Fabricating and maintaining the steel structures that support Scotland’s offshore wind industry.
OVERVIEW
Offshore Wind Welders play a critical role in building and maintaining the steel structures used in offshore wind farms, including foundations, towers, substations, and offshore platforms. Work may take place in fabrication yards, ports, or offshore environments. This role suits people who enjoy practical, skilled trade work and want to apply their welding expertise to Scotland’s growing offshore renewable energy sector.
More details
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- • Weld structural steel components for offshore wind foundations, towers, and substations.
• Carry out fabrication, repair, and maintenance welding.
• Read and work from engineering drawings and welding procedures.
• Perform welding in a range of positions (e.g. flat, vertical, overhead.)
• Use MIG, TIG, FCAW, or MMA welding processes.
• Conduct visual inspections and assist with non-destructive testing (NDT).
• Work safely in accordance with site rules and offshore safety standards.
• Record weld data and quality documentation
- Location:
- Fabrication yards and ports across Scotland (e.g. Ardersier, Nigg, Arnish, Methil, Dundee).
- Offshore structures and vessels (depending on role)
- Fabrication yards and ports across Scotland (e.g. Ardersier, Nigg, Arnish, Methil, Dundee).
- Work Pattern:
- Onshore fabrication: standard shifts or rotational work.
- Offshore welding: rotational patterns (e.g. 2 weeks on / 2 weeks off).
- Onshore fabrication: standard shifts or rotational work.
- Conditions:
- Confined spaces, working at height, heavy steel components.
- Use of PPE and strict safety controls
- Team Structure:
- You’ll typically work alongside fabricators, inspectors, engineers, and offshore construction teams.
Essential Skills
- High-quality welding and fabrication skills.
- Ability to work to tight tolerances and procedures.
- Good hand–eye coordination.
- Understanding of health and safety.
- Ability to work as part of a team.
Useful Skills
- Coded welding certifications.
- Experience with offshore or marine structures.
- Knowledge of welding inspection and NDT.
- Ability to work offshore or at height.
- Blueprint and CAD drawing interpretation.
- Apprenticeship:
- Welding and Fabrication
- Welding and Fabrication
- College Routes:
- SVQ/NVQ Level 2–3 in Welding.
- Fabrication and Welding courses at Scottish colleges.
- Industry Transition Routes:
- Shipbuilding and marine fabrication.
- Oil & gas platforms and pipelines.
- Heavy engineering and infrastructure projects.
- Employer Upskilling:
- Existing welders often receive offshore-specific training through employers.
Typically Required
- SVQ/NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Welding and Fabrication.
- Valid welding qualifications (to relevant standards such as ISO 9606).
- Experience working to approved Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS.)
Desirable
- GWO Basic Safety Training (for offshore roles).
- Offshore medical (for offshore roles).
- Coded Welder status.
- NDT awareness
