VerifiedWelding is the trade where the certificate you hold decides what you are allowed to weld. A trade certificate qualifies you as a welder. After that, almost every serious job asks for a welder qualification in the specific process, material, thickness and position the work needs, tested and certified separately.
That is why two welders with the same trade certificate earn very different money.
SAIW certification
The Southern African Institute of Welding is the certifying body. It is an International Institute of Welding Authorised Nominated Body, which means the qualifications it awards are recognised internationally rather than only in South Africa.
- The IIW International Welder qualification, with a fast-track route for people already working.
- Welder performance qualification testing, which is the test that certifies you for a particular procedure.
- Welding inspector levels 1 and 2, and welding coordinator certification at practitioner, specialist and technologist level.
- Non-destructive testing across several methods, which is where many welders move after ten years on the tools.
- Competent Person certification for pressure vessels and steam generators.
The SAIW runs a 34-bay welding school and an ISO 17025-accredited materials testing laboratory at 52 Western Boulevard, City West, Johannesburg, on 011 298 2100. Confirmed 23 September 2026.
Where the trade sits
Welding falls under the merSETA metal and engineering chamber. The apprenticeship is registered with merSETA and the trade test is taken at an accredited centre, as set out on our artisan bursaries page.
Bursaries that fund welding
- merSETA
- Gibela
- Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust
- Thebe Foundation Dr EJ Mabuza Scholarship
- Bridgestone
- Department of Correctional Services
- Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality
- Drakenstein Municipality
- Ratlou Local Municipality
- Eastern Cape Department of Education
Municipal schemes fund trades for residents: City of Cape Town, Cape Winelands District Municipality, Ndwedwe Local Municipality.
See also our boilermaker bursaries and fitter and turner bursaries pages.
