Moulders cast molten metal into moulds to produce solidified castings.
They first prepare and shape the sand in which the mould is to be formed. They then prepare the core or inside of the casting by means of a core box and place the pattern into the moulding box. They pack sand firmly around the pattern to impress its form in the sand ensuring that moulding boxes cover the top faces. Heavy castings are formed by holes being dug in the ground and lined with sand or brickwork. The pattern is then removed and the mould dusted. Once the mould is dry, molten metal is poured through runners into the mould.
After the cast metal has cooled down, the mould is broken away and the edges of the solidified casting are smoothed before it is finally machined. Because moulds are exposed to very high temperatures and pressure during the moulding process the moulds must be of a high standard. Moulders work in foundries.
Satisfying Aspects
- working with your hands
- working with others
- earning good wages
- satisfaction of seeing the results of your work
Demanding aspects
- the physical demands of the job
- working in dirty, hot and sometimes poorly ventilated settings
- the possibility of injury on the job
- working nightshifts or overtime and sometimes on public holidays and over weekends
Requirements
A moulder should:
- be at least 16 years old;
- enjoy working with his hands;
- have a feeling for forms and structure;
- have an aptitude for Mathematics;
- be able to read three-dimensional drawings;
- be patient and practical;
- able to work accurately;
- have good health and stamina and average physical strength;
- have good coordination;
- have good eyesight.
School Subjects
Grade 9 Certificate.
Some employers prefer higher qualifications.
Compulsory Subjects: None
Recommended Subjects: Mechanical Technology, Mathematics
Training
There are three ways to qualify as a registered artisan:
1. An apprenticeship is a 4-year contract between company and apprentice, comprising a 12-week theoretical training, which includes 4 subjects at national exam level.
2. A learnership is a structured learning programme that leads to a qualification in a certain field. The learnership programme includes a theoretical and a practical component. It usually takes about a year to complete. The training takes place on-site (on the premises of the organisation). This has the advantage that the learner gets on-the-job experience whilst training.
3. FET colleges offer theoretical training to prospective artisans via the new National Certificate Vocational (NCV). During this 3-year programme (levels 2 to 4), learners complete a school-leaving certificate (this NCV) similar to the
new National Senior Certificate (NSC) in schools. They are also exposed to a practical workshop component.
All learners are required to complete a practical internship under the supervision of an experienced artisan. As an alternative to doing the full qualification, a learner can apply to do a skills programme at a FET College. Skills programmes are short practical hands-on courses.
For more information about qualifications and skills programmes, contact your nearest FET College. FET Colleges are accredited and funded by a SETA (Sector Education and Training Authority) such as MERSETA or CHIETA. They also receive bursary funding through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) for the NCV programme.
Learners must all receive training in occupational safety and first aid, fire-fighting and preventative security measures. Learners study everything about the installation, maintenance and repair of all electrical equipment. They must also become familiar with municipal legislation relevant to electricity supply and consumption.
Employer
- Automobile manufacturing industry
- Foundries
- Industrial plants
- Government undertakings
- Metal and related industries
- Mines
- Shipyards
- Transnet
Contact
The Steel & Engineering Industries Federation
of South Africa (SEIFSA)
P O Box 1338
Johannesburg, 2000
Tel: (011) 298-9400 Fax: (011) 298-9500
www.seifsa.co.za