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ESCO occupation

welder

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Welders operate welding equipment in order to join metal workpieces together. They can use fusion welding processes based on different techniques and materials. They also perform simple visual inspection of welds.

7212.3 ISCO 7212 ESCO source
Competences
86
Groups
4
Essential
36
Optional
50

Competences and skills

86 ESCO relations
Essential knowledge 8 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

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No competences in this bucket.

Cross-sector

8 competences
cutting technologies

The variety of cutting technologies, such as software or mechanics, guiding cutting processes through lasering, sawing, milling etc.

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flammable fluids

The behaviour of liquids and gases that represent a serious explosion and fire danger, and their appropriate handling systems and effective storage.

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fuel gas

The various qualities, hazards and applications of gaseous fuels, such as oxy-acetylene, oxy-gasoline, oxy-hydrogen and others.

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metal thermal conductivity

The property of metals to conduct heat.

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quality standards

The national and international requirements, specifications and guidelines to ensure that products, services and processes are of good quality and fit for purpose.

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torch temperature for metal processes

Ideal temperature of tools and machinery equiped with torches to perform various metal processing on workpieces.

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types of metal

Qualities, specifications, applications and reactions to different fabricating processes of various types of metal, such as steel, aluminium, brass, copper and others.

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welding techniques

The different methods of welding together pieces of metal using various equipment, such as oxygen-acetylene welding, gas metal arc welding and tungsten inert gas welding.

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Essential skills and competences 28 competences

Occupation specific

2 competences
shape sheet metal objects

Use the appropriate tools and measurements to bend, fold and curve sheet metal objects into the correct shape.

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weld in hyperbaric conditions

Use arc welding techniques to make welds in conditions of very high pressure, usually in an underwater dry chamber such as a diving bell. Compensate for the negative consequences of high pressure on a weld, such as the shorter and less steady welding arc.

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Sector-specific

7 competences
interpret 2D plans

Interpret and understand plans and drawings in manufacturing processes which include representations in two dimensions.

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join metals

Join together pieces of metal using soldering and welding materials.

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perform metal active gas welding

Weld metal, mostly steel, workpieces together using active gas mixtures such as concotions of argon, carbon dioxide and oxygen.

Scope note
Metal active gas (MAG) welding and metal inert gas (MIG) welding are both subtypes of gas metal arc welding.
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perform metal inert gas welding

Weld metal workpieces together using inert gasses or gas mixtures such as argon and helium. This technique is usually used for welding aluminium and other non-ferrous metals.

Scope note
Metal inert gas (MIG) welding and metal active gas (MAG) welding are both subtypes of gas metal arc welding (GMAW).
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perform tungsten inert gas welding

Weld metal workpieces together by tungsten intert gas (TIG) welding. This arc welding process welds metal workpieces using the heat generated between an arc of electricity struck between a non-consumable tungsten metal electrode. Use an argon or helium inert gas to shield the weld from athmospheric contamination.

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select filler metal

Select optimal metal used for metal joining purposes, such as zinc, lead or copper metals, specifically for welding, soldering or brazing practices.

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smooth burred surfaces

Inspect and smooth burred surfaces of steel and metal parts.

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Cross-sector

19 competences
align components

Align and lay out components in order to put them together correctly according to blueprints and technical plans.

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apply arc welding techniques

Apply and work with a variety of techniques in the process of arc welding, such as shielded metal arc welding, gas metal arc welding, submerged arc welding, flux-cored arc welding, and others.

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apply precision metalworking techniques

Comply with precision standards specific to an organisation or product in metalworking, involved in processes such as engraving, precise cutting, welding.

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ensure correct metal temperature

Ensure the necessary, usually constant, temperature of processed metal workpieces during metal fabrication processes.

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ensure equipment availability

Ensure that the necessary equipment is provided, ready and available for use before start of procedures.

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follow health and safety procedures in construction

Apply the relevant health and safety procedures in construction in order to prevent accidents, pollution and other risks.

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follow safety precautions in work practices

Apply principles, policies and institutional regulations aimed at guaranteeing a safe work place for all employees.

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handle fuels

Handle and store fuels and assess their potential risks and dangers.

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interpret 3D plans

Interpret and understand plans and drawings in manufacturing processes which include representations in three dimensions.

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monitor gauge

Oversee the data presented by a gauge concerning the measurement of pressure, temperature, thickness of a material, and others.

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operate oxy-fuel welding torch

Operate a cutting torch fueled by oxyacetylene gas safely to perform welding processes on a workpiece.

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operate welding equipment

Use welding equipment to melt and join together pieces of metal or steel, wearing protective eyewear during the working process.

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perform test run

Perform tests putting a system, machine, tool or other equipment through a series of actions under actual operating conditions in order to assess its reliability and suitability to realise its tasks, and adjust settings accordingly.

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recognise signs of corrosion

Recognise the symptoms of metal showing oxidation reactions with the environment resulting in rusting, copper pitting, stress cracking, and others, and estimate the rate of corrosion.

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remove processed workpiece

Remove individual workpieces after processing, from the manufacturing machine or the machine tool. In case of a conveyor belt this involves quick, continuous movement.

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repair metal sheets

Repair bent or torn sheet metal.

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spot metal imperfections

Observe and identify various kinds of imperfections in metal workpieces or finished products. Recognise the best fitted manner of fixing the problem, which could be caused by corrosion, rust, fractures, leaks, and other signs of wear.

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troubleshoot

Identify operating problems, decide what to do about it and report accordingly.

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wear appropriate protective gear

Wear relevant and necessary protective gear, such as protective goggles or other eye protection, hard hats, safety gloves.

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Optional knowledge 19 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

11 competences
3D printing process

The process of reproducing 3D objects by using 3D printing technologies.

digital
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characteristics of products

The tangible characteristics of a product such as its materials, properties and functions, as well as its different applications, features, use and support requirements.

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ferrous metal processing

Various processing methods on iron and iron-containing alloys such as steel, stainless steel and pig iron.

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maintenance of printing machines

Upkeep procedures and technical working of machines that produce printed graphical material.

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manufacture of small metal parts

The manufacture of metal cable, plaited bands and other articles of that type, uninsulated or insulated cable not capable of being used as a conductor of electricity, coated or cored wire as well as barbed wire, wire fencing, grill, netting, cloth etc. Manufacture of coated electrodes for electric arc-welding, nails and pins, chain and springs (except watch springs), as well as leaves for springs.

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manufacturing of steam generators

The manufacture of steam or other vapour generators, the manufacture of auxiliary plant for use with steam generators: condensers, economisers, superheaters, steam collectors and accumulators. The manufacture of nuclear reactors, parts for marine or power boilers. Also the production of pipe system construction comprising further processing of tubes generally to make pressure pipes or pipe systems together with the associated design and construction work.

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mechanics of vessels

The mechanical aspects and principles of vessels operations, and the technicalities and mechanical composition of boats and ships.

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non-ferrous metal processing

Various processing methods on non-ferrous metals and alloys such as copper, zinc and aluminium.

Scope note
Excludes precious metals.
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printing materials

The materials, such as paper, film, metal foils, and glass, on which texts or designs can be transferred by applying ink through direct pressure or with intermediate rollers.

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printing on large scale machines

Methods, processes, and restrictions related to printing on machines that produce large quantities and sizes of graphic print materials.

digital
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types of metal manufacturing processes

Metal processes linked to the different types of metal, such as casting processes, heat treatment processes, repair processes and other metal manufacturing processes.

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Cross-sector

8 competences
automation technology

Set of technologies that make a process, system, or apparatus operate automatically through the use of control systems.

digital
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maintenance operations

The preservation and restoration of products and systems, and the methods and logistics of these practices.

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mechanics of motor vehicles

The way energy forces interact and affect components in motor vehicles such as cars, buses, invalid carriages and other motorised vehicles. 

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mechatronics

Multidisciplinary field of engineering that combines principles of electrical engineering, telecommunications engineering, control engineering, computer engineering, and mechanical engineering in the design of products and manufacturing processes. The combination of these areas of engineering allows for the design and development of "smart" devices and the achievement of an optimal balance between mechanical structure and control.

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metal bending techniques

The different techniques for the bending of metal sheets and their link with activities such as assembly, design, and maintenance.

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metal smoothing technologies

The various technologies used for the smoothening, polishing and buffing of fabricated metal workpieces.

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printing techniques

The techniques and processes to reproduce text and images using a master form or template such as letterpress printing, gravure, and laser printing.

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robotics

The branch of engineering that involves the design, operation, manufacture, and application of robots. Robotics is part of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and computer science and overlaps with mechatronics and automation engineering.

digital
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Optional skills and competences 31 competences

Occupation specific

1 competence
use sheet metal shears

Use specialised heavy duty shears to safely cut sheet metal objects.

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Sector-specific

9 competences
apply thermite welding techniques

Weld using equipment that operates based on an exothermic reaction fuelled by thermite.

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assemble metal parts

Align and arrange steel and metal parts in order to assemble complete products; use the appropriate hand tools and gauges.

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maintain mechatronic equipment

Diagnose and detect malfunctions in mechatronics components and systems and remove, replace, or repair these components when necessary. Execute preventative equipment maintenance tasks, such as storing mechatronics components in clean, dust-free, and non-humid spaces.

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maintain robotic equipment

Diagnose and detect malfunctions in robotic components and systems and remove, replace, or repair these components when necessary. Execute preventative equipment maintenance tasks, such as storing robotic components in clean, dust-free, and non-humid spaces.

digital
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operate 3D computer graphics software

Use graphical ICT tools, such as Autodesk Maya, Blender which enable digital editing, modelling, rendering and composition of graphics. These tools are based in mathematical representation of three-dimensional objects.

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operate oxygen cutting torch

Operate an oxygen cutting torch to cut metal, which uses an oxidation reaction combined with heat, allowing quick reaction with iron and steel but uneffective on other materials. Advance the flame at the right speed to allow the exothermic reaction to sustain itself through the thickness of the object to be cut.

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operate plasma cutting torch

Use a plasma cutting torch, which forces a narrow stream of plasma through a nozzle to melt metal, and a gas jet to blow the molten metal away.

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operate printing machinery

Operate machinery for various types of printed documents, adjusting the font, paper size, and weight. This allows ascenders and descenders to be correctly placed.

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perform welding inspection

Inspect and assure the quality of welded metals using diverse testing techniques.

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Cross-sector

21 competences
apply brazing techniques

Apply and work with a variety of techniques in the process of brazing, such as torch brazing, braze welding, dip brazing, and others.

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apply flux

Apply a chemical cleaning agent, such as ammonium chloride, rosin, hydrochloric acid, zinc chloride, borax, and others, that removes the oxidation from metals being joined during soldering, brazing, and welding processes.

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apply preliminary treatment to workpieces

Apply preparatory treatment, through mechanical or chemical processes, to the workpiece preceding the main operation.

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apply soldering techniques

Apply and work with a variety of techniques in the process of soldering, such as soft soldering, silver soldering, induction soldering, resistance soldering, pipe soldering, mechanical and aluminium soldering.

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apply spot welding techniques

Apply and work with a variety of techniques in the process of welding metal workpieces under pressure exercised by electrodes, such as projection welding, radius style electrodes spot welding, concentric electrodes spot welding, and others.

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consult technical resources

Read and interpret technical resources such as digital or paper drawings and adjustment data in order to properly set up a machine or working tool, or to assemble mechanical equipment.

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determine suitability of materials

While designing products, determine if materials are suitable and available for production.

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ensure correct gas pressure

Ensure the necessary, usually constant, pressure of gas which is part of a machine or tool, such as torching equipment, used to process metal workpieces during metal fabrication processes.

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handle gas cylinders

Grip gas cylinders in a safe manner and ensure they are compliant with safety and health regulations.

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inspect construction supplies

Check construction supplies for damage, moisture, loss or other problems before using the material.

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keep records of work progress

Maintain records of the progress of the work including time, defects, malfunctions, etc.

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mark processed workpiece

Inspect and mark parts of the workpiece to indicate how they will fit into the finished product.

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operate automated process control

Operate process control or automation system (PAS) used to control a production process automatically.

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operate brazing equipment

Use equipment designed for brazing processes in order to melt and join together pieces of metal or steel.

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operate oxy-fuel cutting torch

Operate a cutting torch fueled by oxyacetylene gas safely to perform cutting processes on a workpiece.

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operate precision measuring equipment

Measure the size of a processed part when checking and marking it to check if it is up to standard by use of two and three dimensional precision measuring equipment such as a caliper, a micrometer, and a measuring gauge.

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operate soldering equipment

Use soldering equipment to melt and join together pieces of metal or steel, such as a soldering gun, soldering torch, gas-powered iron, and others.

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perform minor repairs to equipment

Conduct routine maintenance on equipment. Recognise and identify minor defects in equipment and make repairs if appropriate.

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perform product testing

Test processed workpieces or products for basic faults.

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prepare pieces for joining

Prepare metal or other material workpieces for joining processes by cleaning the workpieces, checking their measurements with the technical plan and marking on the pieces where they'll be joined.

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read standard blueprints

Read and comprehend standard blueprints, machine, and process drawings.

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