Welder
The welder connects metal pieces to each other using different welding methods. The welding work is performed either manually or using a welding robot. In this case, work involves programming and monitoring. There are jobs, for example, in industry, shipyards and workshops. The profession requires manual skills, carefulness, quality awareness and cooperation skills.
Mechanical and metal products industry, engineering workshops, shipyards and repair shops.
The welder must be familiar with the welding methods and the materials used. The tasks require skills in using machinery, equipment and tools. Welders must be able to read working drawings and master measurement, sawing and grinding work. The profession must be familiar with quality requirements and welding industry standards.
The work must manage the economic use of raw materials and supplies. The welder must be able to understand the shapes of the pieces well. The profession requires the ability to work independently and cooperation skills. Hand welding requires good eye-hand interaction and persistence.
Care and responsibility are needed in the work. Language skills are increasingly needed to understand technical explanations and work instructions in foreign languages. Observing occupational safety and health is important. The working environment can be cold, hot or noisy and welding gases can irritate the respiratory system, so it is necessary to use protective equipment.
Good vision and physical fitness are necessary. You may have to work in difficult working positions, for example when you are bending or kneeling.
In upper secondary vocational institutions, you can take the Vocational Qualification in Mechanical and Production Technology. For example, the qualification may focus on production technology, in which case the qualification title is plate welder. The vocational qualification can also be completed through an apprenticeship. After gaining vocational skills, a Further Qualification in Production Technology and a Specialist Qualification in Production Technology can also be completed in the competence area of Plate and Welding Technology.
A person performing hot work at a temporary hot work site must have a valid hot work card issued by the Finnish National Rescue Association (SPEK), which can be obtained after completing a hot work course.
Median salary
2948 €/mo
Private sector
2952 €/mo
Public sector
2726 €/mo
The data is based on the median income, meaning the amount of salary which is the middle of the salary amounts arranged in order of magnitude.
Source: Statistics Finland's structural statistics on wages and salaries