How to find a welder: type of welding, skill level, accommodation
Start with the type of welding
Welders differ by speciality. Manual arc (MMA) is used on building sites and for steel structures, semi-automatic MIG/MAG in series production, TIG (argon arc) for stainless steel, aluminium and critical welds, and gas welding for some repair jobs. A stainless steel specialist is not always quick on thick structural steel, so “welder needed” without details gives vague replies.
Skill level, experience and what to check
A trade certificate shows qualification, but in practice it is worth asking to see sample welds or hearing which structures the person has welded. If the welds are critical, ask about a welder qualification test or certificates. Find out whether the candidate reads drawings and works from blanks on their own, or needs a supervisor beside them. A probation period with a trial task is normal practice for welding.
What to put in the job post
- Type of welding — MMA, semi-automatic, TIG;
- Material — mild steel, stainless steel, aluminium;
- Skill level — for example formally trained, and whether certificates are needed;
- Experience — how many years and on which products;
- Hours — a six-day week, 8:00 to 17:00, shifts, live-in;
- Pay — monthly salary or piece rate, bonuses;
- Housing — whether a hostel or an allowance is offered, especially for people from other places;
- Workplace and terms.
Example: “Semi-automatic welder needed in Ottawa for a steel fabrication unit. formally trained, 2+ years of experience, able to read drawings. Six-day week, 8:00 to 17:00, on the payroll, from $460 a month, hostel provided.”
How it works on BlaBlaPrice
You describe the job in one request instead of writing in ten groups. Before it is shown, it is checked and you get hints on what details candidates are missing. Candidates answer in chat: skill level, type of welding, when they can join, expected pay. Next to each reply you see reviews of the person. Your contacts stay hidden until you choose a candidate. Details are on the “How it works” page.
Common employer mistakes
Before choosing, compare candidates by the same criteria: type of welding, skill level, readiness for a trial task and joining date. That shows who suits you best.
Employers often don't say which metal the welder will work with or whether protective gear is provided, and promise a “high salary” with no figure. Another mistake is not mentioning the piece-rate system and then arguing about rates. One more is not saying whether the welder works in the shop or travels to sites: it changes both the hours and the pay. For larger workshop jobs you may also need a fitter or a lathe operator.
If you are looking for work
Register on BlaBlaPrice as a service provider, choose this category and your area, and you will receive such job posts to reply to with your application.
