Boiler Maker Career in South Africa
Explore the official OFO occupation, common tasks, specialisations and approved South African qualification pathways.
Occupation overview
Makes and repairs boilers pressure vessels.
What does a Boiler Maker do?
Boiler Makers fabricate, assemble, install, maintain and repair metal plate, pipework and structural components used in industrial equipment and installations. The work combines engineering drawings, pattern development, measuring, cutting, forming, welding, lifting and safe assembly practices.
Specialisations
How to become a Boiler Maker in South Africa
1. Meet the entry requirement. The current National Occupational Certificate: Boilermaker (SAQA ID 123381) requires an NQF Level 1 qualification with Mathematics.
2. Complete occupational training. The programme includes knowledge, practical skills and workplace experience covering drawings, fabrication, pipework, cutting, welding, forming, assembly, lifting and workplace safety.
3. Complete the external assessment. Learners must provide evidence that the required knowledge, practical and workplace modules have been completed before the external assessment.
4. Build trade experience. Qualified Boiler Makers can develop further expertise in fabrication, structural work, pipework, maintenance and heavy-industry environments.
Official Requirements
Current qualification pathway: National Occupational Certificate: Boilermaker, SAQA ID 123381, NQF Level 4, 540 credits.
Entry requirement: An NQF Level 1 qualification with Mathematics.
Assessment: Completion of the required knowledge, practical and work-experience modules is required before the external assessment.
Status: SAQA records qualification 123381 as registered from 4 February 2025 to 4 February 2030. It replaces Occupational Certificate: Boilermaker (SAQA ID 93626).
Edupstairs Preparation Guidance
Strengthen Mathematics, measurement, drawing interpretation and practical workshop skills. Engineering Graphics and Design, Mechanical Technology and related technical subjects can be useful preparation where available, but they should not be presented as universal admission requirements. Verify provider accreditation and the exact workplace-learning and assessment route before enrolling.
Useful school subjects
- Mathematics
- Engineering Graphics and Design (helpful)
- Mechanical Technology (helpful)
- Physical Sciences / Science (helpful)
Skills that may help
- Reading engineering drawings
- Accurate measuring and marking
- Metal fabrication and forming
- Cutting and welding awareness
- Safe use of workshop tools and machinery
- Problem solving
- Teamwork and communication
- Safety awareness