How to Become a Welder

Explore a wide range of opportunities. With the right training and skills. Welders can enjoy competitive salaries and job security.

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What is welding?

Welding is a process used to join two or more pieces of metal by melting the edges and fusing them together. This process typically involves applying heat or pressure, or a combination of both, to the metal pieces being joined.

What does a welder do?

A Welder, also called a brazer is responsible for assembling pieces of metal together or repairing damage in metal components, using heavy high heat emitting machinery, melting the metal into shape. Their duties also include reviewing blueprints, cutting metal into appropriate shapes and sizes, as well as smoothing metal to remove creases.

Welder duties and responsibilities

This may vary depending on the industry you work in in and how much experience you have, but it typically includes:

Reading and understanding blueprints before starting a project
Sourcing materials to be used in the project
Measuring and cutting materials to exact specifications
Using the correct materials and equipment to join metals together
Check finished work to make sure it falls within the tolerances marked on the blueprints

Some of the common methods used by welders include:

Gas metal arc welding (GMAW) will see you use a welding gun with a wire electrode that produces an arc between the electrode and the welding material to fuse them together. The welding machine and the use of a welding gun in GMAW make it one of the easier methods if you are just starting out.
Gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) will require you to have the skills to use a tungsten rod which melts and fuses with other welding materials; standard materials, metals and thermoplastics. This type of welding works well for thin materials such as aluminium or stainless steel.
Shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) uses a flux-coated welding rod that conducts an electrode current that produces an arc when the rod touches metals or thermoplastics. This type of welding is useful in varying weather, like damp or wet conditions.

Becoming a welder could even open up a career in the arts if you are that way inclined and would prefer to use your specific talent to create steel art works which fetch high prices.

How to become a welder

Welding is a skilled trade that offers a rewarding and diverse career path in South Africa. If you’re interested in a hands-on profession with opportunities for growth and stability, welding might be the right choice for you.

1. Education and Training:

High School Diploma: While not always strictly required, a high school diploma or equivalent can be beneficial.
Welding Apprenticeship: Consider joining a welding apprenticeship program to gain practical experience under the guidance of experienced welders.
Vocational or Technical School: Many vocational and technical schools offer welding courses and certification programs.
Community College: Some community colleges provide welding courses as part of their vocational training offerings.

2. Certifications and Licensing:

National Qualifications Framework (NQF): South Africa’s NQF outlines various levels of qualifications. Welding certifications typically fall under the NQF level 2-4.
Welding Society of South Africa (WSSA): The WSSA offers various welding certifications, including basic welding, advanced welding, and specialized welding techniques.
International Welding Engineer (IWE): For those aspiring to higher-level positions, consider pursuing the IWE certification.
Licensing: While specific licensing requirements may vary depending on the industry and region, some areas might require welders to obtain licenses or certifications to work on certain projects.

3. Apprenticeships:

On-the-Job Training: Apprenticeships provide valuable hands-on experience and the opportunity to learn from experienced welders.
Formal Education: Many apprenticeship programs also include classroom instruction to cover theoretical aspects of welding.
Certification: Successful completion of an apprenticeship often leads to certification.

4. Specialized Skills:

Explore Niche Areas: Consider specializing in areas like underwater welding, pipe welding, or aerospace welding to broaden your career options.
Gain Experience: Seek opportunities to gain practical experience through internships, part-time work, or volunteering.

5. Networking:

Build Connections: Network with other welders, industry professionals, and potential employers to stay updated on job opportunities and industry trends.

When choosing an educational institution, consider the following factors:

Accreditation: Ensure the institution is accredited by a recognized body.
Curriculum: Check the curriculum to ensure it covers the specific welding techniques and skills you’re interested in.
Facilities: Assess the quality of the welding facilities and equipment.
Instructor Experience: Look for instructors with practical experience in the welding industry.
Cost: Compare the costs of different programs and consider any financial aid options available.

Remember: The specific requirements may vary depending on the industry and employer. It’s advisable to research the local job market and educational institutions to find the most suitable path for you.

Recommended skills

Detail oriented.
Manual dexterity and a steady hand to hold a torch in place
Physical stamina and strength
Spatial-orientation skills.

Pros & cons

Pros

You can enter the welding industry and become a certified welder even if you don’t have formal education or experience.
There are different ways to get certified and various certifications you can study to advance your career, including ones to allow you to handle flammable or explosive gases, along with basic welder certifications, which can take six to 18 months to get. Because you’ll work with flammable materials or gases in welding, an employer might require you to have certifications that verify your knowledge in handling flammable materials.
With many entry-level welding positions, a master welder can train you on the job or you can begin with an apprenticeship that lasts one to three years before becoming certified. You can also get your certification before your first welding job through high school vocational programmes or at a technical college.
Depending on the specific welding you would like to do, you may have to receive certification in aerospace, food service, piping or structural welds.

Cons

There’s a demand for welders in a variety of fields such as architecture, energy, engineering, construction, mechanics, mining and the military. The ageing infrastructure in the South Africa (SA) will provide jobs for people in this industry creating job security for skilled welders. Job prospects will vary based on a person’s experience or willingness to relocate.

How much do welders make?

The average SA welder salary is R13,232 per month This can vary based on experience, certifications, location and company. Considering overtime hours and additional projects, your salary can increase. Through training and higher-level certifications, you can advance further in the industry and increase your experience for a higher rate of pay.

Job security and outlook

Educational and training institutions

Educational Institutions:

Technical Colleges: South Africa has numerous technical colleges that offer welding courses and certification programs. Some well-regarded technical colleges include:
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Durban University of Technology
- Tshwane University of Technology
Private Training Providers: There are also many private training providers that specialize in welding education. Research and compare different options to find the best fit for your needs.
Apprenticeships: Look for apprenticeship programs offered by companies in the welding industry. These programs provide on-the-job training and can lead to certification.

Training Institutions

https://aie.ac/tpl-3_56_53-school-of-artisans-and-technical-trades.html

https://www.saiw.co.za/

https://cranestraining.com/welding.php

https://gautechtraininginstitute.co.za/welding-school/

TVET Colleges

https://www.lovedale.edu.za/n1-n3-welding.php

https://www.majuba.edu.za/artisan-courses/welder/

https://www.ntc.edu.za/110-programmes/elu-and-short-courses/145-welding

https://www.northlink.co.za/course/cbmt-welder-phase-1-4/

https://falsebaycollege.co.za/engineering-studies/mechanical/nc-welding-application-and-practice/

https://www.cct.edu.za/index.php/en/practical-skills-welding