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Start Your Successful Career with the Best Accredited Welding Course

Occupational Certificate: Welding (NQF Level 4)

Become a skilled artisan through our industry-focused welding course at Wheelset Academy. This professional programme prepares learners for real careers in fabrication, manufacturing, mining, engineering, construction, and related industrial sectors. In addition, it develops the technical knowledge, practical workshop ability, and workplace confidence needed to grow from entry-level welding tasks into advanced welding roles.

This welding course is designed for learners who want more than basic workshop exposure. Instead, it provides a structured path into the welding trade by covering cutting, gouging, gas welding, fillet welds, plate welds, and pipe welds using a range of welding processes. As a result, learners build the competence required for productive industrial work and progression toward a welding trade test and future coded welding opportunities.

Furthermore, the curriculum follows a progressive trade route that develops learners toward roles such as Fillet Welder, Plate Welder, and Pipe Welder. It also creates a foundation for growth into specialised positions such as Welding Inspector and other internationally recognised welding pathways. Therefore, if you are looking for a trusted welding training centre in South Africa, Wheelset Academy offers structured artisan training aligned with occupational standards.

Why Choose Our Welding Course?

The welding trade remains one of the most practical and employable artisan pathways. Therefore, learners who complete this programme gain valuable skills that industries need every day. At Wheelset Academy, we prepare learners for real workshop and site conditions while building strong technical discipline. This welding apprenticeship pathway is ideal for learners who want to enter the trade with a recognised occupational qualification.

In addition, it supports progression into more advanced welding work because the curriculum combines theory, hands-on practice, and workplace experience in one integrated programme. When you choose our welding courses, you benefit from structured training that moves from basic to advanced welding tasks, strong practical exposure in core welding processes, and a clear pathway toward the welding trade test. You also gain preparation for real workshop and industrial environments, while developing skills in safety, quality, inspection, communication, and reporting.

Furthermore, the welding course gives you exposure to fillet, plate, and pipe welding applications and leads to a recognised occupational qualification at NQF Level 4. Moreover, learners gain a broader understanding of welding codes, standards, consumables, weld quality, distortion control, and material weldability. Because of this, the programme helps build job-ready welders who can work more safely, more accurately, and more confidently.

Skills You Will Gain in the Welding Course

Through this welding course, learners develop practical and technical competencies required in modern fabrication and production environments. These skills help learners prepare for artisan workplaces and long-term career growth. Learners will gain skills to:

Apply welding safety, health, and environmental protection rules

Read welding schematics and perform basic welding calculations

Identify weld types, joints, symbols, and joint preparation methods

Detect weld imperfections and apply corrective actions

Perform cutting and gouging tasks safely and accurately

Select, classify, store, and handle welding consumables correctly

Understand steel, stainless steel, aluminium, and material weldability

Use fusion, arc, and gas welding principles in practical work

Apply welding codes, standards, and process parameters

Carry out MMA, MIG/MAG/FCAW, and TIG welding tasks

Inspect welds and support quality control processes

Welding Course outcomes

After completing this welding course, learners will be able to:

Fabricate simple components and work pieces

Cut, gouge, and gas weld materials manually

Perform fillet welds using different welding processes

Produce plate butt welds using major welding methods

Produce pipe welds using major welding methods

Handle materials and consumables correctly in a workshop

Communicate, report, and work effectively in a team

Apply safe welding practices in workplace settings

Progress toward the welding trade test

Build toward a future welding trade test certificate pathway

No Application Fee

Registration Fee (Annual)

R5,000

Portfolio of Evidence(POE)

R2,500

Welding Course Price

Monthly Fee × 10 Instalments

R4,150/mo

Annual Tuition Fee

R49,000

Duration — 3 Years Full-Time | 4 Years Part-Time

Total Months Payable — 30 Months

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Yes, our welding course is aligned with the standards of the South African National Qualifications Framework for occupational qualifications.

  • Minimum: NQF Level 1 (Grade 9) with Mathematics and Science.
  • QCTO Accreditation Number: 07-QCTO/SDP050326213717
  • SAQA Qual ID: 94100
  • Qualification Title: Occupational Certificate: Welder
  • Qualification Type: Occupational Certificate
  • NQF Level: Level 4
  • Credits: 373

To qualify for the Boilermaker Course or Boilermaker Apprenticeship, learners should meet the following requirements:

  • Minimum: NQF Level 1 (Grade 9) with Mathematics and Science.
  • Learners should have communication and mathematical literacy skills or a completed FLC (foundational learning competency)
  • Valid South African ID or a valid passport with a study permit
  • No Matric or industry experience required. However, having either will be an added advantage.
  • Artisan Recognition of Prior Learning (ARPL): This qualification may be achieved wholly or partially through Recognition of Prior Learning. Individuals with relevant workplace experience of 3 years may be assessed to gain access to the programme or receive credits toward the qualification.

Welder Course Essentials – From Rands to Results

Pricing & Payment Options

Full course fee or range Payment plan options Special discounts

Certification

Upon successful completion, learners receive a Letter of Competence from Wheelset Academy. Thereafter, once the required verification process is completed, an Occupational Certificate is issued by the QCTO and the relevant government authority, confirming the learner’s qualification and industry competence.

Schedule & Duration

Full course fee or range Payment plan options Special discounts

Delivery Method & Language

The course is taught in English and is delivered through interactive learning methods such as lectures, discussions, demonstrations, case studies, videos, workplace exposure, workshop practice, assessments, logbook or portfolio-based activities. In addition, study options are flexible and may include classroom training, blended online learning, or on-site training, depending on learner and industry needs.

Career Opportunities

The welding trade offers strong employment opportunities across multiple industries. As a result, graduates of this welding course can pursue practical careers in fabrication, production, maintenance, and construction environments. This makes the welding qualification valuable for learners who want both immediate employability and long-term technical growth.

  • Welder

  • Fillet Welder

  • Plate /Pipe /Fabrication  Welder

  • Structural Welding Assistant

  • Production Welder

  • Maintenance Welder

  • International Welding Practitioner / Specialist
  • Welding Inspector Level 1 / Level 2
Welder in protective gear during a welding course practical at Wheelset Academy welding training centre, preparing for the welding trade test
Practical welding course session at Wheelset Academy, where learners build hands-on skills for welding apprenticeship and welding trade test preparation.
Learner doing practical metalwork during a welding course at Wheelset Academy welding training centre, preparing for welding trade test
Hands-on welding course practical at Wheelset Academy welding training centre for learners preparing for apprenticeship and trade test success.
Learner performing practical metalwork during a welding course at a welding training centre, preparing for a welding trade test certificate
Hands-on practical training during our welding course at Wheelset Academy, designed to support welding apprenticeship progress and welding trade test preparation.
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Welder Course Content

The Occupational Certificate: Welder course consists of three main learning components: Knowledge Modules, Practical Skills Modules, and Workplace Experience Modules. Together, these components ensure that learners build strong theory, practical ability, and workplace readiness. As a result, graduates are better prepared for real industry conditions and progression toward the welding trade test.

Welding Course Knowledge Modules

There are sixteen (16) Knowledge Modules in the Occupational Certificate: Welder Course, with a total of 81 credits. These modules build the theory behind safe, accurate, and productive welding practice.

Introduction to the welding trade
  • This module introduces learners to the welding profession, trade pathways, specialised roles, and the work environment of a welder. In addition, it explains the apprenticeship route, trade test expectations, and career opportunities in different sectors.

  • This module develops safe work habits for general industrial and welding environments. Learners study hazards, PPE, environmental protection, confined-space risks, compressed gases, fire safety, and other core safety requirements used in welding workplaces.

  • This module teaches learners how to interpret weld sketches, measurements, joint types, weld forms, and preparation methods. Therefore, it builds a strong foundation for accurate fabrication, joint setup, and welding execution.

  • This module focuses on common weld faults, their causes, their effect on performance, and suitable remedies. As a result, learners begin to understand how quality welding reduces failures and improves product life.

  • This module introduces flame cutting, arc gouging, gas gouging, plasma cutting, and related cutting principles. In addition, it helps learners understand how to select suitable processes for different metals and job requirements.

  • This module covers electrodes, rods, shielding gases, backing gases, and the safe handling of consumables. Learners also study storage, drying, and correct usage practices that support weld quality and safe production.

  • This module explains the properties and weldability of carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminium, and other materials. Therefore, learners understand how metal type affects preparation, heat input, distortion, health risks, and weld performance.

  • This module introduces the main fusion welding processes and their consumables. It helps learners understand process differences, equipment functions, and the role of gases, fluxes, and electrodes in welding quality.

  • This module develops knowledge of electricity, arc welding equipment, arc behaviour, and welding hazards. In addition, it builds a stronger understanding of arc control and safe equipment use.

  • This module focuses on gas welding and cutting equipment, consumables, hazards, and safe operation. As a result, learners improve their understanding of thermal processes used in fabrication and repair work.

  • This module introduces welding codes, standards, and process parameters that guide welding quality. Therefore, learners begin to connect practical welding work to technical compliance and production requirements.

  • This module explains how heat affects welded materials and structures. Learners study shrinkage, stress, and distortion control so they can produce work that is more accurate, stable, and fit for use.

  • This module covers the theory behind the MMA welding process, including process control, consumables, and application. It helps learners understand how to set up and apply MMA welding more effectively.

  • This module develops understanding of MIG, MAG, and FCAW welding concepts, consumables, gases, and process application. In addition, it supports better process selection for fabrication and production work.

  • This module strengthens learner understanding of the MMA welding process and its application in industrial settings. It supports deeper process knowledge for more controlled and reliable welding outcomes.

  • This module introduces weld inspection, testing, quality control, and quality assurance principles. As a result, learners understand how welded work is checked, accepted, and improved in industry.

Welding Course Practical Skills Modules

There are eleven (11) Practical Skills Modules in the Occupational Certificate: Welder Course, with a total of 140 credits. These modules focus on workshop performance and hands-on process application.

Fabricate simple components or work pieces

  • This module introduces learners to basic fabrication tasks. They practise preparing and producing simple work pieces while following measurements, tolerances, and safe workshop procedures.

  • This module develops practical ability in manual cutting, gouging, and gas welding. Learners gain confidence in handling equipment, preparing materials, and producing accurate results safely.

  • This module trains learners to produce fillet welds using the Shielded Metal Arc Welding process. It builds control, consistency, and correct weld placement in practical workshop conditions.

  • This module develops practical skill in producing fillet welds with Gas Metal Arc Welding. Learners improve setup, technique, travel control, and weld appearance.

  • This module teaches fillet weld production using Gas Tungsten Arc Welding. It focuses on precision, controlled heat input, clean welds, and improved process discipline.

  • This module trains learners to produce plate butt welds with the Shielded Metal Arc Welding process. It strengthens joint preparation, alignment, penetration control, and multi-run welding practice.

  • This module develops practical ability in plate butt welding using Gas Metal Arc Welding. Learners practise controlled welding on plate joints while meeting process and quality requirements.

  • This module focuses on plate butt weld production using Gas Tungsten Arc Welding. It supports precision welding, process accuracy, and better control of weld profile and heat input.

  • This module develops practical pipe welding skills using the Shielded Metal Arc Welding process. Learners build control across pipe positions and more advanced joint applications.

  • This module teaches pipe welding using Gas Metal Arc Welding. It helps learners improve consistency, setup, and welding control in pipe-based fabrication tasks.

  • This module develops advanced practical pipe welding ability using Gas Tungsten Arc Welding. It emphasises clean, controlled welds and high attention to joint quality.

Welding Course Workplace Experience Modules

There are six (6) Workplace Experience Modules in the Occupational Certificate: Welder Course, with a total of 152 credits. These modules give learners exposure to real or simulated workplace expectations, reporting, materials control, and productive welding activity.

Cut and gouge a range of materials in the workplace

  • This module gives learners workplace exposure in cutting and gouging tasks. It helps them apply workshop knowledge to actual job requirements, materials, and production settings.

  • This module develops workplace competence in producing fillet welds across multiple welding processes. Learners improve productivity, consistency, and real-job application.

  • This module focuses on handling materials and consumables correctly in workshop operations. It supports quality, safety, stock control, and good production discipline.

  • This module gives learners workplace-based exposure to plate welding tasks using different processes. It strengthens joint preparation, weld quality, and practical output in real environments.

  • This module develops soft skills that matter in industry. Learners practise communication, teamwork, workplace reporting, and responsible conduct in welding environments.

  • This module provides workplace experience in pipe welding across different processes. It supports higher-level competence in demanding welding applications used in industry.

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Gallery

Student performing pipe welding during a boilermaker course practical session at Wheelset Academy.
Pipe welding practice during a Boilermaker Course at Wheelset Academy where students learn practical fabrication and welding skills.
Engineering drawing and template layout used in a boilermaker course at Wheelset Academy for fabrication training.
Engineering drawing and template layout practice during a Boilermaker Course at Wheelset Academy.
Students practicing fabrication drawings and template development during a boilermaker course at Wheelset Academy.
Template development and fabrication drawing practice during a Boilermaker Course at Wheelset Academy.
Student welding metal during a boilermaker course practical session preparing for a boilermaker apprenticeship and boilermaker trade test.
Practical welding session during a boilermaker course where students develop fabrication skills for a boilermaker apprenticeship and boilermaker trade test.

Welding Courses Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

A welding course teaches learners how to join metals safely and correctly using approved welding processes, tools, consumables, and quality methods.

 

Yes. The qualification includes extensive practical skills modules and workplace experience modules. Therefore, learners gain both hands-on workshop training and applied workplace exposure.

A welding apprenticeship is a structured training path that combines theory, practical workshop learning, and work-based experience to prepare learners for trade-level competence.

The curriculum entry requirement is NQF Level 1 with Mathematics and Science. However, employers or providers may add their own selection requirements.

The welding trade test is the formal trade assessment pathway that evaluates whether a learner has the required occupational competence to perform as a welder.

Learners work toward recognised trade outcomes through the occupational pathway. The final welding trade test certificate depends on successful completion of the relevant assessment and certification processes.

The welder course price can vary depending on the training provider, course structure, and payment options offered by different institutions. In general, many welder training centres charge an application fee, registration fee, Portfolio of Evidence (POE) fee, and tuition fees that may be paid either annually or through monthly instalments. For example, at Wheelset Academy, learners pay a once-off application fee of R500, an annual registration fee of R3,500, and a POE fee of R1,750, while tuition can be paid through monthly instalments of R3,500 or an annual tuition fee of R40,750. Because different institutions structure their fees differently, prospective learners should always check the full welder course price and available payment plans before enrolling in a welder apprenticeship programme.

You can study at a professional welding training centre such as Wheelset Academy, where training is structured around occupational course outcomes and practical industry preparation.

Yes. The welder trade offers strong employment opportunities in mining, engineering, construction, manufacturing, and energy industries. In addition, welders play a critical role in building, joining, and maintaining the metal structures and equipment that support modern society. They work on essential components such as pipelines, pressure systems, storage tanks, structural steel frameworks, transport equipment, plant machinery, and industrial infrastructure used in factories, power stations, construction projects, and production facilities. As a result, skilled welders contribute directly to economic development, industrial productivity, and large-scale infrastructure growth. Because industries across the world depend on strong, safe, and durable welded structures, qualified artisans who complete a welding course and progress toward a welding trade test certificate remain highly valued professionals with strong long-term career prospects.

 

You may pursue roles such as Welder, Fillet Welder, Plate Welder, Pipe Welder, Workshop Welder, or fabrication-related positions, depending on your experience and employer requirements.

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