Are Welders in Demand? The Future of Welding Jobs in the UK
If you're considering a career in welding or wondering about the future of the trade, one big question stands out:
Are welders in demand?
The short answer? Yes—more than ever.
With a growing shortage of skilled tradespeople and increasing demand across industries, welders are seeing strong job opportunities, higher wages, and long-term career security.
At Stillarc Site Services Ltd., we’ve seen firsthand how essential welders are for construction, manufacturing, shipbuilding, and infrastructure projects across the UK. Let’s explore why welding remains a high-demand profession and what the future holds.
🔹 The Growing Demand for Skilled Welders in the UK
According to industry reports, the UK welding industry is facing a major skills shortage.
📈 Why?
✅ Aging workforce – Many experienced welders are retiring, with fewer young people entering the trade.
✅ Infrastructure & construction boom – Projects in rail, roads, bridges, and renewable energy require skilled welders.
✅ Manufacturing & shipbuilding needs – Industries like automotive, aerospace, and ship repair depend on welders for structural work.
✅ Shortage of hands-on trades – Schools have pushed university degrees over skilled trades, creating a lack of new welders.
This high demand and low supply mean that experienced welders can command better pay, more job security, and opportunities worldwide.
🔹 What Industries Need Welders Right Now?
If you’re searching for “welding jobs near me”, you’ll find plenty of opportunities in these industries:
1️⃣ Construction & Structural Welding
🔹 Welding is critical for bridges, buildings, tunnels, and steel frameworks.
🔹 Demand is especially high for on-site welders who can handle mobile repairs and installations.
🔹 The UK government’s infrastructure projects are driving demand for skilled welding professionals.
2️⃣ Manufacturing & Heavy Industry
🔹 From car manufacturing to shipbuilding, welding is needed in almost every large-scale industrial sector.
🔹 Companies require precision welding for machinery, vehicles, and production lines.
3️⃣ Oil, Gas & Renewable Energy
🔹 Pipeline welding and offshore welding jobs offer high salaries and opportunities for travel.
🔹 Wind farms, nuclear plants, and solar energy projects require skilled welders for structural installations.
4️⃣ Aerospace & Defence
🔹 Military vehicles, aircraft, and naval ships all require expert welding techniques.
🔹 High-specification TIG welding is in high demand for precision parts.
5️⃣ Emergency & On-Site Welding Repairs
🔹 Businesses and construction sites can’t afford downtime.
🔹 Mobile welding services (like those we offer at Stillarc Site Services Ltd.) are always needed for urgent repairs.
🔹 How Much Do Welders Earn in the UK?
Due to the shortage of skilled workers, welders’ wages are rising across the UK.
💰 Average UK Welding Salaries:
✅ Entry-Level Welders: £25,000 – £35,000 per year
✅ Experienced Welders: £35,000 – £50,000 per year
✅ Specialist & Offshore Welders: £60,000+ per year
Skilled welders who specialize in TIG welding, pipeline welding, and underwater welding can earn significantly more—sometimes over £100,000 per year for high-risk offshore jobs.
📍 Looking for welding work? Check out our services at Stillarc Site Services Ltd.
🔹 Will Automation Replace Welders?
With robots being introduced into manufacturing and automated welding, some people worry that welding jobs will disappear.
The truth? Automation will assist welders, not replace them.
✅ Robots are great for repetitive, high-volume production welding in controlled environments.
✅ However, on-site, mobile, and structural welding jobs still require human expertise.
✅ Skilled welders who adapt and learn new technologies will remain in high demand.
🔹 How to Get Started in Welding
With demand increasing, now is the best time to start a career in welding.
🔹 Get certified – Courses from City & Guilds or TWI (The Welding Institute) provide recognized qualifications.
🔹 Learn multiple techniques – Master MIG, TIG, and Stick welding for more job opportunities.
🔹 Gain experience – The more hands-on work you do, the better your job prospects.
For businesses, hiring skilled welders means getting work done faster, safer, and to a higher standard. If you need expert welding services in the Wirral, Liverpool, or Merseyside, we’re here to help.
📞 Need a reliable welder? Contact Stillarc Site Services Ltd. today!
