Welder / Fabricator

As a Welder/Fabricator, you join, fabricate, and repair steel products using a variety of welding techniques. This can include cutting and shaping steel, reading and interpreting technical drawings, preparing and setting up materials for welding, and using hand and power tools to assemble and finish steel structures. You also inspect welds for quality and safety, maintain welding equipment, and follow strict workplace safety procedures.

Related roles include a Metal/Steel Fabricator, who marks out and constructs structural steel for buildings, boilers, or pressure vessels; and a Fitter/Welder, who fabricates production machines and other equipment.

Income Guide

$93,000

Desirable Skills

Physical tasks • Attention to detail • Using tools & machinery

A typical day may involve:

Reading plans, drawings, and specifications to understand what to fabricate or repair
Aligning and preparing metal parts using hand tools, measuring instruments, and clamps
Cutting, shaping, and joining steel sections using welding, bolting, or riveting techniques
Checking welds for strength, penetration, and accuracy
Cleaning, filing, grinding, or smoothing welds to finish the product
Following strict workplace safety procedures, including wearing protective gear
Collaborating with other tradespeople on site or in the workshop
Inspecting finished products to ensure they meet quality and safety standards

Qualifications

Pre-qualification Cert II Engineering Pathways
Cert III Engineering Fabrication Trade

What is involved in my Qualification

4-Year Paid Apprenticeship
Trade School
On the job, hands-on experience on construction sites

Career Pathways

Welding Inspector
Workshop Supervisor
Ship Building
Underwater Welding

Further Qualifications

Cert IV Engineering Fabrication / Welding Technology
Business Owner (Contractors Licence)
Trainer/Assessor (TAE Qualification)

“A trade isn’t an overnight success story, it’s a journey. If you’re willing to work hard, ask questions, and back yourself, a trade can take you anywhere.”

Born to Build