Occupational Certificate: Welder

About this Programme

The Occupational Certificate: Welder is a registered trade qualification under the Occupational Qualifications Framework (OQF) of the NQF in South Africa.

This programme elevates welding training in South Africa to internationally recognised standards, providing the skills and knowledge required to meet industry demands. It supports national artisan development initiatives and addresses the critical shortage of qualified welders in the country.

Graduates gain a strong skills base at artisan level, forming the foundation for achieving coded welding status — essential for specialised welding projects across industries.

Minimum Admission Requirements

• Grade 12 with Mathematics and Physical Science.

Career Opportunities

Qualified welders are in high demand across sectors such as:

• Manufacturing

• Mining

• Petrochemical industry

• Engineering contractors for large and small-scale projects, including national infrastructure and power supply initiatives.

This qualification is a response to the labour shortage of skilled welders in South Africa, a gap often filled by overseas contractors.

Duration

• 3 years

• Students alternate between college-based training and workplace experience.

Course Content

Knowledge Modules

• Introduction to the Welding Trade – NQF Level 2

• Occupational Safety, Health & Environmental Protection – NQF Level 2

• Welding Schematics, Calculations, Welds & Welded Joints – NQF Level 2

• Weld Imperfections – NQF Level 2

• Cutting & Gouging – NQF Level 2

• Welding Consumable Classification & Handling – NQF Level 2

• Metals & Weldability of Metals – NQF Level 3

• Fusion Welding – NQF Level 3

• Arc Welding – NQF Level 3

• Gas Welding & Cutting – NQF Level 3

• Welding Codes, Standards & Parameters – NQF Level 4

• Shrinkage, Residual Stress & Distortion – NQF Level 4

• Manual Metal Arc (MMA) Welding Process – NQF Level 4

• MIG/MAG/FCAW Welding Process – NQF Level 4

• Welding Inspection & Quality – NQF Level 4

Practical Skill Modules

• Fabricate Simple Components – NQF Level 2

• Manual Cutting, Gouging & Gas Welding – NQF Level 2

• Fillet Welds using SMAW, GMAW & GTAW – NQF Level 3

• Plate Butt Welds using SMAW, GMAW & GTAW – NQF Level 4

• Pipe Welds using SMAW, GMAW & GTAW – NQF Level 4

Workplace Experience Modules

• Cutting & Gouging a Range of Materials – NQF Level 2

• Producing Fillet, Plate & Pipe Welds using Various Processes – NQF Level 4

• Consumable & Material Handling – NQF Level 2

• Teamwork, Communication & Reporting – NQF Level 3