What training path can I follow to become a Welder?

Apprenticeship:

The entry level requirements for this program are a minimum grade 11 or a National Technical Certificate Level 2 (N2 Certificate) with the following subjects;

 Mathematics

 Physical Science

 Technical Drawings

 Welder’s Theory

The program entails a four year apprenticeship contract with an Employer which will include institutional training at an accredited Training Provider and practical workplace exposure training at the Employer’s worksite. The program is concluded with the completion of a national Trade Test at an accredited institution where after the person achieves “Artisan Status”. The FDT Training Centre is a nationally accredited Training Provider for welder apprenticeship training as well as a Decentralized Trade Test Centre for the trade.

Learnership:

This program consists of three National Qualification Framework levels (NQF levels 2, 3 and 4) with duration of approximately one year per level. The training program includes institutional training at an accredited Training Provider and practical workplace exposure training at the Employer’s worksite. The entry level requirement for an NQF Level 2 Learnership qualification is very much similar to that of an apprenticeship. Each NQF level is approached as an independent qualification and a Learner may exit the program after successfully completing the final assessment for that particular level and achieve a national qualification certificate as such. After completing the NQF Level 4 Learnership, a Learner still needs to successfully complete a national Trade Test at an accredited institution to achieve full “Artisan Status”. The FDT Training Centre is a nationally accredited Training Provider for welding Learnerships NQF Levels 2, 3 and 4 as well as a Decentralized Trade Test Centre for the trade discipline.       

Short skills programs:

The FDT Training Centre has formulated short skills programs in alignment with national training curriculums for the welder trade as well as with international coding certification systems as acknowledged by major Industries. A Learner may complete each skills program separately or can complete all the programs consecutively, from the most basic course for a person who has never welded before to the most advanced coding certification course. On the successful completion of these training programs, a Learner will be able to produce welds that will meet visual as well as x-ray evaluation as required by industry. The duration of each skills program varies from 14 to 26 days each, depending on the actual course content and level of advancement. A major advantage of these skills programs is that after a relatively short period of time and after the successful completion of the course, a Learner will possess adequate knowledge and skills to apply for employment as a “coded welder”. The entry level requirements for these courses are a grade 9 academic qualification and a person need to be physical abled bodied, medical fit and sober minded.