Latest release
Unit Group

3311 Structural Steel and Welding Trades Workers

OSCA - Occupation Standard Classification for Australia
Reference period
2024, Version 1.0

3311 Structural Steel and Welding Trades Workers

Cut, shape, join and repair components of iron, steel and other metal structures, boilers, pressure vessels and pipes, ships and other vessels.

OSCA skill level

The occupations in this unit group have a skill level corresponding to the qualifications and experience below.

  • Skill Level 3: AQF Certificate III including at least two years of on-the-job training, AQF Certificate IV, or at least three years of relevant experience
Occupation

331131 Metal Fabricator

Marks off and fabricates structural steel and other metal stock to make, assemble or repair metal products, pipes and structures, such as boilers and pressure vessels.

Sheetmetal Fabricators are excluded from this occupation. Sheetmetal Fabricators are included in Occupation 331936 Sheetmetal Worker.

Alternative title

  • Boilermaker

Skill level: 3

Main tasks

  • Studies blueprints, drawings and specifications to determine fabrication job requirements
  • Measures and marks out the size, shape and location of cutouts and joints on metal stock
  • Uses specialised tools to cut, bend or shape metal into the desired structure or product
  • Joins metal sections together by welding, bolting and riveting
  • Examines welds for width of bead, penetration and precision, and performs necessary repairs or reworks
  • Cleans and smooths welds by filing, chiselling and grinding
  • May program machinery or computer-aided fabrication tools to optimise the metal fabrication process
Occupation

331132 Pressure Welder

Assembles, welds and repairs pressure vessels and pipes to relevant standards.

Skill level: 3

Main tasks

  • Reads and interprets blueprints and technical specifications to determine appropriate welding techniques for pressurised systems
  • Examines welds for width of bead, penetration and precision, and performs necessary repairs or reworks
  • Shapes, bends, cleans and smooths metal sections and pipes using hand and machine tools, and by heating, hammering, filing and chiselling
  • Welds pressurised pipelines used for transporting oil, gas and other high-pressure substances
  • Conducts tests on welds to ensure there are no leaks in the pressurised systems
  • Applies post-weld treatments to relieve stress and enhance the strength of the welded joints on pressure-containing equipment
Occupation

331133 Welder (First Class)

Fabricates and repairs metal products using various welding techniques.

Specialisation

  • Special Class Welder

Skill level: 3

Main tasks

  • Interprets engineering drawings and specifications to determine welding requirements
  • Applies appropriate welding techniques to join metal sections
  • Monitors and adjusts welding parameters to ensure quality and integrity of welds
  • Cleans welds by filing, chiselling and grinding
  • Inspects and tests welded joints for defects and compliance with specifications