How to Become a Moulder in South Africa: Qualifications, Jobs and Income
Moulders are highly-skilled artisans that fabricate moulds by casting molten metal into predefined patterns. Generally, the results of their work are solidified castings for industrial purposes.
The moulder’s responsibilities also include installing, repairing and maintaining moulding equipment and producing top-quality products that meet the highest manufacturing standards.
Candidates for moulder jobs in South Africa require moulder courses and apprenticeship in the field. These periods of learning and training are necessary to gain the mandatory skills and become a registered artisan in the industry.
Working as a moulder in South Africa pays well and above the average salary. The country is facing a shortage of professional moulders at the moment. Multiple listings are available for those who enjoy practising this specialization in foundries, industrial plants or metal-related industries.
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What Qualifications Do You Need to Become a Moulder?
Casting is one of the oldest manufacturing practices in the world. Historians believe that people used to pour hot metal into moulds as far as 7,000 years ago. Today, this profession enjoys a significant level of popularity and appreciation in South Africa and all over the world.
A moulder, also known as a caster is a professional tradesperson that goes through a long but essential period of training that includes courses and hands-on experience. At its end, they become operators of moulding equipment and responsible for creating high-quality solidified castings.
To become moulder, one must have a Matric Grade 9 certificate confirming completion of the learning period. Some employers may require higher certifications.
The job of a Moulder in South Africa is part of the MerSETA (Manufacturing Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority) directory. To be able to apply for this position, you must:
- Be at least 16 years old
- NQF Level 3 qualification equivalent to N2 knowledge areas of Engineering Maths, Science and Engineering Drawing
- Have 4 years of apprenticeship
- Possess excellent knowledge of metals and substances used in casting
- An in-depth understanding of casting equipment and moulds
- Have a national certificate that shows you have completed moulder courses
Besides these obligatory qualifications, a moulder must also prove the following skills:
- Be physically fit for heavy work
- Enjoy working with their hands
- Have a good understanding of forms and structures
- Possess medium level mathematics notions
- Able to read 3D drawings and blueprints
- Be willing to work in extreme heat conditions
- Be practical and efficient
- Have good eyesight and hand-eye coordination
- Work carefully and with extreme accuracy
According to the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), having a casting job also implies these requirements:
- An in-depth understanding of health and safety compliance rules
- Good knowledge of hand tools and other basic industrial gear
- The willingness to keep up-to-date with technological advances in the field
- A great set of communication skills
- Patience in getting the best results out of a casting task
What is a Moulder’s Job?
Moulders use their knowledge of metal and its properties to turn molten material into solid structures. They work in hot, often dirty environments and wear high protection equipment against injuries and other potential occupational hazards
A moulder’s main duties include:
- Studying casting blueprints and understanding their specifications
- Preparing and sanding the moulds before the production process begins
- Producing and assembling moulds
- Inspecting the condition of structures and materials involved in the process
- Operating moulding machines and sand plants
- Casting cautiously to avoid overheating
- Using hand tools of various types
- Repairing faulty pieces
- Solving problems in the core making operations
- Ensuring the maintenance of the casting equipment
After finishing moulder courses and four years as an apprentice, one can begin a career as a caster in sectors like:
- Automobile manufacturing industry
- Foundries
- Metal industries
- Industrial plants
- Railway undertakings
- Heavy engineering
- Mines
- Shipyards
How Much Does a Moulder Earn in a Year?
Comprehensive knowledge of casting and metalwork can earn you a decent yearly salary in South Africa. Specialization courses and experience can increase it and provide substantial career benefits.
At the moment, the average hourly pay for Moulders is R55.96. Depending on your level of abilities and experience, you can earn between R23 and R242 per hour in addition to which you may also receive a bonus as hefty as R10, 500 calculated for an entire year.
As a student or apprentice, you may earn only the minimum rate at first. However, in time, you can earn between R48, 858 and R542, 795 per year as a moulder in South Africa, which is well above minimum wage.
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How to Work as a Moulder or Caster in South Africa
There is a wide market for Moulder jobs in South Africa. Foundries and industrial plants frequently list caster positions, and artisans that meet the mandatory qualifications and professional skills have numerous resources available where they can apply for this specialization.
Moulder courses offer a reliable career path for labourers that want to follow in this field of work. During an extensive period of learning, you gain all the necessary knowledge and expertise to become a professional caster
Working as a Moulder in South Africa is a rewarding profession with plenty of career-furthering benefits. It allows you to develop your craft in well-established industries and gives you the satisfaction of seeing the results of your work in numerous components of structures and machinery.