Tool Fabricator Trainee: Hands-On Metalwork & Welding

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

• Company: PG Group - Shatterprufe
• Industry: Manufacturing and Automotive Glass Production
• Reference Number: Requisition ID: 3259
• 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
• 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:

• 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
• 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

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
• 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

• Welding assemblies

Production Support

• Delivering tooling to production teams
• Assisting manufacturing processes
• Supporting operational requirements
• Meeting quality standards

Product Development Support

• Producing prototype tooling
• Assisting with new product introductions

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.

• Engineering Graphics and Design (EGD)
• Technical Mathematics
• Mathematics
• Physical Sciences
• Mechanical Technology

Required Knowledge The programme specifically highlights knowledge of:

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

Welding

Fabricators frequently use welding to join components together.

• MIG welding
• TIG welding
• Arc welding

Metal Shaping

Metal shaping skills allow workers to create specialised tooling and moulds.

Mechanical Skills

Candidates should demonstrate:

• Problem-solving ability

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

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.

Competition for technical training opportunities can be high.

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
• 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.

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.

Have you applied for this opportunity?

Total responses: 2

Disclaimer Edupstairs is not affiliated with PG Group, Shatterprufe , or any recruiting organisation. Opportunity details are published for informational purposes only . click apply for full job details