Welders are skilled workers who can connect metal pieces together. They are also responsible for strengthening earlier welding projects and filling and mending holes in metal structures.
Candidates for welding positions should first go through an apprenticeship training term and required welding courses. All welding techniques, including electric, arc, resistance, and gas welding, must be mastered by them. Laser and electron beams are used in other types of welding.
Working as a welder in South Africa offers a stable paycheck. This job has strong potential and gives qualified laborers a wide range of specialized options and industries to choose from. Welding has the advantage of being accessible to individuals with disabilities.
What Qualifications Do You Need to Become a Welder?
One needs a Matric Grade 9 certificate as proof of completion in order to work as a welder. Higher certificates may be required for some employers. Before being able to receive entry-level remuneration, registered artisans in this industry must complete courses and get training to acquire the necessary skills and expertise.
The MerSETA (Manufacturing Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority) database includes the position of a welder in South Africa. The craft is a component of CHIETA as well (Chemical Industries Education & Training Authority). You must have the following qualifications in order to qualify for this role.
- Be 16 years or older.
- NQF Level 1 in Mathematics or Math Literacy, Science, and Communication.
- Possess four years of experience in an apprenticeship.
- Strong understanding of the metals and materials used in welding.
- Possess a national certificate proving completion of welding training.
What Traits Do You Need To Be A Welder In South Africa?
In addition to these requirements, a welder must demonstrate the following qualities:
- being in shape to perform high-duty tasks
- take pleasure in using their hands
- being able to produce flawlessly durable work
- Be exact and thorough.
- capable of working in loud conditions
- Be prepared to operate in hot conditions
- possess a good vision
- Work meticulously and quite precisely.
The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) states that working in welding necessitates the following:
- Thorough knowledge of health and safety compliance requirements
- Working familiarity with hand and power tools
- Great command of the welding equipment
- The will to stay current with technological developments in the industry Excellent communication abilities
- Patience to complete a welding process with the finest outcomes possible
What is a Welder’s Job?
To join different materials together, welders employ their skills, physics expertise, and understanding of metals. They frequently have to work with polymers as well as steel, aluminum, or brass. A stick welder, a charged electrode, wire feeds, and safety gear make up their equipment.
An in-depth knowledge of welding electrodes, filler wire compositions, and fluxes, as well as how to store them, is required of welders. Expert welders must also be able to see flaws and cracks in metalwork rapidly and be knowledgeable about how to fix them by patching any holes or indentations.
Cutting, soldering, and brazing expertise may also be gained through welding work. These abilities increase the likelihood that welders will land more jobs and earn more money as a result.
Arc, plasma, or oxy-gas cutters are used to trim metal items as part of cutting. At a lower temperature than welding, brazing and soldering are methods of attaching two or more metal objects together.
A few occupational hazards and dangers are associated with welding. If the craftsman lacks great abilities in safety and first aid, firefighting, and preventative security measures, there is a considerable chance of an accident.
What Are A Welder’s Main Duties?
One of a welder’s primary responsibilities is to:
- Examining plans and comprehending the details
- Determining the size of the items to be welded
- Examining the state of the structures and supplies used in the process
- Working with power supplies and ignition tools
- Materials containing iron can be cut, gouged, and gas welded.
- Careful welding to prevent overheating
- Using a variety of hand instruments
- Repairing broken parts
- Ensuring that welding equipment is maintained
How to Work as a Welder in South Africa
The work market for welders in South Africa is very large. Such professionals are in great demand across a variety of markets. Candidates who possess the necessary education and experience can apply for this specialization via a variety of sites.
Completing welder training programs is a surefire approach to developing the abilities required for this profession. You have a competitive advantage over other candidates for the same employment thanks to the knowledge and information you receive from this kind of education.
You have a wide range of industries to choose from when working as a welder in South Africa. With appropriate expertise and experience, you can also launch your own welding company and engage in private practice.
Welding Schools In South Africa
- Southern African Institute of Welding
- Mulani Operators Machines & Welding Training School
- Welding Training Centre
- Hobart Institute of Welding Technology