SAIW Students Reap the Reward of World Class Training
The SAIW was able to offer several student bursaries during 2022 not least of which is an International Institute of Welding qualification that is recognised across the globe. Here we chat with two successful graduates of the programme Thumeka Mbonelwa and Puseletso Motlokoa about their experience…
PROFILE 1: Thumeka Mbonelwa
Q. Which course did you complete and what was the duration and most challenging aspect/s?
A. I completed my International Institute of Welding (IIW) Course during the course of this year (2022) over a period of seven months. I didn’t have that many challenges in my training as I already had experience with welding before I got to the SAIW. However, it still wasn’t easy!
For me, it was the welding positions that I was not familiar with. When I experienced difficulties, I was able to ask my lecturer; “Mr Dennis, I’m struggling here. I’ve tried almost every angle what should I do?”
He would say, “Just try this”. It was those small but important pieces of advice and hands on guidance that were needed to master certain higher level welding skills. He would help me with how to hold an electrode and after a couple of tries I would come back to him and say, “You know what? I get it now!”.
Overall though, I didn’t struggle too much, thanks to the learning environment I was in where I received top quality tuition and I must say I am also a person who loves challenges! sometimes I’ll get excited if I get something that is blocking my path forward because I’m that person who always wants to solve those little problems.
Q. What did the course/bursary allow you to do in your career once you finished it/what are your plans for the future?
A. My course allowed me to become an international welder, not only around South Africa but internationally. Just listening to the word “international” makes me smile every time. I have so many big plans and honestly, with this qualification, the sky really is the limit. I’m currently actively engaged in seeking employment with a few prospects on the horizon and I’m also planning on coming back to SAIW to do additional courses in NDT and welding inspection.
Q. Which aspects of the course did you enjoy the most?
A. I’m going to tell you this from A up to Z of my course. I enjoyed it from the first day I stepped into the SAIW, and I was given that machine and that cubicle, and they said; “This is where you going to work.” That’s where I was like; “This is my joy.” So, I enjoyed every step that I took on that topic, in that area on its own, and the theory as well. I remember though, there were parts where I had to complete a test and unfortunately, I failed the first time which happened twice, and I was heartbroken. But I got right back up and did it again and again until I passed. Also, the good thing about those tests, is that they taught me a variety of d methods and ways of doing things that I apply to my work now.
Q. We heard you are working at Sasol, how did that opportunity come about, and exactly what work are you doing there now?
A. Just before I completed my training at the SAIW, I heard that Sasol was testing welders and that I was eligible for that opportunity because of the training I was doing at the SAIW. Therefore when I finished my training at the SAIW, I went to Secunda for a week and attended various recruitment sessions, doing a variety of paid-for tests for three weeks. I passed and was offered a position as an A-Class welder but unfortunately, their shutdown came to an end just before I was due to start. It was just a matter of unfortunate timing. Despite that, it was a fantastic experience, and I am now officially recognised by Sasol. One last thing that’s quite funny is that when I was welding some of the men looked over and couldn’t believe that a woman was welding. Overall though I cannot thank the SAIW enough for the bursary opportunity and I am so excited to see what’s next in 2023!
PROFILE 2: Puseletso Motlokoa
Q. Which course did you complete and what was the duration and most challenging aspect/s?
A. I completed an IIW welding course in Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) that included the theory and practical side of it. This was conducted over a total of 30 weeks. I was able to practice all positions and I really enjoyed it. I had a whole cubicle to myself, which meant having all the time to learn different ways to master the process. I didn’t find it too challenging as it was not my first time welding, everything was smooth sailing. I also managed to add one more process to my set of skills namely Argon welding.
Q. What did the course/bursary allow you to do in your career once you finished it/what are your plans for the future?
A. Welding is such a broad career. It has many different options that one can choose from, so the IIW diploma that I have right now, allows me to work around South Africa and abroad. I can either stay as a welder or become a pipe welder or ironworker and others. In the future, I plan to start my own fabrication company and maybe also include training youngsters who want to be in the welding field.
Q. Which aspects of the course did you enjoy the most?
What I enjoyed most about the course is that I learned and advanced a lot including some of the aspects I missed in my previous training, and most importantly I learnt much more about the safety and the study of different materials. I truly am so grateful for the opportunity that was granted to me.
