Welders play key roles in the manufacturing process. Their work varies from repair and maintenance welding, to construction and fabrication.
Welders' skills are used in the construction and maintenance of pipelines, boilers, nuclear reactors, pressure vessels, motor vehicles, oil rigs and turbine castings. They need to be competent in welding many types of metal (mild steel, stainless steel or aluminium) using various processes. Recognising welding defects and being able to rectify them are also part of the job.
Welders must also be able to identify welding electrodes and filler wire compositions and know how to store and dry electrodes and fluxes. The most common types of welding are electric, arc, resistance and gas welding. Other methods include the use of electron beams and laser beams.
Satisfying Aspects
- good job prospects
- being able to choose from a number of industries and specialization fields
- some physically disabled people can become welders
Demanding aspects
- standing and stooping for long periods of time
- possibility of injury on the job
- relatively dirty working environments
Requirements
A welder should:
- be at least 16 years old;
- be willing to conform to rigid standards of performance;
- be able to produce work of high quality;
- be able to concentrate.
- work accurately and carefully;
- have manual dexterity;
- have good eyesight;
- be willing to keep up-to-date with advances in technique and equipment.
School Subjects
Grade 9 Certificate.
Compulsory Subjects: None
Recommended Subjects: Civil Technology, Mechanical Technology, Mathematics, Physical Sciences
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
- Motor manufacturing industry
- Electricity supply industry
- Explosives and allied industries
- Metal industries
- Railway undertakings
- Heavy and light engineering industries
- Gate and fence industry
- Self-employment, with enough experience can practise this trade on a private basis or start own business
Contact
Southern African Institute of Welding
Membership Services Secretary
P O Box 527
Crown Mines, 2025
Tel: (011) 298-2100 Fax: (011) 836-4132
E-mail: erasmusv@saiw.co.za
in Cape Town:
P O Box 494
Goodwood, 7459
Tel: (021) 552-1781 Fax: (021) 552-2275
in Durban:
P O Box 2023
New Germany, 3620
Tel: (031) 201-4850 Fax: (031) 201-4850
www.saiw.co.za