Boilermakers are in demand!

Boilermakers work in the heavy engineering industry and make boilers, engines and pressure-vessels.

They work with large sheets of metal to make parts for machines and equipment. If you imagine yourself as a metal worker and practically skilled, then a career in Boiler Making is for you!

Boilermakers build or repair containers made with steel plates and pipes which are used in many industries ranging from boilers for steam engines, vats, tanks and to pressure vessels like the ones used at power stations and petrochemical plants.

Their work can also be quite varied and Boilermakers can work in factories: making containers, doing repairs or work at power stations, on oil rigs, in petrol refineries, on the mines and in the shipbuilding industry.

In some ways they are like specialist welders and must be very skilled and responsible when they work:  reason being – containers they make or repair are used under high pressure or may contain chemicals or poisonous gases, so any fault in the seams and joints can cause accidents and serious injury.

What does a Boilermaker do?

• accurately reading plans
• building to specifications
• cleaning and inspecting boiler for proper functioning
• constructing, assembling, maintaining
• repairing stationary steam boilers
• testing assembled vessels
• straightening or reshaping bent pressure vessels

Are you … ?

• good at working with others?
• detail orientated?
• good with your hands?
• mathematically minded?
• good at technical drawing?
• hard working?
• willing to work in cramped, noisy, hot spaces?

How do I become a Boilermaker?

It’s possible to start studying and training from the age of 16 by applying to a FET college to do a NCV (National Certificate Vocational) course instead of an academic matric.

Otherwise you can start after school at a FET college, Technical training centre or University of Technology.

There are three ways to qualify as a registered Boilermaker:

• an Apprenticeship
• a Learnership
• training at a FET college

They all offer theoretical training and practical experience.

You will need a National Certificate Vocational (NCV) in Engineering and Related Design (3 years) from a Further Education and Training (FET) College, with Engineering Fabrication as one of your subjects.

Part of your training includes practical work experience in order to gain a professional registration. This practical experience is gained through a learnership or an apprenticeship.

Further Education and Training Colleges (FET) offer programmes for specific Trades such as boiler making.

We advise contacting these institutions directly.

Visit the Career Planet Training Institutions page to find your nearest FET College.

Minimum requirements:   Grade 9 Certificate
Recommended subjects:   Mathematics and Physical Science

Certain Further Education and Training (FET) institutions may conduct interviews as part of their admission process.

• TETA:  Transport Education Training Authority offers both learnerships and apprenticeships for artisanal trades.

Minimum requirements:  Grade 10 with Mathematics or Part 1 N1
http://www.teta.org.za/SkillsDev/apprentices.shtml

The duration of the apprenticeship varies according to skills set and previous experience. If you are a fast learner you may be able to skip certain processes and go on to your trade test.

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Pipe Fitter or Automotive Sheet Metal Worker

Is becoming a Boiler Maker the right career choice for me?

See below for more info.

Visit the Career Planet Training Institutions page to find your nearest FET college.

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)

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:

http://www.dhet.gov.za/Registers_DocLib/Register%20of%20Private%20Colleges%2020%20September%202019%2002%20%282%29.pdf

and/or this list

http://www.dhet.gov.za/Registers_DocLib/Register%20of%20Private%20Colleges%2020%20September%202019%2002%20%282%29.pdf 

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

CLICK HERE

Other names for Aircraft Sheet Metalworker:

CLICK HERE

Youtube clip – All about Sheet Metal Work

For training options in South Africa – scroll down

What is an Aircraft Sheet Metalworker?

Aircraft Sheetmetal Workers are in demand!

An Aircraft Sheet Metalworker may also be known as a Aircraft Structures Worker.

If being part of a team that builds aircraft thrills you, then becoming an Aircraft Sheetmetal Worker or Aircraft Structural Worker may be the job for you!

Job opportunities exist in the aviation industry in South Africa and abroad.

Aircraft Sheetmetal Workers are responsible for designing patterns, cutting, shaping and putting together the metal pieces of an aircraft.  This is done by soldering and welding pieces together. They, therefore, must know about the properties of different metals.

An Aircraft Sheetmetal Worker work indoors in very clean surroundings, under very noisy conditions.

What does an Aircraft Sheetmetal Worker do?

• follows plans
• designs templates/patterns for cutting metal
• measures and calculates
• cuts metal sheets
• bends, shapes and hammers metal into correct shapes
• solders and welds pieces together
• constructs and installs
• files, sands and smooths
• inspects for quality control – pieces must fit together perfectly

Are you … ?

• good with your hands?
• interested in aircraft?
• technical?
• mathematical?  Have a good sense of geometry?
• neat and accurate?
• a person with good eye-hand co-ordination?
• physical fit?

How do I become an Aircraft Sheetmetal Worker?

PATH 1

• Apprenticeship
• Trade Test

PATH 2

• Learnership – Aircraft Composite Structures Technician Level 2, 3 and 4
• Trade Test

PATH 3

• National Certificate: Engineering Studies – N1, N2 and N3
• These can be done at many TVET (FET) colleges
• Workplace experience
• Trade Test

PATH 4

• Artisan Internship
• Trade Test

PATH 5

• RPL (Recognised Prior Learning) for Artisans: CLICK HERE
• If you have already been working a long time as a Aircraft Sheet Metalworker without qualifications, you may be able to get your qualification through RPL
• Trade Test

Here are some other examples:

• DENEL CENTRE FOR LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT (DCLD):  (Kemptonpark)

Offer a 95-208 week apprenticeship as an Aircraft Structural Worker:

Minimum requirements:  Grade 10 (N1) with Mathematics and Science

• TSHWANE SOUTH COLLEGE

Offers an Aircraft Sheet Metal Workshop training programme in partnership with AERO SUD Industries.

The training is presented on two levels

Basic Sheet Metal hand skills (2 weeks)
Aircraft Sheet Metal Technology (6 weeks)

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Aerospace Operations Technician … or … Automotive Sheet Metal Worker

Is becoming an Aircraft Sheetmetal Worker the right career choice for me?

Tool, Jig and Die-Maker

CLICK HERE

for more info about this career

OFO No: 652203

Other name for Locksmith:

• Safemaker
  

CLICK HERE

Youtube clip – The Career – Locksmith

For training options in South Africa – scroll down

What is a Locksmith?

Everyone needs a Locksmith sometime in their life! 

A Locksmith specialises in locks and keys.

Locksmiths install, repair, and adjust locks in homes, offices, all kinds of buildings and motor vehicles. 

Locksmiths may work from a shop or have their own mobile business, operating from a van.

People are always:

• losing their keys and can’t get into their homes and offices
• slamming the door with their keys still in the car or in their boot
• jamming or breaking the key off in the lock
• wanting duplicate keys made for family members and staff

People don’t really want to break a window or knock down a door to solve their problem – calling out a Locksmith is a far better option.

In addition to handling locks, some Locksmiths also work in security consulting, since locks are one way to control access

Some Locksmiths may also supplement their income in their shop/office by also offering other services like:.

• Shoe repair
• Remote controls and advice etc

What does a Locksmith do?

• is available almost 24-7 for emergencies
• discusses requirements with clients
• cuts keys
• picks locks to open them for clients
• keeps stock of materials
• services cutting machine
• keeps client records

Are you … ?

• discreet and confidential?
• responsible?
• available almost 24-7?
• willing to travel to client’s destination:  house, office, car etc to solve the problem?
• good with your hands?
• able to deal with stress?
• security conscious?
• a person with good eyesight?

How do I become a Locksmith?

‘The Unit Standards, which form the framework for the training of Locksmiths, were registered by SAQA in August 2006.

The courseware material has been developed and written.

Assessors and Moderators have been trained and accredited and training facilities have been set-up and accredited.’ – LASA

• LASA:  Locksmith Association of South Africa

http://www.lasa.co.za

Offers an accredited National Certificate in Locksmithing

PATH 1

• Apprenticeship
• Trade Test

PATH 2

• Learnership – Locksmithing NQF Level 2, 3 and 4
• Trade Test

PATH 3

• Learnership – Lock Manufacturing and Assembly NQF Level 2 and 3
• Learnership – Lock and Safe Manufacturing and Assembly NQF Level 4
• Trade Test

PATH 4

• National Certificate: Engineering Studies: N1, N2 and N3
• These can be done at many TVET (FET) colleges. Check out your local college to  see what they offer.
• Workplace experience
• Trade Test

PATH 5

• Artisan Internship
• Trade Test

PATH 6

• RPL (Recognised Prior Learning) for Artisans: CLICK HERE
• If you have already been working a long time as a Locksmith without qualifications, you may be able to get your qualification through RPL
• Trade Test

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

• THE SCHOOL OF ADVANCED LOCKSMITHING

Offers various courses on locksmithing

http://www.locksmithschool.co.za/courses.html

Minimum requirements: Grade 10 usually required
Recommended school subjects: Woodwork, Metal Work, Technical Drawing and Workshop Practice

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Tool, Jig and Die-Maker … or … Body Guard

Is becoming a Tool, Jig and Die Maker the right career choice for me?

Other names for Fitter & Turner:

• Industrial Mechanician

CLICK HERE

Youtube clip – Merseta’s Job Description: Fitter & Turner

For training options in South Africa – scroll down

What is a Fitter & Turner?

This is a very skilled job.

Fitters & Turners maintain and repair many different kinds of machines.

Fitters and Turners are highly skilled crafts people who manufacture, construct, assemble and fit components for machinery.

If you consider yourself good with metal and repairing parts, then a career in Fitting & Turner may be just for you! 

What does a Fitter & Turner do?

• maintains and repairs
• assembles and fits components for machinery
• uses blueprints/plans to measure material for production
• monitors machinery and repairs faults
• fits parts required to complete the machine

Are you … ?

• good at working with your hands?
• mechanical?
• able to take exact measurements?
• able to work accurately?
• mathematically minded?
• strategic?

How do I become a Fitter & Turner?

PATH 1

• Apprenticeship
• Trade Test

PATH 2

• Learnership – Mechanical Engineering (Fitting & Machining) (Fitter and Turner) NQF Level 2, 3 and 4
• Trade Test

PATH 3

• Learnership – Fitting and Turning – Underground Diamonds NQF Level 2, 3 and 4
• Trade Test

PATH 4

• Learnership – Fitting and Turning – Open Cast Coal NQF Level 2, 3 and 4
• Trade Test

PATH 5

• Learnership – Fitting and Turning – Surface Diamonds NQF Level 2, 3 and 4
• Trade Test

PATH 6

• Learnership – Fitting and Turning – Underground Coal NQF Level 2, 3 and 4
• Trade Test

PATH 7

• RPL (Recognised Prior Learning) for Artisans: CLICK HERE
• If you have already been working a long time as a Fitter & Turner without qualifications, you may be able to get your qualification through RPL
• Trade Test

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Armature Winder … or … Pipe Fitter

Is becoming a Fitter & Turner the right career choice for me?

OFO No: 652206

Other name for Die Sinker:

• Die Sinker and Engraver

What is a Die Sinker?

A Die Sinker works with metal. They use special equipment and hand tools to make or create a specific hole or shape in steel blocks. The ‘holes’ or cavities are used as moulds for plastic manufacturing, coin making, or die casting.

Die Sinking can also be seen as ‘engraving’ – by placing text or logos into metal, word, or other materials.

What does a Die Sinker do?

• sources various metal sheets
• marks off and cuts metal using specialised equipment
• files edges
• sinks numbers and text if needed
• uses hammers and chisels
• creates ‘holes’ or cavities to order

Are you . . . ?

• good with your hands?
• interested in working in metal?
• accurate?
• a person with good sight?
• observant?
• safety conscious?

How do I become a Die Sinker?

PATH 1

• Apprenticeship
• Trade Test

PATH 2

• Learnership
• Trade Test

PATH 3

• RPL (Recognised Prior Learning) for Artisans: CLICK HERE
• If you have already been working a long time as a Die Sinker without qualifications, you may be able to get your qualification through RPL
• Trade Test

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Armature Winder … or … Diesel Mechanic

Is becoming a Die Sinker the right career choice for me?

CLICK HERE

Youtube clip – All about Aircraft Assembly

For training options in South Africa – scroll down

What is an Aircraft Assembler? 

The job of an Aircraft Assembler will depend on what they trade they study. Most Aircraft Technicians have a mechanical or structures qualification. 

What does an Aircraft Assembler do?

• assembles, fits and installs pre-fabricated parts to the aircraft
• fixes sub-assemblies
• inspects aircraft for to make sure it adheres to engineering specifications

Are you … ?

• passionate about airplanes?
• good with your hands?
• mechanically minded?
• responsible and trustworthy?
• accurate?
• a person with good hand-eye co-ordination?

How do I become an Aircraft Assembler? 

You will require a Trade Qualification in Mechanics, Structures or other suitable trade 

Minimum requirements: Grade 10 or 12 with English + Mathematics

Places that may offer training/employment:

• SAAT
• DENEL
• Private Provider

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Diesel Mechanic … or … Boilermaker

Is becoming an Aircraft Assembler the right career choice for me?

OFO No: 661301

Other names for Goldsmith:

CLICK HERE

Youtube clip – A Career as at Goldsmith

For training options in South Africa – scroll down

What is a Goldsmith?

A Goldsmith is usually included with various careers in the jewellery-making industry.  They may even be Jewellery designers. 

They work with gold and various precious and semi-precious stones.

Goldsmithing is one of the oldest professions dating back hundreds of years. 

Goldsmiths work for large jewellery manufacturers or for small private ones.

What does a Goldsmith do?

• builds good customer relations
• understands the customer’s exact requirements
• designs and draws
• is safety conscious at all times
• sets gems (precious stones) into the various jewellery pieces
• repairs jewellery
• polishes jewellery
• gives appraisals (written valuations) of the pieces
• keeps records

Are you … ?

• passionate about the jewellery business?
• good with your hands?
• a person with good hand-eye co-ordination?
• detail orientated?
• patient?
• creative?
• interested in chemistry?
• honest and reliable?
• a person with a head for business?

How do I become a Goldsmith?

Most Goldsmiths study a jewellery design course.  See under Jewellery Designer for more info.

PATH 1

• Apprenticeship
• Trade Test

PATH 2

• Learnership – Jewellery Manufacturing in a Production Environment Level 2 and 3
• Learnership – Jewellery Manufacturing Operations Level 4
• Trade Test

PATH 3

• Learnership – Jewellery Manufacturing Level 2
• Learnership – Jewellery Manufacturing in a Production Environment Level 3 and 4
• Trade Test

PATH 4

• Learnership – Jewellery Design Level 2, 3 and 4
• Trade Test

PATH 5

• TVET (FET) Certificate in Jewellery Setting Processes – NQF Level 4
• This can be done at some TVET colleges
• Workplace experience
• Trade Test

PATH 6

• Artisan Internship
• Trade Test

PATH 7

• RPL (Recognised Prior Learning) for Artisans: CLICK HERE
• If you have already been working a long time as a Goldsmith without qualifications, you may be able to get your qualification through RPL
• Trade Test

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Industrial Designer … or … Locksmith

Is becoming a Goldsmith the right career choice for me?

OFO No: 684902

CLICK HERE

Youtube clip – The Job of a Farrier

For training options in South Africa – scroll down

What is a Farrier?

A Farrier is a professional person trained to make and fit shoes to horses’ hooves. 

A Farrier is a specialised blacksmith – making and styling horse shoes out of metal.  Their job is highly skilled as they need to be skilled in metals as well as working with horses and ponies.

They usually work in rural or semi-rural areas.

What does a Farrier do?

• makes regular inspections: removes and replaces horse shoes
• trims and checks hooves for disease
• deals with and understands client’s needs
• combines technical competence with horsemanship
• designs specialised shoes to correct the horse’s gait, or correct other medical conditions

Are you … ?

• physically fit
• strong?
• a person with good eyesight and hearing?
• good with horses?
• responsible?
• good with your hands?

How do I become a Farrier?

Most Farriers start their career as an apprentice, working alongside an already trained Farrier.

Suggestion: Try meeting a Farrier in a local stable or on horse farm.  Speak to them.  They might be able to help you.

PATH 1

• Apprenticeship
• Trade Test

PATH 2

• Learnership – Equine Studies NQF Level 2, 3 and 4
• Trade Test

PATH 3

• Learnership – Foundry Operations (Foundry Melting) NQF Level 2, 3 and 4
• Trade Test

PATH 4

• Learnership – Foundry Operations (Metal Tooling) Level 2, 3 and 4
• Trade Test

PATH 5

• National Certificate: Engineering Studies: N1, N2 and N3
• These can be done at many TVET (FET) colleges. Check out your local college.
• Workplace experience
• Trade Test

PATH 6

• Artisan Internship
• Trade Test

PATH 7

• RPL (Recognised Prior Learning) for Artisans: CLICK HERE
• If you have already been working a long time as a Farrier without qualifications, you may be able to get your qualification through RPL
• Trade Test

Here is one place where you can study to becomed a Farrier:

• EQUIWORKS SA:  (Durban) offers a course in Farriery

• SOUTH AFRICAN ASSOCIATION OF PROFESSIONAL FARRIERS (SAAPF)

http://www.saapf.co.za/

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Blacksmith … or … Welder … or … Horse Trainer

Is becoming a Farrier the right career choice for me?