Government Colleges That Offer Boilermaking and Welding (2026 Guide)

Key Takeaways: The “Heavy Metal” Trades

• The Distinction: A Boilermaker cuts, bends, and shapes steel plates to build structures (like tanks). A Welder joins those pieces together. In the real world, you are often expected to do both.
• The Routes: You can study these trades via NATED (N1-N3) for a theory foundation or NCV (Level 2-4) for a practical, 3-year curriculum.
• The “Red Seal” Reality: Passing N3 at college does not make you a qualified artisan. It only gives you the theory to apply for an apprenticeship. You still need 3 years of work experience to take the Trade Test.
• Top Colleges: Majuba (KZN), Northlink (WC), and Ekurhuleni West (Gauteng) are famous for their heavy engineering workshops.
• Funding: Because these are public colleges, NSFAS covers 100% of the tuition if you qualify.

In South Africa, “Heavy Engineering” is one of the few sectors where there is still a massive skills shortage. Mines, power stations, and construction sites are desperate for skilled Boilermakers and Coded Welders.

However, private welding schools can cost R40,000 for a 4-week course. Most students cannot afford this.

The alternative? Government TVET Colleges.

These colleges offer accredited training for a fraction of the price (or free with NSFAS). But not every college has a welding simulator or a bending brake. You need to apply to the specific campuses that specialize in heavy metal.

Here is your guide to the best government colleges for Boilermaking and Welding in 2026.

1. Boilermaker vs. Welder: Which One Are You?

Before you choose a college, choose your trade.

Boilermaker (Plater/Structural Steel Worker)

• The Job: You are a “Metal Architect.” You look at a drawing, calculate the angles, mark the steel plate, cut it with a torch, and bend it into shape.
• Key Skills: Mathematics, Geometry, Drawing, Grinding.
• College Subject: Platers’ Theory or Mechanotechnology.

Welder

• The Job: You are the “Joiner.” Once the Boilermaker has built the shape, you fuse the seams using electricity (Arc, MIG, TIG).
• Key Skills: Hand-eye coordination, steady hands, understanding metallurgy (heat).
• College Subject: Welders’ Theory.

Pro Tip: The highest-paid artisans are “Double Trades”—people who have a Red Seal in both Boilermaking and Welding.

2. The Two Study Routes (NATED vs. NCV)

Government colleges offer two ways to study this.

Route A: NATED (N1 – N3)

• Best for: Students who want to get their theory quickly and then look for an apprenticeship.
• Duration: 1 Year (3 Trimesters).
• Subjects: Maths, Engineering Science, Plating & Structural Steel Drawing, Metalworkers’ Theory.
• Entry: Grade 9 Pass (with Maths/Science).

Route B: NCV (Engineering & Related Design)

• Best for: Students leaving Grade 9 who want a full 3-year education that replaces Matric.
• Duration: 3 Years (Level 2 – Level 4).
• Focus: Much more practical. You spend days in the college workshop actually welding.
• Entry: Grade 9 Pass.

3. Top Colleges in Gauteng

Gauteng is the industrial hub, so its colleges are well-equipped.

1. Ekurhuleni West TVET College (EWC)

• Campus: Germiston and Kempton Park.
• Specialty: Known for excellent Boilermaking and Fitting workshops. Their Kempton campus often partners with the aviation and manufacturing sectors.

2. Sedibeng TVET College

• Campus: Vereeniging and Vanderbijlpark.
• Specialty: Located in the “Steel Triangle” (ArcelorMittal is nearby). This is arguably the best place in SA for steel trades because the local industry supports the college.

3. Western TVET College (Westcol)

• Campus: Randfontein and Carletonville.
• Specialty: Heavy mining focus. Great for Boilermakers wanting to work in the mines.

4. Top Colleges in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN)

KZN is the home of ship-building and sugar mills, which require massive metal work.

1. Majuba TVET College

• Campus: Newcastle (Technology Centre).
• Specialty: Majuba is a designated Centre of Specialisation (CoS) for Boilermaking. This means the government has invested millions into their workshops to make them world-class. If you are in KZN, this is your #1 choice.

2. Coastal KZN TVET College

• Campus: Swinton and Umbumbulu.
• Specialty: Swinton campus (near Mobeni/Jacobs industrial area) has massive workshops dedicated to Welding and Tooling.

3. Umfolozi TVET College

• Campus: Richards Bay.
• Specialty: Serves the massive aluminium and mining industries (Richards Bay Minerals). Very high placement rate for apprentices.

5. Top Colleges in Western Cape

1. Northlink TVET College

• Campus: Wingfield and Bellville.
• Specialty: Wingfield is the engineering headquarters. It is a massive ex-military base with hangars full of equipment. They are a QCTO-accredited trade test centre.

2. False Bay TVET College

• Campus: Westlake.
• Specialty: Famous for Boat Building and Fabrication. If you want to weld ships or yachts, go here.

3. West Coast TVET College

• Campus: Vredenburg.
• Specialty: Located near Saldanha Steel and the IDZ. Heavy focus on industrial welding.

6. Top Colleges in Mpumalanga & Free State

1. Nkangala TVET College (Mpumalanga)

• Campus: Middelburg and Witbank.
• Specialty: The heart of coal mining. Every mine needs boilermakers to fix draglines and trucks.

2. Gert Sibande TVET College (Mpumalanga)

• Campus: Ermelo and Standerton.
• Specialty: Strong focus on NCV Engineering, giving students good practical skills.

3. Goldfields TVET College (Free State)

• Campus: Welkom (Tosa Campus).
• Specialty: Gold mining heritage. Their Tosa campus is legendary for producing hard-core artisans.

7. Admission Requirements (2026)

The barriers to entry are low, but the standards are high.

For N1 Boilermaking:

• Grade 9: Must have passed Mathematics and Natural Science (50%).
• Technical Drawing: Not compulsory but highly recommended.
• Math Literacy: Accepted for N1, but you will struggle with the geometry in Plating & Structural Steel Drawing.

For NCV Level 2:

• Grade 9 Pass: You must have passed the year.
• Placement Test: Most colleges require you to write a placement test to ensure you have the aptitude for engineering.

8. The “Hidden” Costs (Tools & PPE)

Even if NSFAS pays your tuition, you need to budget for the “Tools of the Trade.”

• PPE (Personal Protective Equipment): You usually need to buy your own Safety Boots (Steel tip) and Overalls (100% Cotton for welders – polyester melts onto your skin!).
• Drawing Instruments: For Plating Theory, you need a high-quality compass, set squares, and drawing board. This can cost R500 – R1,000.

Summary: Location Matters

Do not just choose the college closest to your house. Choose the college closest to the industry.

• If you want to build Ships, go to False Bay or Coastal KZN.
• If you want to work in Steel Mills, go to Sedibeng or Majuba.
• If you want to work in Mines, go to Nkangala or Goldfields.

Action Plan:

1. Choose your Stream: NATED (Fast theory) or NCV (Practical focus).
2. Pick a College: Use the list above.
3. Apply Early: Engineering workshops have limited space (safety regulations). Trimester 2 applications open in April.

Disclaimer: Course offerings change based on lecturer availability. Always call the specific campus to confirm they offer “Platers’ Theory” or “Welders’ Theory” before traveling.