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 minimum hourly rate for welder jobs in the United Kingdom from April 2026?
As per GOV.UK, the National Living Wage rate for workers aged 21 and over is £12.21 per hour from 1 April 2026. Welders must be paid this rate for every hour worked including overtime at time-and-a-half. Employers in manufacturing and construction sectors are required to record all hours and issue itemised payslips.
Q How many hours per week can a welder legally work in the United Kingdom including overtime limits?
As per GOV.UK, the average working week is limited to 48 hours over a 17-week reference period under the Working Time Regulations. Welders may opt out of the limit in writing but must still receive 5.6 weeks of paid annual leave including bank holidays. Night shifts for welders require health assessments every 2 years.
Q What tax code and National Insurance rate applies to welder salaries in the United Kingdom for the 2026/27 tax year?
As per GOV.UK and HMRC, welders with annual earnings above £12,570 use tax code 1257L and pay 8% National Insurance on earnings between £12,570 and £50,270. Income tax is charged at 20% on earnings from £12,571 to £50,270. Employers must deduct tax and NI through PAYE and submit monthly to HMRC.
Q What visa route and salary threshold apply for non-UK welders applying for skilled work in the United Kingdom in 2026?
As per GOV.UK, non-UK welders must apply under the Skilled Worker visa with a minimum salary of £38,700 or the going rate for the occupation code 5211. The visa requires a Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed UK employer and English language at B1 level. Processing takes up to 8 weeks with an Immigration Skills Charge of £1,000 per year.
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