School of Artisan and Trade StudiesOccupational CertificateOpen for enrolment

Occupational Certificate: Welder

NQF Level 4SAQA ID 94100373 credits3 YearsFull-time

Programme Overview

This programme provides comprehensive training in welding technology including MIG, TIG, arc, and gas welding techniques. Learners develop practical skills in metal fabrication, cutting, and joining processes.

SAQA & Registration

SAQA Qualification ID94100

NQF LevelNQF Level 4

Total Credits373

Qualification TypeOccupational Certificate

Quality CouncilQCTO - Quality Council for Trades and Occupations

Accreditation / Quality AssuranceMerSETA — Accredited

This qualification is registered on the National Qualifications Framework. Highbury programme availability and intake status are confirmed by Admissions. Detailed regulatory evidence is published on the Accreditation page.

Frame of Learning

Knowledge Modules

81credits

16 modules

Theory and subject knowledge that underpins the occupation.

Practical Skills Modules

140credits

11 modules

Hands-on skills developed in simulated and supervised settings.

Workplace Experience Modules

152credits

6 modules

Structured experience completed in an approved workplace.

Admission Requirements

Official Minimum Entry Requirement (SAQA)

NQF Level 1 with Mathematics and Science.

Highbury Application Documents

Certified copy of ID or passport
Certified copies of highest school results
Proof of residential address

Curriculum

Introduction to the welding trade2 cr
Occupational Safety, Health and Environmental Protection4 cr
Welding schematics, calculations, welds and welded joints6 cr
Weld imperfections2 cr
Cutting and gouging2 cr
Welding consumable classification and handling4 cr
Metals and weldability of metals8 cr
Fusion welding6 cr
Arc welding8 cr
Gas welding and cutting4 cr
Welding codes, standards and parameters6 cr
Shrinkage, residual stress and distortion4 cr
Manual Metal Arc, MMA welding process7 cr
The Metal Inert Gas/Metal Active Gas/Flux Cored Arc, MIG/MAG/FCAW welding process7 cr
Gas Tungsten Arc, GTAW welding process7 cr
Welding inspection and quality4 cr

Assessment Criteria

Internal Assessment

Continuous formative assessment and practical tasks are conducted throughout the programme, supported by a portfolio of workplace evidence and a logbook completed under supervision. Internal assessment follows the criteria and weighting stipulated in the official curriculum.

External Assessment

The qualification concludes with a statutory Trade Test conducted at an accredited trade test centre in terms of the Skills Development Act. Learners must complete all modules and internal assessment requirements before admission to the final external assessment.

Delivery Mode and Duration

Highbury Delivery Arrangement

Study ModeFull-time

Highbury Duration3 Years

CampusPretoria Campus, 378 Pretorius Street, Pretoria, Gauteng

Learning PlatformHighbury Digital Campus

Learning ArrangementClassroom + practical + workplace

IntakesConfirmed by Admissions

Delivery combines structured classes and practical sessions with a compulsory workplace component arranged with approved employers, supported online through the Highbury Digital Campus. The duration above is Highbury’s delivery schedule and is separate from the official SAQA credit value.

Articulation and RPL

Articulation

Horizontal: Articulation opportunities with other metal trade specific qualifications in the unit group 6512, Welders and Flame Cutters, such as Pressure Welders and Fitter Welders, 6513, Sheet Metal Workers such as…

Recognition of Prior Learning

RPL may be used for access to the programme and, where applicable, for credits or exemption against completed modules, in line with official RPL policy. Contact Admissions for an RPL evaluation.

Career Pathways

Qualified WelderBoilermakerWelding InspectorFabrication SpecialistPipe Welder

Workplace Experience

Workplace experience is compulsory: 6 modules totalling 152 credits, completed in an approved workplace under supervision with a logbook and portfolio of evidence. Highbury supports learners with placement arrangements through its employer partnerships.

Cut and gouge a range of materials in the workplace
Produce a range of fillet welds using various welding processes in a workplace
Care for, control and handle consumables and materials in a workshop
Produce a range of plate welds using various welding processes in a workplace

Certification

Highbury College may issue permissible institutional records, statements and completion documents. The official occupational qualification certificate is issued by the responsible quality council or certification authority after all prescribed requirements have been met.

For this trade, admission to the prescribed Trade Test follows completion of all modules; national trade (artisan) recognition is awarded only after the Trade Test is passed. Highbury does not independently issue the Red Seal.

Ready to apply?

This programme is open for enrolment. Start your application online — our admissions team will guide you through every step.

Apply Now Contact Admissions

Official qualification information sourced from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). Highbury-specific delivery, fees, intake and campus arrangements are maintained separately by Highbury College.

Programme availability and intake dates are confirmed by Highbury Admissions.

View official SAQA record Last verified: 2026-07-12Factsheet v1.0