Description
A welder is a vital role responsible for fabricating offshore wind structures through cutting, shaping and joining sections of metal plate and pipes. This includes reading, interpreting, and implementing engineering documents and drawings, as well as fabricating and welding material that corresponds to the engineering design requirements. Welders in Ireland may work on structures that include the turbine tower, the foundation and the onshore substation.
Lifecycle stages
Manufacturing and installation.
Typical employer
Manufacturer, EPCI contractor or subcontractor.
Place of work
Onshore in a manufacturing facility, port and assembly site. May occasionally work offshore at the wind farm site.
Typical working pattern
Full-time or fixed term contract. Flexible working arrangements may be available.
Education, training and qualifications
Experience (1-2 years) as a welder in a relevant industry, including welding practices used in heavy machinery such as MIG/MAG. A Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) technical certificate is required. NFQ level 6 in mechanical or the welding discipline is desirable.
Graduate and apprenticeship schemes are available with NFQ level 7 and NFQ level 4, respectively.
Typical entry position & transferable sectors
Entry roles include a junior welder and welding assistant.
Highly transferable from similar industries such as automotive, rail and transport, construction, oil and gas or aviation.
Career possibilities
Welders can progress to become as a weld specialists and site welding inspectors.
Full time salary estimate
€40,000-€60,000 per year, depending on experience. Additional offshore day rate for work done offshore on vessels. This salary range is for this specific role.
