SAIW Announces Laser Welding Course Dates as It Drives Skills Development in High-Tech Fabrication
The Southern African Institute of Welding (SAIW) has officially confirmed the 2025 training dates for its new Introduction to Laser Welding Course, marking a bold step forward in upskilling South African welders to meet the demands of a rapidly modernising manufacturing sector.
As South Africa pushes for reindustrialisation and inclusive economic growth, laser welding presents a strategic opportunity to modernise local manufacturing, reduce reliance on imported components, and raise the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
By adopting advanced fabrication methods like laser welding, local manufacturers can achieve higher production efficiency, lower costs, and improved product quality, all critical to revitalising the real economy. This technology not only supports the localisation of high-value manufacturing but also enables smaller workshops to take on complex, high-precision work that was previously out of reach. Equipping the local workforce with these future-ready skills is essential if South Africa is to rebuild its industrial base, grow exports, and create sustainable, decent jobs in the engineering and fabrication sectors.
According to SAIW Technical and Practical Welding Training Manager Confidence Lekoane, this initiative goes beyond traditional skills development. It represents a critical intervention to strengthen South Africa’s industrial competitiveness by introducing advanced welding technologies that are already reshaping global fabrication standards.
“Laser welding is no longer a future concept. It’s here, and it’s changing the way we build,” says Lekoane. “From automotive to aerospace, precision fabrication to small-scale manufacturing, laser welding offers real benefits in cost, quality, and production time. For South Africa to compete globally, we must close the skills gap in this area. That’s exactly what this course is designed to do.”
Meeting Industry Demand
The course comes at a pivotal time. Over the past three years, laser welding has gained traction as a preferred method for working with thin-gauge materials, which are prone to distortion when using conventional MIG or TIG welding processes. The SAIW developed the curriculum in response to rising interest from both industry clients and individual welders seeking more efficient, safer, and less labour-intensive techniques.
Laser welding offers significant advantages:
- Faster processing speeds (up to four times faster than conventional welding)
- Minimal distortion and a smaller heat-affected zone
- Cleaner, stronger welds with less post-processing
- Lower radiation and splatter, enhancing safety
- Portable, plug-in systems, ideal for use in the field
These attributes make laser welding a highly attractive option for sectors such as stainless steel fabrication, pipe welding, precision component manufacturing, and even maintenance operations in constrained environments.
Closing the Skills Gap
SAIW’s introduction of this course forms part of a broader strategy to develop specialised skills that match new industry requirements. Lekoane notes that while the technology is evolving quickly, there remains a shortage of qualified personnel able to apply it effectively.
“We’re at a turning point,” he explains. “Our manufacturing economy needs to be more agile and technology-driven. By introducing this course, we are not just training welders we are building a new workforce capable of leveraging advanced tools to improve productivity, reduce waste, and boost export potential.”
“Laser welding is also uniquely accessible. The learning curve is shorter than many traditional methods, and the equipment is easy to use once mastered. This opens the door for unemployed individuals or those with limited prior experience to enter the field with a high-value skill.”
Course Structure
Day 1: Theory and Safety Overview
Day 2: Final Theory Modules and Introduction to Practical Laser Welding
Day 3: Assessments – both Multiple-Choice Theory and a Practical Welding Test
Two sessions are scheduled for the remainder of the year:
1–3 September 2025
17–19 November 2025
Designed to equip both experienced welders and newcomers with laser welding fundamentals, the course blends theoretical instruction with hands-on practical training and final assessments to ensure job readiness from day one.
The training is hosted at SAIW’s Johannesburg facility, where state-of-the-art equipment and guidance from expert instructors ensure participants are industry-ready upon completion.
Applications are now open for both course intakes. Interested participants should complete the application form and submit it directly to Rebecca Kekana and Confidence Lekoane. Seats are limited, and early booking is encouraged.
For bookings and more information, contact:
Email : training@saiw.co.za or call (011) 298-2100
