or metal) that hold parts in place for welding
  • weld parts together
  • repair and maintain equipment and machinery
  • construct metal objects according to instructions.

Skills and knowledge

Welders need to have:

  • knowledge of metals and their properties
  • welding skills, including an understanding of different welding processes and equipment
  • ability to interpret technical drawings
  • knowledge of health and safety regulations.
Pay

Welders usually earn

$60-$65

per year

Boilermakers (specialised welders) can earn

$105K-$125K

per year

Job opportunities
Good
Chances of getting a job as a welder are good due to a shortage of workers.
Length of training
1-3
years of training usually required.

Industry

Maintenance and Repair

Welders make, join and repair metal parts for machinery and equipment using welding techniques.

Similar jobs in this industry

Entry requirements

There are no specific requirements to become a welder. However, many employers prefer to hire welders who have or are working towards a qualification.

To become a qualified welder you need to complete an apprenticeship and gain a New Zealand Certificate in Engineering - Fabrication (Level 4). For this certificate, you choose to specialise in light fabrication, heavy fabrication or steel construction.

Competenz oversees welding apprenticeships.

A driver licence may also be useful.

Chances of getting a job

Welders in high demand

Chances of getting a job as a welder are good because:

  • many existing welders are nearing retirement age
  • not enough people are being trained to meet the demand for workers
  • trained welders are leaving New Zealand to work overseas for higher pay rates
  • New Zealand manufacturers need welders to build machinery components for export.

Welders needed for construction boom

Welder and fitter-welder appear on Immigration New Zealand's construction and infrastructure skill shortage list.

Metal Fabricator, Pressure Welder, Welder, Fitter (General), Fitter and Turner, Fitter-Welder and Metal Machinist (First Class) will appear on Immigration New Zealand's Green List from March 2024.

 This means the Government is actively encouraging these skilled workers from overseas to work in New Zealand.

According to the Census, 3,048 welders worked in New Zealand in 2018.

Welders work in a variety of industries

Welders can work for businesses in a wide range of industries, including:

  • automotive engineering
  • marine construction
  • building and construction
  • machinery and equipment manufacturing
  • specialised craft and equipment making and repair.

Ten percent of welders are self-employed.

Find out more about training

Competenz
0800 526 1800 - info@competenz.org.nz - www.competenz.org.nz

Progression and specialisations

Welders may progress to set up their own welding business, or move into management, training or education roles.

They may specialise as boilermakers who construct, install and repair steam boilers, furnaces and containers that hold gases and liquids.

 

Working conditions

Welders:

  • usually work regular business hours but may have to do overtime and weekend work to meet deadlines
  • work in industrial and engineering workshops, factories, and on building sites, boats or oil rigs
  • may work in dirty and noisy conditions, and may be required to work at heights.

Physical Requirements

Welders need:

  • to be fairly strong, as there can be some heavy lifting involved
  • to have good eyesight (with or without corrective lenses)
  • steady hands.

Useful personal qualities

Welders need to be:

  • practical and adaptable
  • able to make good judgments
  • accurate, with an eye for detail
  • responsible and safety-conscious
  • good at basic maths.

Industry

Maintenance and Repair

Welders make, join and repair metal parts for machinery and equipment using welding techniques.

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