3. Welding Artisan
There’s a growing demand for highly skilled and trained welders in South Africa due to advancements in production processes and materials. You will need to be proficient in a larger variety of techniques as well as capable of consistently producing high quality welds in sometimes difficult conditions.
A qualified welder can enjoy many varying opportunities in a wide range of industries.
What qualifications you need
An IIW Diploma, along with a Welder Performance Qualification (WPQ) will be required to work as a professional welder. These qualifications can be achieved through apprenticeships and training institutes.
Training institutions
Eskom School of Welding offers the Eskom Professional Welders Development Programme (EPWDP).
Artisan development academy and the Denel Technical Academy also offer a welding apprenticeship. This type of apprenticeship holds a national accreditation and is usually fully-funded. You’ll be able to combine this training programme with practical learning and training through the course of paying job. You, as the apprentice will not only gain practical work experience with your host employers but will fulfil training while receiving a salary.
Trade Associations you should belong to
The Southern African Institute of Welding (SAIW) is a non-profit technical organisation dedicated to furthering standards in welding-fabrication and related technologies. SAIW also offer courses that continue to develop and improve under the guidance of industry-based committees and presented by qualified and experienced lecturers. The SAIW Training Services is an International Institute of Welding ATB (Approved Training Body).
An SAIW qualification has long been regarded as the industry standard in South Africa and also enjoys international recognition.
Experience needed
In order for you to become a professional maintenance welder, an industrial welder, a fabrication welder or a special-applications welder, you will typically need four years in a welder apprenticeship programme. Many welders gain sufficient training by combining a one- or two-year technical school program in welding with on-the-job training.