Who this course is for
- Entry-level learners who want to work as a welding assistant in a workshop or on site
- School leavers looking for a route into fabrication and structural work
- General workers who want to move from labouring into a trade
- Employers who need assistants who can prepare work and tack up safely
What you will be able to do after this course
- Work safely in a welding environment and use the right protective equipment
- Prepare joints, clean and set up material ready for welding
- Strike and run a basic arc weld in the common positions
- Identify common weld defects and understand what causes them
What the course covers
The programme runs two weeks of classroom theory followed by four weeks of practical work in the welding school, so learners spend most of their time on the machine rather than in a classroom.
The theory covers welding safety, fumes, arc eye and protective equipment, welding processes and where each is used, electrodes and consumables, joint types and preparation, and the causes of common defects. The practical weeks cover setting up the machine, striking and running beads, welding in the common positions, joint preparation and cleaning, and visual inspection of the finished weld.
How you are assessed and what you receive
Learners are assessed continuously through the practical weeks and on final weld samples, with a written component covering the theory. On successful completion the learner receives a certificate of competence from Fundza Training Institute, which can be downloaded from the Fundza portal as well as issued directly.
What this certificate is worth
A welding aide certificate gets a learner into a workshop or fabrication yard as a trained assistant, and it is the normal first step towards coded welding tests and a full qualification. Employers treat it as evidence that someone has been taught safe practice rather than learning it at the bench. Learners can download the certificate from the Fundza portal at any time.
Duration, dates and fees
| Option | Duration | Fee | Who it is for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full course | 2 Weeks Theory 4 weeks | R10,802 | First-time certification |
On-site delivery is available for employers putting a group through at once. For group bookings, tell us how many people need placing and where they are based.
Where and how the training runs
The programme runs at the Fundza Training Institute centre in Mokopane. Training facilities include a practical welding school with individual welding bays, modern and fully equipped classrooms, and NDT laboratories, so learners weld in a proper bay rather than a shared space. For a group booking, tell us how many people need placing and where they are based, and we will come back with dates and a quotation.
The three aide programmes: how they differ
| Welding aide (this course) | Plumbing and electrical aide | |
|---|---|---|
| Trade | Welding and fabrication | Water and drainage, or electrical installation |
| Structure | 2 weeks theory plus 4 weeks practical | 2 weeks theory plus 4 weeks practical |
| Facilities | Welding bays and NDT laboratories | Workshop and classroom |
| Fee | Same across all three | Same across all three |
All three aide programmes run to the same shape and price. The choice is simply which trade the learner wants to enter.
Where this course can take you
The welding aide programme is a starting point rather than an end point. Learners commonly add Hand Tools, Power Tool and Working at Heights to widen where they can be placed, and many go on towards coded welding tests and a full qualification. Browse the full range of trade training.
Enquire about this course
Tell us how many people need certifying and where they are based, and we will come back with dates and a quotation.