This Youth Month, we celebrate young people who are taking charge of their futures through skills development and hard work.
Lindelwa Mahlangu’s journey in the industrial construction industry began when she joined the New Age training programme, in collaboration with the National Skills Fund (NSF), as a Pipefitter trainee. Through a combination of theoretical learning and practical workplace experience, she developed the skills required to succeed in the trade.
1. How will this opportunity impact your life, professionally or personally?
Pipefitting is a broad trade that offers opportunities not only in South Africa but also internationally. There is a large shortage of skilled pipe fitters like myself in countries such as Germany, Saudi Arabia, and Australia. I would definitely like to see myself working in one of those countries one day.
2. Which technical aspect of pipefitting did you find most challenging to learn, and how did you overcome it?
One of the most challenging parts of my pipefitting training was a fabrication task in which I had to reduce a pipe from 6 inches to 4 inches. The task required me to fabricate a flange, an iron bracket, and the reducer itself using a cutting torch, all within seven hours.
The biggest challenge was completing the work accurately while working under strict time constraints. I overcame this by managing my time effectively, staying focused, and maintaining precision throughout the process. This experience strengthened my technical skills and ability to perform under pressure.
Lindelwa Mahlangu is now a qualified Pipefitter with a Red Seal certificate.
3. What were some of the important skills you gained from the pipefitter training programme?
- Having the knowledge to use hand and power tools, as well as being exposed to working in a high-pressure environment.
- Machinery use: one example I learned was using a stand-alone grinder.
- Making use of a hydraulic drilling machine for threading.
4. Can you tell us what your plans are after completing this programme?
Now that I am a qualified pipefitter and have also completed my electrical studies, I plan to merge the two trades and apply to become a millwright artisan. I would also like to explore opportunities in power stations and open-cast mines, while hopefully continuing to grow within the company I am currently working for.
5. For someone who wants to join the training programme just as you did, what message or advice would you give them?
It was not easy, I will not lie. However, through determination, endurance, and a willingness to learn, one can overcome whatever challenges this trade may bring. Anyone can succeed in this trade, regardless of their gender. I mean, I did it, and so can you.
