Welder
What do Welders do?
In order to ensure the safe construction, maintenance and repair of parts and structures within nuclear power plants, the skills of a nuclear welder are essential. This skilled trade requires competence joining together metal components, such as pipes, using a variety of techniques that typically heat these metals above their melting points.
Typical duties and responsibilities of a Welder
Irrespective of the industry, a welder’s key duty is to join together metal components:
- Welding and Repairing Components: They perform welding tasks to join, maintain and repair various components and structures within nuclear power plants, including piping systems, heat exchangers, pressure vessels and reactor vessels.
Additionally, other typical duties and responsibilities include:
- Material Preparation: Prior to any weld, welders must prepare the materials to be joined; this may involve cleaning the surfaces to remove contaminants, cutting and shaping the metal parts to fit together properly and ensuring proper alignment.
- Planning and Preparation of Equipment: A welder should choose appropriate equipment and materials, specific to the metals being joined; this should then be properly set up, secured in place, adjusted and tested.
- Examination, Inspection and Maintenance: After completing the welds, and periodically, welders inspect the finished welds visually and may perform non-destructive testing (NDT) methods such as ultrasonic testing, X-ray inspection, or dye penetrant testing to check for defects or discontinuities.
- Regulatory Compliance: Nuclear welders must have extensive knowledge of safety protocols and adhere strictly to legal requirements; safety is paramount due to the high temperatures involved and the sensitive nature of nuclear facilities.
Skills and knowledge required to be a Welder
Typically, the skills and knowledge required to be a nuclear welder include:
- Technical Knowledge: A strong understanding of welding joints, positions, materials and dimensions, in addition to welding codes and regulatory standards.
- Engineering Competency: Welders must be able to interpret engineering drawings and specifications to understand the requirements for the welds they need to perform.
- Precision: Nuclear welders must work precisely and identify any imprecision, whilst maintaining accurate documentation, ensuring transparency and accountability.
- Certifications and Training: In the UK nuclear industry, nuclear welders must obtain specific certifications to ensure competence and adherence to safety standards.
- Continuous Professional Development: The nuclear industry is constantly evolving, so welders must stay up to date on the latest materials, procedures, technologies, regulations and safety standards – an ongoing commitment to training and professional development.
How do I become a Welder?
There are several pathways you can take to pursue a career in welding within the nuclear industry:
University
While a university education doesn’t directly train individuals to become nuclear welders, it provides knowledge, skills, and opportunities for nuclear industry careers. Aspiring nuclear welders may need additional vocational training, certifications, or on-the-job experience to specialise in welding for nuclear applications. Some universities offer specialised nuclear engineering degree programmes.
Apprenticeship
Seek out a welding apprenticeship to gain real-world experience. Apprenticeships typically involve a structured training programme that combines practical work experience with theoretical learning. Thus, during your apprenticeship, you’ll work alongside experienced welders and learn valuable skills.
Working towards the role
A sensible strategy to become a fully licenced nuclear welder is to begin at an entry-level position and work your way up. Prioritise developing your fundamental abilities, understanding safety protocols, and obtaining practical experience while always learning from colleagues and experience. Seek required qualifications, consider specialisation, and seize possibilities to advance and gain promotion.
