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Trades & Construction

How to Become a Welder in Scotland

Cut, join and shape metal across Scotland's shipbuilding, energy, manufacturing and construction industries.

No Highers required

4-year Modern Apprenticeship

SVQ 3 at SCQF Level 6

Paid from day one as an apprentice

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Highers You Need

Typical entry: No Highers required.

Highers are not required for Welder — entry is through an apprenticeship or college course. National 4/5 qualifications in Maths, English and a technical subject strengthen applications.

Route to Qualification

Main qualification: SVQ 3 Fabrication and Welding Engineering (SCQF Level 6) — no university degree required.

1

Modern Apprenticeship in Engineering — SVQ 3 Fabrication and Welding Engineering (SCQF Level 6)

Typically 4 years

2

College route — NC or HNC in Fabrication and Welding, then into employment

1–2 years full-time

3

Welding certificates accredited by City & Guilds, plus "coded" welder approval tests for specialist work

Short courses once employed

Where You Can Train in Scotland

Training is delivered by colleges and industry training providers, usually alongside paid employment. Modern Apprenticeship vacancies are advertised on apprenticeships.scot.

  • New College Lanarkshire
  • Moray College UHI
  • Tullos Training (Aberdeen)

Salary in Scotland

Starting salary

~£25,000

Newly qualified

Mid-career salary

up to £45,000

5–10 years experience

National Careers Service welder profile (verified July 2026): £25,000 starter to £45,000 experienced — UK-wide figures; Scottish rates vary by sector and specialism.

EduSCOT note

Welding is one of the most direct routes from school into a skilled trade in Scotland — no Highers needed, and Modern Apprentices earn a wage from day one. A Foundation Apprenticeship in Engineering in S5–S6 strengthens applications, and coded welding qualifications open the door to higher-paid specialist work.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Highers do you need to become a Welder in Scotland?▾
You do not need Highers to become a Welder in Scotland. The main route is the Modern Apprenticeship in Engineering — SVQ 3 Fabrication and Welding Engineering (SCQF Level 6) (typically 4 years). National 4 or 5 qualifications — especially Maths, English and a technical subject — strengthen apprenticeship and college applications.
Where can you train as a Welder in Scotland?▾
Training providers in Scotland include: New College Lanarkshire, Moray College UHI, Tullos Training (Aberdeen). Modern Apprenticeship vacancies are advertised on apprenticeships.scot, and many Scottish colleges offer full-time courses in this area.
How long does it take to become a Welder in Scotland?▾
The main route — the Modern Apprenticeship in Engineering — SVQ 3 Fabrication and Welding Engineering (SCQF Level 6) — takes typically 4 years. Alternative routes include: College route — NC or HNC in Fabrication and Welding, then into employment (1–2 years full-time); Welding certificates accredited by City & Guilds, plus "coded" welder approval tests for specialist work (Short courses once employed).
What is the salary for a Welder in Scotland?▾
Starting salary for a Welder in Scotland is typically ~£25,000. Mid-career salary is typically up to £45,000. National Careers Service welder profile (verified July 2026): £25,000 starter to £45,000 experienced — UK-wide figures; Scottish rates vary by sector and specialism.
Is there an apprenticeship route to becoming a Welder in Scotland?▾
Yes — Modern Apprenticeship in Engineering — SVQ 3 Fabrication and Welding Engineering (SCQF Level 6) (Typically 4 years). Modern Apprentices are employed from day one and earn a wage while they train, with training costs supported through Skills Development Scotland.
Do you need a degree to become a Welder in Scotland?▾
No. Welder is a non-degree career in Scotland — the standard qualification is the SVQ 3 Fabrication and Welding Engineering (SCQF Level 6), gained through an apprenticeship or college rather than university. Apprentices are paid while they train, so there are no tuition fees to fund.