Welding sparks future artisan

A newly-launched centre of specialisation is set to produce much-needed artisans for the country.

Boland TVET College’s Centre of Specialisation in Welding, based at the college’s Worcester campus, is skilling youth and upskilling artisans.

Second-year student Adenth Horne (23) from De Doorns says he has learnt how to weld materials such aluminium, stainless steel and cast iron.

“The skills I am learning here mean I can weld a tractor’s trailer, food safety equipment and stainless steel products,” Horne says.

Even though Horne already has a Welding Level II qualification, the centre is teaching him how to weld using new technologies, which will be put to good use when he opens his own industrial welding business.

“I want to open my own business because the area I come from has a lot of youth who have nothing to do. South Africa is importing welders at the moment because no one can do skilled welding jobs, like welding pipes under the sea,” he says.

The centre has 27 second-year students and is in the process of registering its second crop of first-year students. Ramarou Leseo, who is the welding facilitator at the centre, says they work with local businesses to secure work experience opportunities for their students.

The centre only accepts students once they secure work agreements with private companies. “Students split their time between school and work,” he says.

Horne works for a company that which produces agriculture-use products like hammer mills, pellet machines, muck spreaders and mechanical trimming blades. His job has enabled him to learn how the machines used in big companies work.

The welding centre is one of two in the country, with the other at Midlands TVET College.

Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology Buti Manamela says the centres of specialisation seek to transform the college system to make it more responsive to industry needs.