Trades & Technical Careers
Welder / Boilermaker
You join metal to build structures, pipelines, machines and ships.
- Starting salary
- R8 000 – R15 000
- Job demand
- Steady demand
- Key subjects
- Mathematics or Maths Literacy, Engineering Graphics & Design
What do they do?
You join metal to build structures, pipelines, machines and ships.
A day in the life
You read drawings, cut and shape metal, weld precisely and inspect the joins.
Skills you need
- Steady hands
- Accuracy
- Safety
- Reading drawings
School subjects that help
- Mathematics or Maths Literacy
- Engineering Graphics & Design
- Mechanical Technology
How long does it take?
3 main steps after school, usually 2–4 years of training after school.
Study path
- 1High school / N-courses
- 2Apprenticeship
- 3Trade test
- 4Coded welder
Ways in: TVET College · Apprenticeship · Learnership · Entrepreneurship. University is not the only route.
Where can I study?
- TVET Colleges nationwide
- merSETA-accredited centres
Admission requirements differ by institution, always check the official website.
What can I earn?
Entry level
R8 000 – R15 000
per month (estimate)
Mid career
R18 000 – R32 000
per month (estimate)
Experienced / senior
R35 000 – R70 000+ (coded/offshore more)
per month (estimate)
Estimated salary ranges only. Salaries vary based on experience, qualification, industry, location and employer.
How to start preparing now
- • Do N1–N3 engineering studies
- • Learn to read technical drawings
- • Visit a workshop
Try this career
Draw a metal gate design with exact measurements and a materials list.
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This tool is designed to help you explore career possibilities. It does not replace professional career counselling, school guidance or official university admission requirements.