How to hire a welder: MIG/MAG, TIG, stick electrode
The method and the metal decide everything
A welder doing manual arc welding (MMA, stick electrodes) and a welder using semi-automatic MIG/MAG are not always the same person. TIG, or argon-arc welding, is needed for thin metal and stainless steel and demands cleaner technique. Aluminium is a story of its own. So in the vacancy say what will be welded and which metal: mild steel, stainless steel or aluminium.
What to include in the vacancy
- Type of welding — MMA, semi-automatic, TIG, gas.
- Metal — steel, stainless steel, aluminium, thickness of the workpieces.
- Qualification — for example a trade welder certificate, or a welder qualification test where the job needs one.
- Pay — per day, per hour, per item or per metre of weld, for example $21 a day.
- Work location — workshop, building site, city.
- Schedule — six days a week, 9 am to 6 pm, or shifts.
- Type of employment — permanent, one site, a few months.
- Experience — in years and on which structures.
Example request
“A metal fabrication workshop in Auckland needs a semi-automatic welder. Work with mild steel, frames and trusses. Six days a week, 9 am to 6 pm, pay $21 a day. At least 3 years' experience, trade welder certificate, a welder qualification test preferred. Permanent work in the workshop.”
How to hire through BlaBlaPrice
You describe the vacancy once, in your own words. The request is checked: no ads or contact details in the text, and hints on the details. Then welders in your area reply in the chat: they tell you about the method, metal, qualification, experience and when they can start. BlaBlaPrice shows the strongest replies first, with the candidate's reviews next to each. Your phone number stays hidden, and you pay nothing for the search. More on the page “How it works”.
How to test a welder
The most reliable way is a trial weld. Ask for a sample welded from the same workpieces as in the job, and judge the weld: evenness, penetration, no pores. Certificates and documents matter, but quality shows in the weld. Ask what equipment the person has worked on and whether they have their own helmet, clothing and protective gear.
A common mistake is to look for a “welder for everything” and then find out he can't work with stainless steel. Also decide in advance who buys the electrodes and wire and who prepares the workpieces. Agree clearly on safety: a protective helmet, gloves and flame-resistant clothing must be worn by everyone. For assembling structures on site you will need an installer, and for general work a construction worker.
If you are looking for work
Register on BlaBlaPrice as a service provider, choose the category and your area, and you will receive vacancies for welders that you can reply to. For other building trades see the section “Construction / finishing works”.
