How to Become A Welder In South Africa

A welder is a skilled tradesperson who joins metal together, or fills and repairs holes on metal constructions through the use of intense heat and gas

What do welders do?

Welders use a variety of welding tools and equipment to cut and join metals and other materials together. Using specialized equipment, they put together mechanical structures and parts with the utmost precision.

What is the highest certificate in welding?

The highest level for them is usually 6G, which means they can weld 360 degrees around a pipe that doesn’t move. Producing this weld to the satisfaction of a certified welding inspector is tough sledding for a beginner. Nevertheless, a 6G certification is considered the gold standard of the welding profession.

What certifications does a welder need?

The main certification employers will require is the basic AWS Certified Welder certification. You will take an exam to earn this certification, which is offered at many AWS Accredited Testing Facilities. There aren’t any requirements needed to take this exam.

How to Become A Welder In South Africa

CAREER REQUIREMENT

Training RequiredPostsecondary certificate or associate’s degree program; apprenticeship or on-the-job training acceptable for some positions
Education Field of StudyWelding
Key SkillsManual dexterity, physical strength, attention to detail, troubleshooting
CertificationCertification is generally optional, but may be required by some employers
Job Growth (2018-2028)3% growth (for all welders, cutters, solderers and brazers)*
Median Salary (2018)R 634682.24(for all welders, cutters, solderers and brazers)*

Below are steps to Become A Welder In South Africa

Step 1: Prepare in High School

The American Welding Society advises that you strive for a well-rounded education in high school (www.aws.org). Take shop, math and science courses, in addition to welding if your school offers it. High school welding courses acquaint you with standard oxy-acetylene welding technology and the use of assorted metal-shaping equipment.

Step 2: Undergo Training

Employers might be willing to train you on the job, but most prefer applicants who have some formal instruction. Training is available in the military and through certificate and associate’s degree programs at community colleges, vocational and technical schools, and private academies.

Certificate programs may cover specific welding technologies, such as oxy-acetylene, gas tungsten or gas metal arc welding, or a broad set of technologies. Most associate’s degree programs provide broad coverage of multiple technologies and topics such as blueprint reading, drafting, metallurgy and site safety. Many associate’s degree programs include an internship.

Step 3: Obtain a Job

Building construction, infrastructure projects, machinery manufacturing, general purpose manufacturing and the automotive industry are some of the areas where you could apply your welding skills.

In 2018, about 424,700 people worked as welders, cutters, solderers and brazers, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov). Figures for welders alone weren’t available.

From 2018-2028, employment was projected to rise three percent to around 439,100. Productivity-enhancing technologies will constrain demand for your services. Demand is likely to be strongest in the manufacturing sector. The BLS reports that the median annual salary was $41,380 as of May 2018.

Step 4: Consider Certification

Many employers have internal certification programs, but for a performance-based credential with no educational prerequisites, the American Welding Society’s Certified Welder (CW) is your main option.

The CW exam tests your ability to perform welding procedures used with sheet metal, petroleum pipelines, structural steel and chemical refineries. To remain certified, you submit a maintenance form every six months that verifies your continued employment as a welder.

Step 5: Advance Your Career

Through accumulated experience and further training, you can open up a wider set of career options. If you have managerial talent and can obtain financing, you could open your own shop. Earning a bachelor’s degree will qualify you to become a welding engineer. Other possibilities include welding instructor, welding inspector or site supervisor.

Duties of a welder in south Africa

Properly positioning, securing, and restraining metal and metals parts with clips or clamps

Lighting flame sources

Using the flame in the welding area

Carefully controlling and monitoring the flame and the materials being welded to ensure that the proper temperature is maintained

Evaluating the final weld to ensure that it is properly completed and safe to use

Maintaining the welding equipment by cleaning it after use and storing it

Welding Education & Requirements

Completion of a Welding Certificate Program requires six to eighteen months.

Courses cover welding basics and will equip the student with the knowledge and skill needed to start working upon completion.

Participants learn how to use welding equipment safely, read blueprints, and complete work orders.

In addition to welding skills, students learn to work with others as a team and proper protocol for working as a welder.

The next step is earning and Associate’s Degree in welding.

This is a two-year program that further enhances a student’s skills and knowledge.

Students who have earned as Associate’s Degree have had opportunities to enhance their welding skills and have learned how to work as a professional.

Employment opportunities for a welder with an Associate’s Degree is vast.

Earning the degree insures that they are a knowledgeable welder and ready to be a part of a team.

Some welders go to a college or university for four years and earn a bachelor’s degree.

With this level of education, welders have outstanding welding skills and can perform their job duties in the most professional way.

Welders with a bachelor’s degree earn the highest income.

How much is a welding course in South Africa?

Arc welding training price is R6000 and takes 4 weeks.

How much does a welder make in South Africa?

Welder Average Salary & Hourly Pay

The average salary for a Welder in SA is R 11 717 gross per month (R 67,60 gross per hour), which is 50% lower than the South Africa’s national average salary. Salary Range: a Welder can expect an average starting salary of R 7 453. The highest salaries can exceed R 19 413.

How long does it take to become a welder in South Africa?

According to SAQA, after finishing Welder courses and four years as an apprentice, one can begin a career as a welder in sectors like: The motor body manufacturing industry.

How much does a welding inspector earn in South Africa?

A mid career Welding Inspector with 4-9 years of experience earns an average salary of R 23 000, while a Senior Welding Inspector with 10-20 years of experience makes on average R 32 000. Welding and Fabrication inspectors with more than 20 years of experience may earn more than R 40 000 per month.

Is welding a high demand job?

The South Africa. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the need for welders is expected to grow by 26 percent. This makes welding one of the fastest growing professions in America. The welding industry offers higher than average starting pay, good benefits and a bright future.

Is welding a dying job?

All the statistic show that welding is not only not dying, but it is rather growing each and every day. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics welding is going to grow on an average of 3% by the year 2029 adding another 13,600 jobs.