Welding is a skill
Mathematics and Science are the major subjects needed to become a welder
Good pass marks in maths and physical science are the requirements in order for one to study to become a welding engineer.
Lewis Khoza from KwaThema Extension Eight has been in the welding business for more than 24 years.
After completing his six month’s course in 1989, Khoza has never worked for any company but opened his own business and helped others by doing welding work on their cars and bicycles next to Ntokozweni Primary School in KwaThema.
He explains that he did the welding course because he understood that if he does not get employment, he can still be able to feed his family by opening his own business.
“Things have changed and some institutions offer a one-year course while universities offer a three-year course,” says Khoza.
Adding that welding engineers are required to complete a four-year degree course in order to enter the field. Some employers require job applicants to have a master’s degree.
In order to complete the national certificate one needs to study
N1
- mathematics N1
- engineering science N1
- plating and structural steel drawing N1
- metal works trade theory N1
N2
- mathematics N2
- engineering science N2
- plating and structural steel drawing N2
- welders theory N2
N3
- mathematics N3
- engineering science N3
- plating and structural steel drawing N3
- mechanotechnology N3.
After completing the course one can work at a construction or an engineering company, offer welding services as part of your own small business and also become a contractor to large engineering or manufacturing businesses that run building projects.
