Welder
OFO No: 651202
What is a Welder?
- Welders join pieces of metal together. Heat is applied to metal pieces and this causes the metals to bond together.
- Welders work with metal and know its strengths and weaknesses.
- Because of its strength, welding is used in shipbuilding, automobile manufacturing and repair, aerospace applications, and thousands of other manufacturing activities.
What does a Welder do?
- fixes welds which have weakened and carries out general repairs
- analyses engineering drawings
- plans the layouts
- assembles and welds operations
- identifies damaged equipment and repairs them
- checks angles and adjusts by re-welding or using hand tools
- creates tools for welding by using mathematics and blueprint examinations
Other names for Welder:
- Aircraft Welder
- Arc Welder
- Automotive Acetylene and Electrical Welder
- Brazier
- Carbon Dioxide Welder
- Electric Arc Welder
- Flame Cutter
- Plate Layer
- Plater-welder
- Solderer and Brazer
- Special Class Welder
- Spot Welder Operator
- Welding Inspector
- Welding Tradesperson
See YouTube Clips below
How do I become a Welder?
It is most important to choose a course that is accredited and a training provider which is registered.
- Public TVET Colleges are both registered and their courses accredited. Here is a list of TVET colleges so that you can select one closest to you:
https://careerplanet.co.za/careers-listings/institutions/tvet/fet/-public-fet/tvet - Private Training Providers. You have to check whether they are registered and the course has a SAQA number
- The SAQA numbers are as follows (until 2021):
- 94100 Level 2 Occupational Certificate: Welder (Entry level: Level 1 or Grade 9)
- 57881 Level 2 National Certificate: Welding Application and Practice. (Entry level: Level 1 or Grade 9)
- 57886 Level 3 National Certificate: Welding Application and Practice. (Entry level: Communication and Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 2 or Grade 10)
- 57887 Level 4 Further Education and Training Certificate: Welding Application and Practice (Entry level: Communication and Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 3 OR Grade 11)
- The SAQA numbers are as follows (until 2021):
These Qualifications mean learners can move from one engineering area to another.Here are example of those qualifications:
22871: Further Education and Training Certificate: Engineering Fabrication (light or heavy).
23275: Further Education and Training Certificate: Mechanical Engineering: Fitting.
23279: Further Education and Training Certificate: Mechanical Engineering: Machining.
23281: Further Education and Training Certificate: Mechanical Engineering: Tooling Manufacture.
If you have the Further Education and Training Certificate: Welding Application and Practice, you may advance to:
49061: National Certificate: Master Craftsmanship (Electrical), NQF Level 5.
Or:
49059: National Diploma: Master Craftsmanship (Electrical), NQF Level 5.
Accredited course providers (Private sector)
To search online for opportunities try these key words:
south africa, welder, training, (list the areas where you are prepared to work – start with where you live)
To check whether the provider is registered check this list:
and/or this list
Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs)
The two SETAs in this industry are below. Check their websites for opportunities. They also are in charge of Trade Testing.
- MERSETA (Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Industries Sector Education and Training Authority)
http://merseta.org.za
- CHIETA (Chemical Industries Sector Education and Training Authority)
https://www.chieta.org.zaIf you are you a GRADUATE or a STUDENT seeking work experience, work exposure or work integrated opportunities? Send your CV to ssdd@chieta.org.za
List of CHIETA Accredited Training Providers:
http://www.chieta.org.za/ETQA/Provider-Accreditation/List-of-Accredited-Training-Providers
RPL (Recognised Prior Learning)
If you have already been working a long time as a Welder without qualifications, you may be able to get your qualification through RPL. Find the qualification you think you should have and a provider. Then talk to them about RPL.
Professional Institute:
(SAIW) South African Institute for Welding is the Professional body for this part of the industry.It offers a wide range of training options
Youtube clip
description of the work that Welders do
