South Africa’s manufacturing sector continues to offer valuable opportunities for young people who want to build practical technical skills and secure long-term careers in industry. One such opportunity is the PG Group Tool Fabricator Training Programme, offered through Shatterprufe®, one of the country’s leading automotive glass manufacturers.
If you have a passion for working with metal, interpreting technical drawings, welding, fabrication, and creating tools used in modern manufacturing processes, this programme could be an excellent starting point for your career journey.
Quick Overview
- Programme: PG Group Tool Fabricator Training Programme 2026
- Company: PG Group – Shatterprufe®
- Industry: Manufacturing and Automotive Glass Production
- Reference Number: Requisition ID: 3259
- Minimum Qualification: Grade 12 (Matric)
- Preferred Experience: 2 years’ experience in fabrication or related environments (desirable)
- Skills Required: Metal shaping, welding, sheet metal work, mechanical aptitude, attention to detail
- Knowledge Areas: Size tolerance and geometric tolerancing
- Employment Equity: PG Group is an equal opportunity employer
- Career Pathway: Tool Fabricator, Toolmaker Assistant, Manufacturing Technician, Production Engineering Support
Understanding the PG Group Tool Fabricator Training Programme
The Tool Fabricator Training Programme is designed to develop practical fabrication skills within a real manufacturing environment.
Tool fabricators play a critical role in manufacturing operations because they create, modify, repair, and maintain tooling used during production. In automotive glass manufacturing, specialised moulds and fabrication tools are required to shape and produce high-quality safety glass products.
Participants in this programme will gain exposure to:
- Tool fabrication processes
- Metal cutting techniques
- Welding operations
- Reading engineering drawings
- Tool assembly
- Manufacturing quality standards
- Production support activities
- Precision measurement and tolerancing
This hands-on experience helps participants build technical competencies that are highly valued across manufacturing industries.
What Does a Tool Fabricator Do?
Many job seekers hear the term “tool fabricator” but may not fully understand the role.
A tool fabricator is responsible for creating and assembling tools, moulds, fixtures, and components that are used during manufacturing processes.
In this programme, learners may assist with:
Interpreting Technical Drawings
Before any fabrication begins, measurements and specifications must be understood accurately.
This includes:
- Reading engineering drawings
- Understanding dimensions
- Identifying material requirements
- Working with templates
- Using sample products as references
Metal Cutting and Shaping
Fabricators prepare raw materials into usable components.
This may involve:
- Cutting sheet metal
- Bending materials
- Grinding surfaces
- Trimming components
- Preparing metal sections for assembly
Welding and Assembly
Tool fabricators often use welding techniques to join metal components.
Tasks may include:
- Welding metal sections
- Bolting assemblies together
- Aligning fabricated parts
- Ensuring structural rigidity
- Checking joint quality
Producing New Moulds
One of the key responsibilities highlighted in the programme is supporting New Product Development (NPD).
This involves:
- Fabricating new moulds
- Testing against fixtures
- Verifying dimensions
- Ensuring manufacturing accuracy
Quality Verification
Precision is essential in manufacturing.
Tool fabricators must verify:
- Dimensional accuracy
- Tolerance requirements
- Assembly integrity
- Product specifications
- Manufacturing standards
Main Responsibilities of Participants
According to the programme description, successful candidates may be involved in the following activities:
Raw Material Preparation
- Selecting appropriate metals
- Measuring materials accurately
- Preparing components for fabrication
Tool Construction
- Fabricating tooling components
- Building moulds
- Producing production fixtures
- Supporting manufacturing operations
Assembly Activities
- Drilling components
- Bolting structures
- Welding assemblies
- Verifying dimensions
Production Support
- Delivering tooling to production teams
- Assisting manufacturing processes
- Supporting operational requirements
- Meeting quality standards
Product Development Support
- Producing prototype tooling
- Supporting engineering projects
- Assisting with new product introductions
Minimum Requirements
Applicants should carefully review the qualification requirements before applying.
Educational Requirements
You must have: Grade 12 (Matric)
Although no engineering qualification is listed as mandatory, candidates with technical subjects may have an advantage.
Examples include:
- Engineering Graphics and Design (EGD)
- Technical Mathematics
- Mathematics
- Physical Sciences
- Mechanical Technology
Required Knowledge
The programme specifically highlights knowledge of:
Size Tolerance
Tolerance refers to allowable variations in measurements during manufacturing.
Understanding tolerances helps ensure:
- Accurate production
- Proper fitment of components
- Quality compliance
- Reduced manufacturing defects
Geometric Tolerancing
Geometric tolerancing helps define acceptable variations in shape and position.
This knowledge is important because manufacturing requires precision and consistency.
Required Skills
PG Group is looking for candidates with practical technical abilities.
Sheet Metal Work
This involves:
- Cutting
- Folding
- Bending
- Forming metal components
Welding
Fabricators frequently use welding to join components together.
Common techniques may include:
- MIG welding
- TIG welding
- Arc welding
Metal Shaping
Metal shaping skills allow workers to create specialised tooling and moulds.
Mechanical Skills
Candidates should demonstrate:
- Technical understanding
- Problem-solving ability
- Equipment familiarity
- Tool handling competence
Attention to Detail
Manufacturing accuracy is critical.
Even small measurement errors can affect production quality.
Experience Requirements
The programme notes that the following experience is desirable but not mandatory:
Preferred Experience
- 2 years of working experience
- Fabrication experience
The word “desirable” generally means applicants without experience may still be considered if they demonstrate strong potential and relevant skills.
Recent school leavers with technical backgrounds should therefore not automatically assume they are ineligible.
How to Apply
APPLY FOR THE PG GROUP TOOL FABRICATOR TRAINING PROGRAMME 2026 HERE
How to Strengthen Your Application
Competition for technical training opportunities can be high.
To improve your chances:
Highlight Relevant Subjects
Include subjects such as:
- Mathematics
- Technical Mathematics
- Physical Sciences
- Engineering Graphics and Design
- Mechanical Technology
Showcase Technical Experience
Mention any exposure to:
- Welding projects
- Metalwork
- Technical school assignments
- Engineering workshops
- Community projects
Prepare a Professional CV
Include:
- Contact information
- Educational history
- Technical skills
- Practical experience
- References
Demonstrate Interest in Manufacturing
Employers value candidates who genuinely want careers in technical industries.
Edupstairs Advice
Technical careers remain one of the strongest pathways into stable employment for young South Africans. While many job seekers focus solely on administrative opportunities, manufacturing companies continue to require skilled individuals who can work with tools, machinery, engineering drawings, and production systems.
If you meet the Grade 12 requirement and have an interest in working with your hands, fabrication training can provide practical experience that employers value. Even if you have limited experience, highlight any school projects, technical subjects, workshop exposure, or mechanical interests when applying.
Always submit a professional CV, follow application instructions carefully, and apply before the closing date where one is provided.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Do I need a university degree to apply?
No. The minimum stated qualification is Grade 12 (Matric).
- Is fabrication experience compulsory?
No. The advertisement indicates fabrication experience is desirable rather than mandatory.
- What type of work will learners perform?
Participants may assist with metal cutting, welding, tool assembly, mould fabrication, production support, and quality verification activities.
- Is this programme suitable for school leavers?
Yes. Candidates with Matric and an interest in engineering or manufacturing may find it suitable.
- What industries can I work in after gaining fabrication experience?
Fabrication skills are useful in automotive manufacturing, engineering, mining, construction, industrial production, and metalworking industries.
- What is the reference number for this opportunity?
The reference number is Requisition ID: 3259.
- What skills are most important?
Key skills include:
- Welding
- Metal shaping
- Sheet metal work
- Mechanical aptitude
- Attention to detail
CLOSING DATE: NOT SPECIFIED
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Disclaimer
Edupstairs is not affiliated with PG Group, Shatterprufe®, or any recruiting organisation. Opportunity details are published for informational purposes only. Applicants should verify all requirements and application procedures through official PG Group recruitment channels before applying.
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