We are very proud of the newly qualified graduates of the LIV Welding Academy!
After completing the Trade Test, we are proud to say that all our welders are now employed.
LIV Welding Academy is an accredited QCTO Training Provider for the three-year Welder Apprenticeship Programme. In conjunction with NAMB and Shukela, we were part of the Pilot Programme for the new Trade Test that was developed by NAMB, based on the QCTO curriculum. Our group of nine welders were the first in South Africa to qualify on the new Welder Apprenticeship Programme.
Nombuso Vundla became the first lady in South Africa to qualify on the new QCTO Welder Apprenticeship Programme in August 2022. This long journey started in October 2017 when she was enrolled at the LIV Welding Academy, in Cottonlands. She had to overcome many personal difficulties during this time but her love for long distance running and being the mother of a set of twins, has taught her perseverance.
When asked why she chose welding as a career, she said “I chose to be a welder because I like challenges and welding is very challenging, not only hard work but also fun. It is a very challenging career for woman but extremely important for Industry. Welding is very difficult to learn how to do it, as it’s a hands-on skill that requires more than just reading, but it needs constant practicing. As a welder you’ll be around hot metals, bright lights and fumes every day. Working with heavy equipment and working outdoors is very challenging. It’s enjoyable once you get to use to it.
There’s a saying that says: “Welding is for men”, so I wanted to show them that there is no such thing, you can become anything you want to be.”
Nqobile Blose became the second lady in South Africa to qualify on the QCTO Welder Apprenticeship Programme in August 2022. Her long journey at the LIV Welding Academy started in 2017. Nqobile showed determination and endurance throughout the programme and always gave her everything.
She says: “I started the course in 2017 – after getting this opportunity I just told myself that I will win this and that maybe this was my last chance of being successful in life. I tried my best in everything that I did, although it was not easy, especially during practical exams, but I pushed because our lecturers too, were giving their best to teach us. There were many ups and downs, but sometimes it helps to be patient. As for myself, I always have this thing that I can do anything that I want to do or achieve, and I always use the opportunity when given. Yes, it was challenging to be a female when there is a lot of males, but because I knew what I wanted and where I was going, I always do my best and I can’t wait to be part of the professional welders after getting my trade.
Our two girls are working close to Ushaka International Airport, at a Company called Bundu Gear
(https://www.bundugear.co.za).
It is through Companies like Afrox, FFS Refiners, Hi-tech Engineering, MDL Engineering, Aveng Grinaker, Crossmoor Transport, Macrotec, Goss & Balfe and UPM, that LIV Welding Academy can make a difference in the lives of the unemployed youth. A big thank you to all the teams for helping us by sponsoring these two girls for their Apprenticeship.
Our current group is finishing up there last stretch of the Workshop Training of their three-year Apprenticeship Programme before they go into Industry for eighteen months to do their Workplace part of the Training in February. This will then also enable us to start a new group of 12 Welders for the three-year Apprenticeship Programme.
