Welding school opens for unemployed youth
The welding school is accredited by the South African Institute of Welding.
A class of unemployed youth from local communities in the greater Nigel area started their free accredited and certified professional welding training on April 4 at the newly opened Alstom Ubunye Welding School.
The welding school, accredited by the South African Institute of Welding (SAIW), was officially opened on March 31 by the Premier of Gauteng, Panyaza Lesufi.
Based at Alstom Ubunye in Nigel, the school will provide a range of theory and practical modules developed under the guidance of industry experts and presented by qualified educators.
In line with the digital and technological revolutions, a state-of-the-art virtual reality training programme will be part of the training modules.
Apart from welding practice, starting a learner with virtual reality welding allows them to understand welding terms and become familiar with the look and feel of welding before entering the physical welding lab.
“I support skills development, and today, I’m pleased to officially open the Alstom Ubunye Welding School that will equip the youth with key skills,” said Lesufi, speaking at the school’s inauguration.
“There’s a huge potential to link up with neighbouring schools of specialisation and develop future rail industry employees from the high school level.
“To re-industrialise Gauteng, we need industrial skills, and welding is key in that skills revolution.”
The welding course is three years long on a learner contract.
Upon completion, learners receive a QCTO (Quality Council for Trades and Occupations) registered qualification.
The occupational certificate for the welder is NQF level 4.
“Welding is a core skill in our production process of core mechanical components for trains and locomotives,” said Logan Naicker, the Alstom Ubunye CEO.
“Considering our growing operations and the need for rail-specific skills, we decided to invest in a welding school.
“This school will create a talent database of trained welders who will benefit from employment opportunities that arise in our operations as well as other companies running similar operations that require professional welding skills and expertise.”
Alstom Ubunye manufactures electrical and mechanical components that include end-under-frames, bogies, and bogie frames.
The electrical components include electrical boxes such as traction converters, static converters and high-voltage boxes.
The site also makes looming products for the trains and provides service and maintenance solutions for locomotives.
