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Updated: 2026-01-01 Folder: /job/en/uk/

MIG/MAG Welder in the United Kingdom

This is a role overview for MIG/MAG (GMAW) welding in UK workshops and production environments — focused on WPS discipline, consistency, and safety communication on shift.

Manufacturing & Industrial Mid Sponsorship depends on employer (indicative) Process: GMAW (MIG/MAG)
CV required: candidates without a CV are not considered.
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Work eligibility: non-UK candidates must have the right to work in the UK, or apply to roles where sponsorship is available (varies by employer, salary level, and compliance checks).
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Pay in the UK (gross / brutto)

Rates vary by region, material thickness, welding position, shift pattern, and whether a weld test/coding is required.

Scenario Typical gross pay What usually drives the rate
Standard workshop / production MIG ~£15–£18 per hour (gross) Day shift, repetitive parts, basic inspection
Shift rotation / tighter tolerances ~£17–£22 per hour (gross) Two-shift / nights, higher volume, stricter QC
Specialist / project welding (role-dependent) can be higher (gross) Site rules, vetting, coded tests, critical scopes
Market reference points:
  • UK average hourly pay reported for “MIG Welder”: £15.66/hour (gross pay context; reported as hourly pay, updated 28 Dec 2025). :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
  • For UK Skilled Worker “temporary shortage list”, “Welding trades (SOC 5213)” shows salary figures with hourly equivalents: £17.90/hour (standard) and £15.13/hour (lower rate under specific conditions). :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Important: Your actual offer depends on the employer, contract type, and demonstrated capability in the weld test.

Typical work & conditions (UK)

  • Shifts: day shift or rotation (often 2-shift; nights may be available in some plants).
  • Hours: common full-time patterns are built around ~37.5–40 hours/week; overtime depends on site workload.
  • Safety: strict PPE, extraction/ventilation expectations, and reporting of near-misses and defects.
  • Quality: visual inspection is routine; some roles include basic measurement checks and traceability.
  • Leave: statutory paid holiday baseline is 5.6 weeks per year (equivalent to 28 days for a 5-day week, pro-rated for other patterns). :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Sponsorship note (practical):

Some employers may sponsor welders if the role and salary meet eligibility thresholds and the employer has the required approvals. Sponsorship is never automatic and is always employer-specific.

Candidate profile (short portrait)

The strongest candidates are not “fast only” — they are repeatable, safe, and predictable on quality.

  • Process discipline: follows WPS settings, maintains stable travel speed and torch angle.
  • Hands + eyes: consistent bead appearance, minimal spatter, controlled heat input.
  • Drawings: reads fabrication drawings and welding symbols without constant supervision.
  • Quality mindset: self-checks, flags defects early, reworks correctly (not “hide-and-ship”).
  • Team fit: communicates on shift, understands safe systems of work, reliable attendance.

What you will do (typical responsibilities)

  • Set up MIG/MAG (GMAW) equipment and confirm settings against WPS / job card.
  • Weld mild steel components (and sometimes stainless/aluminium where specified) to required fillet/butt profiles.
  • Prepare joints: cleaning, tacking, fit-up checks, distortion control basics.
  • Carry out routine visual checks; report porosity, lack of fusion, undercut, and dimensional issues early.
  • Maintain a safe, tidy bay: PPE, housekeeping, cable management, extraction awareness.

Employers value: stable output, low rework rate, and correct interpretation of drawings/WPS.

Requirements (detailed)

Technical

  • Practical MIG/MAG welding experience (production or fabrication).
  • Ability to weld to WPS parameters and follow SOPs (amps/voltage/wire feed, gas flow, prep rules).
  • Comfort with common joint types: fillet welds, lap/T joints, and butt welds (as applicable).
  • Basic defect awareness: porosity, lack of fusion, undercut, overlap, burn-through; ability to correct root cause.
  • Read drawings and welding symbols; measure and verify basic dimensions where required.

Work readiness

  • CV in English (mandatory).
  • English sufficient for safety briefings, instructions, and shift handovers.
  • Right to work in the UK, or eligibility for an employer-sponsored route (employer-dependent).
  • Weld test may be required (common in UK hiring).

Certificates (helpful, role-dependent)

  • Documented weld testing (e.g., MIG/MAG process) or evidence of recent employer tests.
  • Process familiarity references: 135 (MAG solid wire), 136 (flux-cored) where relevant.

What MaViAl provides

  • CV-led matching to UK demand and client requirements.
  • Clear application steps, screening guidance, and expectations before any test.
  • Communication support through the process (role and site dependent).
Role context (UK):

MIG/MAG welding in the UK is frequently tied to manufacturing throughput and QC discipline. Employers prioritize repeatable quality on shift, clean fit-up, and stable parameters over “one-off hero welds”.

Next step: Submit your CV via the CV page, then we screen your profile against current UK demand and site requirements.
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FAQ

What gross hourly rate can MIG/MAG welders expect in the UK?

Many standard workshop roles cluster around the mid-teens per hour (gross), with higher rates when shifts, tighter QC, or tests/coding apply. Market references show a reported average of £15.66/hour for “MIG Welder” and policy tables show hourly equivalents for “Welding trades (SOC 5213)” at £17.90 (standard) / £15.13 (lower) under specific conditions. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

Do I need a weld test?

Often yes. UK employers commonly request a practical test to verify bead quality, penetration, and defect control under their settings and materials.

What English level is required?

You need functional English for safety briefings, daily instructions, hazard reporting, and shift handovers. This is a safety-critical environment.

Is sponsorship guaranteed for this role?

No. Sponsorship (where available) depends on the employer, the offered salary, and compliance rules. Treat it as “possible for some roles”, never automatic.

Which materials are most common for MIG/MAG jobs?

Mild steel is common in production and fabrication. Some employers also require stainless or aluminium experience (role-dependent).

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