The most basic definition of A Welder is someone who works with metal based on their knowledge of its weaknesses and strengths. Welding has long been identified as an important skilled trade which overlaps engineering and manufacturing sectors because of how it ranges across thousands of important manufacturing activities. Welding jobs are becoming important in the current economic climate and in light of the recent call and shared sentiments to increase artisan labor by the Ministers of Trade & Industry, Education and Labour to remedy unemployment and increase our production, manufacturing and processing capabilities in South Africa.
Similar to most careers in engineering and manufacturing people who traditionally thrive as welders need to have an aptitude for Mathematics. It also important for them to well adept in fast learning, pay attention to detail and be hardworking and inventive. The welding industry also requires interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate efficiently with clients.
There are as many names for Welders as there are career options across many industries; from being anAircraft Welder, Arc Welder, Automotive Acetylene, Electrical Welder, Special Class Welder, and Carbon Dioxide Welder to Brazier, Plater-Welder and Welding Tradesperson.
If you are interested in becoming a Welder, the qualifications are accessible from a range of FET Colleges and the colleges usually accommodate beginners and experienced welders. The welding industry spans across a range of paths including apprenticeships, learnership and trade tests; there is also an RPL provision for Artisans who self-taught in the industry. Some of these colleges across South Africa are the Eastern Cape Training Centres, South African Institute of Welders and TWI Training in South Africa. Some of these institutions offer internationally recognized qualifications qualification supported by the International Institute of Welding. Minimum requirements for an N1 certificate is a Grade 10 with Maths and Science.
If you intend to become a welder then you can expect to earn around ZAR54.13 per hour, the pay rises steadily as you develop in this position. Because this is a skill that requires a lot of manpower, the pay decreases with time and people can retire quite early. People in this job, generally don’t have more than 20 years of experience and the highest paying jobs associated with welding are Welder, Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Fluxed Core Arc Welding (FCAW), Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) Welding, and Metal Inert Gas (MIG) Welding.
