This qualification is made up of the following compulsory Knowledge and Practical Skill Modules:

Knowledge Modules

• Introduction to the welding trade, NQF Level 2, 2 Credits.
• Occupational Safety, Health and Environmental Protection, NQF Level 2, 4 Credits.
• Welding schematics, calculations, welds and welded joints, NQF Level 2, 6 Credits.
• Weld imperfections, NQF Level 2, 2 Credits.
• Cutting and gouging, NQF Level 2, 2 Credits.
• Welding consumable classification and handling, NQF Level 2, 4 Credits.
• Metals and weldability of metals, NQF Level 3, 8 Credits.
• Fusion welding, NQF Level 3, 6 Credits.
• Arc welding, NQF Level 3, 8 Credits.
• Gas welding and cutting, NQF Level 3, 4 Credits.
• Welding codes, standards and parameters, NQF Level 4, 6 Credits.
• Shrinkage, residual stress and distortion, NQF Level 4, 4 Credits.
• Manual Metal Arc (MMA) welding process, NQF Level 4, 7 Credits.
• The Metal Inert Gas / Metal Active Gas / Flux Cored Arc (MIG/MAG/FCAW) welding process, NQF Level 7, 7 Credits.
• Manual Metal Arc (MMA) welding process, NQF Level 4, 7 Credits.
• Welding inspection and quality, NQF Level 4, 4 Credits.

Total number of Credits for the Knowledge Modules: 81 Credits.

Practical Skills Modules

• Fabricate simple components or work pieces, NQF Level 2, 4 Credits.
• Cut, gouge and gas weld material manually, NQF Level 2, 12 Credits.
• Perform fillet welds using the Shielded Metal Arc Welding process, NQF Level 3, 12 Credits.
• Perform fillet welds using the Gas Metal Arc Welding process, NQF Level 3, 12 Credits.
• Perform fillet welds using the Gas Tungsten Arc Welding process, NQF Level 3, 16 Credits.
• Perform plate butt welds using the Shielded Metal Arc Welding process, NQF Level 4, 16 Credits.
• Perform plate butt welds using the Gas Metal Arc Welding process, NQF Level 4, 16 Credits.
• Perform plate butt welds using the Gas Tungsten Arc Welding process, NQF Level 4, 16 Credits.
• Perform pipe welds using the Shielded Metal Arc Welding process, NQF Level 4, 16 Credits.
• Perform pipe welds using the Gas Metal Arc Welding process, NQF Level 4, 16 Credits.
• Perform pipe welds using the Gas Tungsten Arc Welding process, NQF Level 4, 20 Credits.

Total number of credits for the Practical Skills Modules: 140 Credits.

Work Experience Modules

• Cut and gouge a range of materials in the workplace, NQF Level 2, 8 Credits.
• Produce a range of fillet welds using various welding processes in a workplace, NQF Level 4, 40 Credits.
• Care for, control and handle consumables and materials in a workshop, NQF Level 2, 4 Credits.
• Produce a range of plate welds using various welding processes in a workplace, NQF Level 4, 40 Credits.
• Team work, communication and reporting in the workplace, NQF Level 3, 8 Credits.
• Produce a range of pipe welds using various welding processes in a workplace, NQF Level 4, 52 Credits.

Total credits for the Work Experience Modules: 152 Credits.

Exit Level Outcomes

1. The ability to cut, gouge and gas weld ferrous materials.
2. The ability to weld ferrous materials including stainless steel using Shielded Metal Arc Welding.
3. The ability to weld ferrous and non-ferrous materials using Gas Metal Arc Welding processes.
4. The ability to weld ferrous and non-ferrous materials using the Gas Tungsten Arc Welding process.

Associated Assessment Criteria

Exit Level Outcome 1

• Tools and equipment are selected, used and cared for to accepted standards.
• Safe work procedures, precautions and Personal Protective Equipment are described and adhered to.
• Cutting techniques, equipment setup and nozzle selection criteria are explained.
• Gouging equipment setup and parameters are explained.
• Gas welding techniques and equipment setup are explained.
• Cut and gouge profiles meet accepted quality standards.
• Gas welded joints meet accepted quality standards.
• Safe storage and handling practices of gases are explained and adhered to.

Exit Level Outcome 2

• Shielded Metal Arc Welding equipment diagrams are labelled and explained.
• Welding diagrams are labelled using correct terminology.
• Understanding of welding codes, quality standards and safety procedures is demonstrated.
• Material characteristics are explained.
• Welding processes, applications and defect causes are explained.
• Welding symbols are recognised and correlated to joints.
• Welding consumables are classified and applied correctly.
• Welded fillet, plate and pipe joints meet prescribed standards.

Exit Level Outcome 3

• Gas Metal Arc Welding equipment diagrams are labelled and explained.
• Correct welding terminology is used in diagrams.
• Understanding of welding codes and procedures is demonstrated.
• Material characteristics are explained.
• Welding processes and defect causes are explained.
• Welded fillet, plate and pipe joints meet prescribed standards.

Exit Level Outcome 4

• Gas Tungsten Arc Welding equipment diagrams are labelled and explained.
• Correct welding terminology is used.
• Understanding of welding codes and safety procedures is demonstrated.
• Material characteristics are explained.
• Welding processes and defect causes are explained.
• Welded fillet, plate and pipe joints meet prescribed standards.

Integrated Summative Assessment

The external summative assessment will be a trade test conducted in terms of Section 26D of the Skills Development Act. It includes written and practical tasks conducted over a minimum of two days at a QCTO-accredited assessment centre by a registered assessor.

International Comparability

This qualification aligns with standards set by the International Institute of Welding (IIW) under the Bratislava Agreement and is recognised internationally.

• Fillet Welder
• Plate Welder
• Pipe Welder

Progression opportunities include:

• International Welding Practitioner
• International Welding Specialist
• Welding Inspector: Level 1
• Welding Inspector: Level 2

Curriculum Title and Code

Welder, 651202000.