Qualifications improve your chances; they do not gate the job. Level 3 is the most recognised.
Level 3 most recognisedOpen entry
Your route in
Employers typically expect around L2
1
Qualifications employers recognise (Level 3)
Any of these strengthens your application.
2
Where this can take you
Welder L2 then Metal fabricator L3 trade competence then supervisor, typically adding a Team leader/supervisor L3 for the management element.
Courses for this career
Level 3