In the world of metalwork, the phrase “not all welders and fabricators are created equal” couldn’t be more accurate. While there may be no shortage of candidates claiming to be skilled in welding and fabrication, identifying those who genuinely meet the high standards required by many specialist engineering workshops can be a significant challenge. The process of verifying CV credentials, assessing skills, interviewing and conducting practical tests to ensure candidates are as proficient as they claim is both time-consuming and resource-intensive and many business just aren’t set up to manage this.
The Challenges of Finding High-Quality Welders and Fabricators
Welding is an art form as much as it is a trade. It requires a steady hand, a sharp eye for detail, and an in-depth understanding of various techniques and materials. However, even among certified welders, the quality of work can vary significantly. A clean bead with no defects, consistent penetration, and the ability to weld in all positions—these are the marks of a truly skilled welder. Add to this the capability to fabricate complex structures from scratch, and the pool of candidates becomes even smaller.
Finding a welder who is also an excellent fabricator is a significant challenge. Fabrication demands a comprehensive understanding of blueprints, precise measuring and cutting, and the ability to foresee and solve potential issues before they arise, much of this is learned during their trade qualification and often sets apart the men from the boys when it comes to fabrication. Many welders can lay a bead and claim to be fabricators, but few possess the advanced skills needed to build from scratch with precision and efficiency.
A Select Pool of Talent with Specialised Skills
At Techtrade, we are fully aware that while there are many welders and fabricators out there, only a small, elite group possess the combination of skills, experience, and professionalism that our clients require. We choose to work with a highly qualified pool because our reputation—and that of our clients—depends on it. By limiting our focus to the very best, we can ensure that every candidate we put forward is capable of meeting even the most demanding standards.
We work with a range of welders, some with very specific specialist skills and others who have expertise across a wide range of techniques, including stick, tig, mig, flux-cored arc welding, plasma arc welding and submerged arc welding. By working with welders who are proficient in these techniques, we ensure that no matter the project requirements, we can deliver a professional with the right skills for the job. We have specialists in light fabrication, heavy fabrication, structural steel, pipe fabrication and welding, pressure pipe welding (ASME IX certified) amongst others.
By having experts in these areas, we can match the right talent to the right project, ensuring efficiency, safety, and superior results.
How Techtrade Ensures Quality
Our sourcing and screening process is designed to filter out all but the most skilled professionals. Here’s how it works:
- Thorough Interviews: We start with in-depth interviews to assess not just technical skills but also communication, work ethic and reliability. We want to know how candidates approach problem-solving and whether they have the right attitude for demanding projects.
- Comprehensive Reference Checks: Speaking directly with previous supervisors and managers gives us valuable insights into a candidate’s past performance, where we can verify their skillset, understand their strengths, weaknesses, and how they handled pressure on the job.
- Work Portfolio Review: Candidates are required to provide photos and descriptions of previous projects. We look closely at the quality of welds and the complexity of fabrications, so we can be clear on the type of work they are capable of.
- Verification of Current Welding Tickets: A critical part of our vetting process involves verifying that candidates hold valid and current welding tickets.
- Weld Assessment: Where appropriate the candidate will undergo a weld assessment, which involves practical testing and assessing, set up, approach and technical ability in a number of positions.
- Client-Specific Testing: Once a candidate has cleared our internal process, they move on to our client’s weld test. These tests are demanding, involving a range of welds in all positions, each of which must pass not only a visual test, but and ultrasonic test. The standards are extremely high, and with each test requiring significant time and resources, we can’t afford to put anyone forward unless we are confident they will pass with no defects.
The Cost of Getting It Wrong
When welders fail client tests, it’s not just a setback—it’s a costly mistake. Each test involves a significant investment of time and resources, and defects can mean rework, delays, and increased costs. This is why our stringent selection process is so critical. We take every measure to ensure that by the time a welder reaches the client’s test, they are fully capable of passing with flying colors.
The Bottom Line
Not all welders and fabricators are created equal, and in an industry where precision and reliability are everything, settling for average is not an option. At Techtrade, we pride ourselves on sourcing the very best talent through a process that leaves nothing to chance. By working with only a small, highly qualified pool of candidates across a range of specialisations we want to ensure every placement is the perfect fit for our client and we fully meet their expections.
With more than 30 years of experience in the industry, Techtrade has built a reputation for delivering skilled, reliable welders and fabricators. Our clients trust us because they know we don’t cut corners. From construction and marine engineering to custom fabrication projects, we have successfully placed top-tier talent across a range of industries.
Let Techtrade show you the difference that experience, diligence, and a commitment to quality can make.
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Looking for specialist engineering or trade temps?
Techtrade has a strong team of engineering and trade temps – ranging from machine builders, mechanical and maintenance fitters to fabricator welders, industrial electricians and riggers. You can view profiles of some of our top available temp talent here.
Find out more about Techtrade here, or to discuss how a temp solution would work for your business give Mike a call on 021 991 186.
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Engineering | Trade | Manufacturing