NL
ENWelding & metalwork
Experienced Filipino welders and metalwork professionals
The Philippines has a strong tradition of formal, competency-based welding training and a long history of international technical employment. SkillShift recruits welders, pipefitters and metalworkers for roles requiring specific welding processes and certification.
Many experienced Filipino welders have worked internationally, including on major construction and high-rise projects in the Middle East, such as in the United Arab Emirates and Dubai, and in shipbuilding or industrial fabrication. This gives SkillShift access to a broad selection of experienced welders and the ability to search for specialist profiles such as underwater welders. Not every candidate has the same background; experience, certification and suitability are always assessed individually.
Why the Philippines for this sector?
TESDA competency-based training
Welding training is regulated through the Philippine TESDA system (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority), focused on demonstrable practical competencies.
Broad process experience
Candidates are trained in processes such as SMAW, GMAW, GTAW and FCAW, depending on their specialisation.
Long tradition of international employment
The Philippines has a long tradition of international technical labour mobility.
Project experience
Many experienced candidates have international project experience in the Gulf region, including major construction and high-rise projects in the UAE and Dubai, as well as shipbuilding or industrial fabrication.
Role profiles
- Welders
- TIG/GTAW welders
- MIG/MAG (GMAW) welders
- SMAW welders
- FCAW welders
- Pipe welders
- Underwater welders and other specialist welding profiles
- Pipefitters
- Fitters
- Fabricators
- CNC operators
- Metalworkers
Training and certification
Candidates are generally trained within the TESDA system and may hold additional, role-specific certification. Philippine or TESDA qualifications do not automatically replace European or client-required welding certification; where needed, additional certification or a trade test is arranged.
Extensive practical testing in the Philippines
SkillShift works closely with specialist welding test centres in the Philippines. If requested, clients can have shortlisted welders extensively tested in practice before making a final selection.
The test can be tailored to the vacancy and the client's requirements, including the welding process, material, plate or pipe, welding position, thickness or diameter, WPS and specific acceptance criteria. The test setup and reporting are agreed with the client in advance so that practical results can form part of the selection decision.
What we assess
- Welding process (SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, FCAW)
- Material
- Plate or pipe
- Position
- Thickness/diameter
- Drawing reading
- WPS (Welding Procedure Specification)
- Certification
- Recent experience
- Industry/sector
- Trade test where useful
How SkillShift supports
- Feasibility assessment
- Recruitment and sourcing
- Screening and trade test where useful
- Interviews
- Documentation
- Permits
- DMW documentation and pre-departure requirements
- Relocation
- Optional housing
- Onboarding
- Aftercare
Which parts SkillShift carries out depends on the agreed scope of service.
DMW documentation and pre-departure requirements
Alongside the European permit route, the Philippine DMW documentation and pre-departure requirements must also be completed before a candidate can depart.
Netherlands and Belgium
Working in the Netherlands or Belgium
The available route depends on the country, the role and the applicable permit framework. SkillShift assesses each vacancy individually.
NETHERLANDS
Netherlands
The feasibility of technical and industrial welding roles and the applicable permit route are assessed case by case. Certification and practical experience play an important part in that assessment.
BELGIUM
Belgium
The applicable permit route and labour-market conditions differ by occupation and region. SkillShift assesses this per vacancy before recruitment starts.
Frequently asked questions
Do all Filipino welders have Middle East experience?
No. Many experienced candidates have international project experience, including in the Gulf region, but this does not apply to every candidate.
Is a TESDA certificate sufficient for European projects?
Not automatically. Philippine or TESDA qualifications do not automatically replace European or client-required welding certification.
Can SkillShift organise a trade test?
Yes. SkillShift works closely with specialist welding test centres in the Philippines. At the client's request, shortlisted welders can be extensively tested on process, material, position, plate or pipe, WPS and client-specific acceptance criteria.
Which welding processes can SkillShift recruit for?
Including SMAW, GMAW, GTAW and FCAW, depending on the specialisation and experience of available candidates.
Can SkillShift recruit specialist welders, such as underwater welders?
Yes, SkillShift can also search specifically for specialist welding profiles, including underwater welders. Because this is a smaller candidate group, availability, recent practical experience, certification and project-specific suitability are assessed for each request.
We are a staffing or secondment provider. Can SkillShift support us too?
Yes, in most cases we can. A staffing or secondment structure is usually more complex than direct employment because the employment relationship, client agreements, immigration route and Philippine DMW documentation and pre-departure requirements must fit together correctly. SkillShift assesses the proposed structure in advance and can help set up and coordinate the process where it is legally and practically feasible.
Discuss a vacancy
Looking for this type of professional?
SkillShift assesses the vacancy, sector-specific requirements and the applicable route before recruitment starts.