Haley Naldrett from Cape Town was sent on a basic welding course at the age of 36 by her employer and found that she enjoyed every minute, so much so that she changed from the workplace to join John Thompson, a leader in the field of boiler technology, just to be able to continue with welding.
"Choosing welding as a career was probably one of the best choices I have made. Welding has taught me a lot of patience. I found that welding wasn't just a skill; it is what I would call art. Sometimes you get it just right and other times your welding is just perfect. Every single day you are being tested on different welding that requires different methods and different skills. One of the best things about being a welder is when you push yourself to the limit, when you lift your helmet and look at the beautiful welding you just did and want to call everybody to come have a look. It is so rewarding."
Naldrett found the engineering environment harsh and after the trade test it was like being thrown into the deep end. "It is important to draw on your inner strengths and experiences and stand firm," says Naldrett. After her studies to become a qualified welder, Naldrett trained to become a welding inspector and qualified eight months ago. She is now a trainee welding inspector with career choices she never dreamt of before opening up to her.
Another young person who chose welding as a career path is Ntomboxolo Zono who applied for a learnership. She completed a national certificate in welding engineering and fabrication before doing the trade test and calls welding as a career exciting, vast and challenging. Zono found that welding is not just about making burglar bars and gates, but also about pipe work, boilers, aviation, ship building and many more industries. "There are various career and personal growth opportunities," states Zono. "If you set goals for yourself and you are determined enough you will achieve them."
Zono was the first black lady to qualify as an artisan at John Thompson and feels privileged to work amongst the best welders, being trusted to work on big contracts for customers such as Eskom, Engen, Caltex and for the Water Tube Division. "At first it was a challenging career choice, especially in such a male dominated industry and I had to work twice as hard to prove to everyone that this is where I belong, but due to my hard work and determination I got the recognition that I deserved," says Zono.
According to Suben Govender from John Thompson they provide intensive training before entering apprentices and trainees for formal training. "Welding is currently addressing the high level of unemployment," says Govender. "The courses are short therefore students can find employment quickly."
There are global welding opportunities in almost every facet of industry. Welders and welding inspectors can go into engineering, construction, automotive, aviation, maritime and many more career paths.
