Job Purpose

The Trainee Welder will support the fabrication and welding of industrial boiler and pressure vessel components while developing practical skills across multiple welding processes. Working under the guidance of experienced coded welders and supervisors, the trainee will assist in producing welded joints that meet company quality, safety and inspection standards. This role provides structured training and hands-on experience in MIG, TIG and Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) within and heavy engineering and boiler manufacturing environment.


Key Objectives

• Develop practical welding skills in MIG, TIG, and Flux-Core welding processes.
• Assist in the production of accurate, high-quality welded joints on boiler-related components.
• Learn to work in accordance with industry and company standards, including welds subject to U/T, X-Ray, and MPI inspection.
• Build a strong understanding of safe working practices and quality requirements in a fabrication environment.

Main Tasks and Responsibilities

• Assist with the welding of shell boilers, pressure vessels, boiler casings, support structures, economisers, and associated pipework under supervision.
• Gain hands-on experience in:
• Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) on pressure parts and structural components.
• Metal Inert Gas (MIG) welding on boiler casings, support structures, and fabricated parts.
• Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding on pipework, economisers, and precision components.
• Progressively develop welding competence in line with training plans and competency assessments.
• Prepare materials for welding, including cleaning, measuring, fitting, and tacking of components.
• Support post-weld inspection activities, including visual inspection, and develop awareness of U/T, X-Ray, and MPI requirements.
• Learn the importance of weld quality and traceability in inspection-critical components.

• Work strictly in accordance with all health and safety regulations, including the correct use of PPE and safe handling of welding equipment.
• Maintain high standards of housekeeping within the fabrication and welding areas.
• Follow company quality procedures and instructions at all times.
• Work closely with experienced welders, supervisors, and fabrication teams to meet production targets.
• Demonstrate a positive attitude to learning, feedback, and continuous improvement.
• Attend internal and external training as required, including welding qualifications and safety courses.
• Assist in the basic care and maintenance of welding equipment and tools, reporting any defects to supervision.
• Learn to interpret fabrication drawings, including AutoCAD-generated drawings, to support accurate fitting and welding.

Skills and Qualities Desirable from Post Holder

• Strong desire to pursue a career in welding within an industrial or heavy engineering environment.
• Currently undertaking or willing to undertake a recognised welding or engineering apprenticeship or trainee programme.
• Some exposure to MIG, TIG, or Flux-Core welding (college, training centre, or workshop experience) is desirable but not essential.
• Good understanding of workplace safety and willingness to follow procedures at all times.
• Basic ability or willingness to learn how to read and understand fabrication drawings.
• Careful and methodical approach to work, with an understanding of the importance of weld quality.
• A reasonable level of fitness to undertake practical, hands-on fabrication and welding tasks.
• Ability to work well as part of a team, communicate effectively, and take direction from experienced personnel.
• Willingness to develop skills over time with the aim of progressing towards coded or qualified welder status.

To apply please send a cover letter and CV to hr@cochran.co.uk