MIG Welder

MIG Welder


Company
Randstad
Location
Leeds
Job Type
Contractor
Salary
€19.55–€39.10 an hour
Posted
26 days ago
Via
via Randstad

Job Description
Job title: MIG welder

Location: Peterlee, County Durham (travel & accommodation expenses)

Job type: Contract 6 months

Salary: £19.55 - £39.10 per hour

Are you a skilled Welder based outside of Peterlee, County Durham? At Caterpillar, we believe the best talent shouldn't be limited by a commute. That's why we've launched a comprehensive travel and accommodation support package to help you join our award-winning site in Peterlee, wherever you are based.

If you live further afield, you can access:
• Mileage support (40+ Miles): If your commute is over 40 miles, we will pay your mileage for every mile outside of that 40-mile radius (paid at the HMRC rate of £0.45 per mile).
• Accommodation allowance: If you live over 60 miles away and a daily commute isn't reasonable, we offer an Accommodation Grant of £50 per night to help cover your stay.
• Long-distance mileage: For those traveling over 60 miles, we still provide the mileage support for everything outside of your first 40 miles.

You will be welding metal to build the Articulated Trucks that power mines and construction sites worldwide. When you walk through our Peterlee facility, you'll join a skilled team at the heart of an award-winning manufacturing hub. And, it's easy to get to by train, bus and car (located just off the A19) with free parking available.

We know that great work deserves great rewards. That's why we offer some of the best pay rates in the region, a supportive team culture, and a work-life balance that works for you:
• Shift dependent competitive base rates (£19.55 - £26.39) plus a £150 Trade Test payment for all welder/fabricators(platers) roles just for starting with us.
• Massive overtime opportunities (Time-and-a-half on Saturdays, Double-time on Sundays) with the chance to earn up to £39.10 per hour, along with £80-£150 in monthly bonuses.
• Access to an on-site gym, free parking, and our "Flexible Benefits" app for big discounts on your weekly shop, cinema trips, and meals out.
• Up to 32 days of holiday, on-site Occupational Health and Physio to keep you feeling your best.
• This is a contract, but we treat it as a career. You'll have a dedicated Randstad team on-site to support you, regular performance reviews, and the potential to move into a permanent role with Caterpillar.
• The facility is a clean, safe working environment.

Working rotating shift patterns in our modern, quality-driven facility, you will:
• Use your MIG welding expertise to work on high-precision fixtures.
• Work to tight tolerances where quality is the number one priority.
• Operate overhead cranes and use jigs to move and assemble heavy-duty components.
• Collaborate with a team who take pride in the safety and standard of their work.

We need experienced MIG Welders who are ready to hit the ground running. You'll need:
• Qualifications: A relevant NVQ Level 3 in Welding.
• Experience: A solid background in MIG welding and the ability to pass a trade test.
• Mindset: A safety-first approach and a keen eye for detail.
• Flexibility: Comfort working in a shift-rotation environment (Days, Afternoons, or Nights).

Shift patterns:

Days: Monday - Thursday, 08:00 - 16:00. Friday, 08:00 - 12:30

Back shift: Monday - Thursday, 16:00 - 00:00. Friday, 12:30 - 17:00

Night shift: Monday - Thursday, 00:00 - 08:00. Friday, 17:00 - 21:30

Shift rates:
• Day Shift: £19.55 per hour
• Afternoon Shift: £23.46 per hour
• Night Shift: £26.39 per hour
• Overtime 1.5 (Mon-Sat): £29.33 per hour
• Overtime 2 (Sundays): £39.10 per hour

The process is simple: Apply today, and one of our friendly recruiters will give you a call to get the ball rolling. From registration to your trade test, we'll support you every step of the way.

Apply now and help us build the next generation of Caterpillar power.

skills

Sheet metal

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers about Welder Jobs

Q What is the National Living Wage rate for welders in the United Kingdom from April 2026?
The National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over is £12.80 per hour as of 1 April 2026 according to the Department for Business and Trade. Welders must receive this rate for all hours worked including overtime at 1.5 times the hourly rate after 40 hours per week. Employers in construction must also pay at least £35,000 annual equivalent for sponsored roles under the Skilled Worker visa route.
Q What visa sponsorship requirements apply to non-UK welders seeking jobs in the United Kingdom in 2026?
Non-UK welders require a Skilled Worker visa sponsored by a licensed employer with a valid Certificate of Sponsorship issued after 6 April 2026. The role must meet the £38,700 minimum salary threshold or the going rate for welders of £18.50 per hour whichever is higher. Applicants must also hold at least B1 English language certification and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge of £1,035 per year.
Q What qualifications and experience are required to work as a welder in the United Kingdom in 2026?
Welders must hold a Level 2 or Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Welding or equivalent plus a valid CSCS card at blue skilled worker level. A minimum of 2 years documented experience in MIG TIG or arc welding processes is required for most construction sites. Employers must verify qualifications through the UK NARIC service before offering employment.
Q What are the legal working hours and annual leave entitlements for welders in the United Kingdom in 2026?
Welders are limited to an average of 48 hours per week over a 17-week reference period under the Working Time Regulations 1998. Full-time welders receive 5.6 weeks of paid annual leave including bank holidays equating to 28 days for a 5-day week. Night shift welders must receive an additional £2.50 per hour allowance and health assessments every 2 years.
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