SAIW students Mike Kunene and Byron Brandon Heunis embark on promising Welding Careers

At the Southern African Institute of Welding (SAIW) in Johannesburg, students Mike Kunene and Byron Brandon Heunis are making significant strides in their welding careers, thanks to the comprehensive training they’ve received at the SAIW’s City West campus. Despite coming from different backgrounds and having taken varied paths, both students share a common passion for welding and a commitment to advancing their careers in the industry. Here’s a closer look at their inspiring journeys.

From Uncertainty to Skill Mastery: Mike Kunene’s Journey

Born and raised in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu Natal, Mike Kunene’s career path was anything but straightforward. After completing his matriculation at Eastwood Secondary School in 2012, Mike found himself at a crossroads. Unsure of which direction to take, he initially pursued a bachelor’s degree in Geography and Environmental Studies at the University of KwaZulu Natal, only to realize that it wasn’t the right fit. He then moved to the Durban University of Technology (DUT) for a diploma in Supply Chain Management, but again, he discovered that the corporate world wasn’t for him.

It wasn’t until Mike began working as a machine operator at Belgotex Floorings that he found his true calling. The hands-on nature of the job revealed his natural aptitude for working with his hands, solving problems, and a newfound interest in welding. This revelation led him to the SAIW, where he is currently completing the TIG (GTAW) welding course, with a focus on stainless steel. Mike has already mastered carbon steel fillet, plate, and pipe welding, as well as Stick (MMA) and MIG (GMAW) welding.

Despite the challenges he has faced during his training, such as struggling with welding positions like plate-to-plate overhead (4F) and pipe-to-plate vertical up (PH), Mike has shown resilience and determination. He credits his success to the support of his instructors and fellow students, who provided valuable advice and techniques to help him overcome these difficulties.

Looking ahead, Mike is eager to gain experience in the field once he qualifies for his IIW certification. His long-term goals include continuing his studies to pursue supervisory roles or becoming a welding specialist. Ultimately, he aspires to establish his own welding company.

Byron Brandon Heunis: Embracing the Future of Welding with Virtual Reality

For Byron Brandon Heunis, the journey to becoming a welder began in Durban but quickly led him to Johannesburg, where he has fully embraced both traditional and cutting-edge welding training at SAIW. Raised in Johannesburg, Byron Brandon initially explored a career in Health and Safety but soon realized that his true passion lay in hands-on work. This discovery led him to plumbing, where he gained valuable experience before finding his way to welding – a craft he had admired since childhood, thanks to his uncle, a boilermaker.

Byron Brandon’s time at SAIW has been marked by a commitment to learning and adapting. He has completed the GTAW course, which included both traditional welding techniques and advanced Virtual Reality (VR) welding training. The VR course, which simulated various welding scenarios such as fillet welding, structural welding, and pipe welding, provided Byron Brandon with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and nuances of the craft.

One of the most difficult aspects of the course for Byron Brandon was the overhead plate welding position, where gravity poses a significant challenge. However, with guidance from instructors and fellow students, Byron Brandon developed the skills needed to succeed. His humility and willingness to learn from others, regardless of their experience level, have been key factors in his growth.

Now, with his training nearly complete, Byron Brandon is setting his sights on international opportunities. He hopes to work on pipelines or oil rigs overseas, with a particular interest in Australia or America. The prospect of higher pay and greater career advancement drives his ambition to take his welding career to new heights.

A Bright Future for SAIW Graduates

Both Mike Kunene and Byron Brandon Heunis exemplify the transformative power of education and hands-on training. Their stories are a testament to the diverse opportunities that welding offers and the potential for personal and professional growth. As they prepare to enter the workforce with their newly acquired skills, their journeys serve as inspiration for current and future students at SAIW. With determination, hard work, and the right guidance, the possibilities in the welding industry are endless.