C A R E E R I DE AS
ENGINEERING A FUTURE WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS PROFESSION? I didn’t necessarily choose this profession; I was lucky enough for it to have chosen me. I had no idea what I was signing up for, but once I got a taste of it, I was hooked! Engineering contains such a vast number of different fields within it, so there is something to learn every day. And you will never know everything … that’s the beauty of it. WHAT TRAINING DID YOU UNDERGO AND WHERE DID YOU STUDY? I applied for a learnership programme through Sasol Synfuels and somehow managed to wiggle my way in. Our training was based at the South African Institute of Welding, where I studied various courses over 12 months, including quality Inspectors courses level I & II, non-destructive testing courses, and metallic ultrasonic and radiographic courses. I have also studied corrosion protection and
undertaken in-depth studies of codes and specifications used in the industry. I have recently qualified with the American Petroleum Institute as a specialised piping inspector and am currently busy specialising in tank inspection. Two years of practical training was also necessary to complete my studies, which luckily for me took place at Sasol Synfuels, one of the most unique plants in the world.
IS THERE A TYPE OF PERSONALITY BEST SUITED? Welding inspection requires an enthusiasm to learn new things and rise to challenges. You need to have a solutions-based mindset. As with any career, getting along with peers is very important. EXPERIENCE VS FORMAL TRAINING? Experience is essential. As much as theoretical knowledge is good, the place to learn is in the field. Older generations have such a wealth of knowledge to impart.
DESCRIBE A TYPICAL DAY A typical day on the job includes a review of technical documents and drawings and extends to actual inspection for compliance onsite. WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT YOUR WORK? Every day there is something new to learn or a new perspective to gain. Mixing new technology with old knowledge is always exciting. Overseeing and endorsing a project from start to end is so satisfying. WHICH ASPECTS DO YOU LIKE LEAST? The demands of long hours, and the areas we work in, which can be quite remote. ANY HIGHLIGHTS? Being involved in some big projects like Sasol Temane in Mozambique, Kusile Power Project and now, the Anglo American Koketso Project with Hatch.
TERSIA LISA BAKER INSPECTOR OF PRESSURISED EQUIPMENT HATCH (CONSULTING ENGINEERING AND PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION SPECIALISTS)
WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS? To gain experience in all sectors of engineering (mining, petrochemical, power generation) and keep building my international qualifications. ADVICE FOR NEWCOMERS? Find a mentor! Find the right mentor willing to push your limits. YOUR JOB IN THREE WORDS Technical. Challenging. (Quality) Driven.
PUT THE PEDAL TO THE METAL WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS PROFESSION? I enjoyed Lego and using my hands to solve problems from a young age. A career in welding is therefore the perfect fit for me as it’s a very hands-on job and helps with problem solving. I also get to stay active as I move around our company facilities, but also get some office time – it’s the perfect balance for me.
“The road is long but wide and many paths can be taken for further specialisation”
WHAT TRAINING DID YOU UNDERGO? I completed an International Institute of Welding (IIW) TIG and Electrode fillet, plate and pipe course at the South African Institute of Welding (SAIW).
After starting my career, I attained an International Welding Specialist Diploma, followed by an International Welding Inspector Diploma, and most recently, an International Welding Technologist Diploma.
activities and skills such as material procurement, overseeing welder qualifications, welding procedure qualification, databook compilation, visual inspections, and quality document audits.
IS THERE A TYPE OF PERSONALITY BEST SUITED TO THIS WORK? Enjoying working with people helps to make work more of a pleasure than a pain/hardship.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE THE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? Getting the job done right and on time with zero harm to anyone.
IS EXPERIENCE AS IMPORTANT AS FORMAL TRAINING? Both work hand in hand. A degreed engineer can learn from a shopfloor staff member and vice versa. DESCRIBE A TYPICAL DAY ON THE JOB? It starts with a ‘toolbox talk’ about a safety topic for the day. This is followed by a plant focus meeting, discussing breakdowns on the plant. The rest of the day includes a wide variety of
WHICH ASPECTS ARE YOU LEAST ENTHUSIASTIC ABOUT? Middle-of-the-night breakdowns on the odd occasion. WHAT HAS BEEN THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR CAREER TO DATE? When I started, I was acknowledged as one of the youngest qualified welders at the age of 15. WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR THE FUTURE? To become an inspection engineer or third-party inspector.
JUSTIN VAN WYK WELDING SUPERVISOR NCP CHLORCHEM KEMPTON PARK
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE STARTING IN YOUR CAREER? The road is long but wide and many paths can be taken for further specialisation. Hang in there and try to learn as much as you can. DESCRIBE YOUR JOB IN THREE WORDS? Rebuild, repair and modify. P O S T M AT R I C 2 0 2 2 | 3 3
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