What is a Schweißer/in (welder)?
A Schweißer/in (welder) is a skilled worker who joins and assembles metal parts using different welding processes, such as arc welding, gas welding, TIG/WIG welding or MIG/MAG welding.
Welders are employed in many industries, including shipbuilding, the automotive industry, bridge construction, and the erection of steel structures and industrial plants.
There is no single, standardised dual vocational training as in some other professions.
Qualification is obtained through specialised welding courses (Schweißerausbildung).
The duration of the courses depends on the welding process and the desired level and usually ranges from a few weeks to several months.
Participants obtain recognised welding certificates, e.g. according to DVS or DIN EN ISO, which prove their competence in specific welding techniques.
Some welders enter the profession after training in a related metal or mechanical trade, such as Metallbauer/in (metal worker) or Konstruktionsmechaniker/in.
Preparation
Reading technical drawings and engineering plans
Preparing and positioning metal parts before welding
Welding
Selecting the appropriate welding process depending on the material and requirements
Performing precise weld seams to ensure strength and durability
Controlling temperature, gas type and welding speed
Inspection and quality assurance
Inspecting welds visually or using non-destructive testing methods, such as X-ray or ultrasonic testing
Repairing defects and re-welding where necessary
Maintenance and cleaning
Maintaining and servicing welding equipment and tools
Cleaning the workplace and used tools
Shipyards and offshore construction companies
Car manufacturers and vehicle body construction
Bridge building and steel construction
Metalworking plants and industrial production lines
Workshops producing or repairing special machinery and steel structures
Very high precision and strong sense of responsibility
Strong manual skills and physical resilience
Good understanding of technical drawings and construction plans
High awareness of safety regulations (fire, heat, fumes, gases)
Ability to work in different positions (standing, bending, overhead, confined spaces)
Specialisation in advanced welding techniques, e.g. aluminium or titanium welding
Further training as a Schweißfachmann/-frau (certified welding supervisor)
Promotion to workshop foreman, team leader or shift supervisor in welding departments
Working as a welding instructor in training centres
Opening a private workshop for metal construction, repair and welding services
| Schweißer/in (welder) | Metallbauer/in (metal worker) | |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Performing welding operations and joining metal | Manufacturing, shaping and installing structures, doors, gates, etc. |
| Tasks | Joining metal parts, repairing welds | Complete workflow from design and cutting to fabrication and assembly |
| Qualification | Welding courses with certified welding qualifications | Dual vocational training (3.5 years) as a metal construction worker |
The profession of Schweißer/in combines manual skill, technical know-how and high precision, and plays a key role in building strong structures and machinery in Germany.
It offers stable and in-demand employment opportunities across most industrial sectors.
It opens up multiple career paths, from specialisation to supervisory roles or training others.
It allows you to see the tangible results of your work in large buildings, vehicles or machines.
The editorial team of this website strives to provide accurate information based on thorough research and various sources. Nevertheless, errors may occur or some details may be incomplete. Please regard the information presented as an initial reference and always contact the relevant authorities for binding and up-to-date information.
