Calvin Carroll – Best Welding & Fabrication Inspector Level 2

A CELEBRATION OF TWO DECADES OF INNOVATION, EXPERTISE, AND LEADERSHIP IN THE INDUSTRY

Calvin Carrol, a veteran in the welding industry with over 20 years of experience, has been honoured with the 2024 Best Student in Welding & Fabrication Inspector Level 2 Award. Calvin’s remarkable journey has been characterised by continuous growth and a commitment to innovation and quality. From hands-on welding to technical leadership, Calvin exemplifies a well-rounded professional in the field.

Career growth and expertise

After two decades as a welder, Calvin sought to deepen his knowledge and expand his career in 2018 by enrolling in the International Welding Specialist course at SAIW. Reflecting on this pivotal decision, he says, “It was an obvious choice to elevate my career and gain new skills that would open doors to technical and coordination roles.”

This certification earned him a promotion at John Thompson, his employer for over 10 years, to the role of Welding Specialist in the Durban Branch. In this role, Calvin became involved in technical aspects such as Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS), Procedure Qualification Records (PQR), and the ISO 3834 standards, making him adept at both coordinating complex projects and ensuring quality compliance.

Building on this foundation, Calvin completed his Welding Inspector Level 2 certification and ASME Codes of Manufacture training this year. Grateful for the mentorship he received, he credits instructors Mr. Nico Fourie and Mr. David Makoge for equipping him with skills that he uses daily, including proficiency in PWHT (Post Weld Heat Treatment) calculations, Pre-Heat, Heat Input, and required thickness calculations for various construction codes.

Collaboration and innovation

Calvin’s technical prowess is matched by his collaborative approach, which he demonstrated in a recent project with John Thompson’s Senior Welding Engineer, Mr. Promise Chandigere. Together, they developed a dissimilar welding procedure for SA 335 P91 to 347H stainless steel. This challenging process, where only one side undergoes PWHT, demanded meticulous control of heat input. Rigorous testing validated the procedure, and the successful results added valuable capability to John Thompson’s welding services.

Dedication and advice to aspiring professionals

Balancing work and study have been demanding, but Calvin’s dedication to self-improvement and his gratitude to John Thompson’s supportive culture have been instrumental in his success. His advice for aspiring professionals in welding and fabrication is straightforward yet profound: “Learning never stops. Hard work, dedication, and sacrifice always win.” He encourages others to stay focused, research their career goals, and persevere through challenges.

Calvin Carrol’s expertise and commitment to growth make him a respected leader and innovator in the welding industry, inspiring both colleagues and upcoming professionals to strive for excellence.