Career Overview: What do I do for a living?

 Welders use their knowledge of metals and physics as well as their dexterity to fuse various materials together. Quite often, they have to work with steel, aluminium or brass as well as polymers. Their equipment consists of a stick welder, a charged electrode, wire feeds, and safety gear.

A welder must possess an in-depth understanding of welding electrodes, filler wire compositions and fluxes, and how to store them. Expert welders must also identify quickly defects and fissures in metalwork, and know how to rectify them by filling in holes and indentations

Working as a welder may also provide experience in cutting, soldering, and brazing. Welders who possess these skills have a better chance of getting more work and subsequent higher pay.

Cutting involves the trimming of metal objects with arc, plasma or oxy-gas cutters. Soldering and brazing are forms of joining two or more metal objects together, but at a lower temperature than welding.

Welding imposes a few occupational hazards and dangers. The risk of injury in this vocation is high if the artisan does not possess excellent skills in safety and first aid, fire-fighting and preventative security measures

What is the minimum entry level?

Grade 9, Matric( Grade 12) NQF Level 1 with Communication and Mathematical Literacy

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):

RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment: Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. A statement of result or certified work experience record must then be issued by the accredited provider or workplace to confirm prior learning.

How to Work as a Welder in South Africa?

South Africa has a wide market for Welder jobs. There is a huge demand for such experts in several industries and sectors. Candidates that meet the mandatory qualifications and professional skills have several resources available where they can apply for this specialisation.

Graduating welder courses is a sure way to acquire the necessary skills for this vocation. The knowledge and information that you get from this type of learning give you a competitive advantage over other applicants for the same position.

Working as a welder in South Africa gives you the freedom to pick a field of work from numerous industries. Additionally, with enough experience and knowledge, you can start your welding business and practice the trade on a private

basis.