Published: June 2026
National Brands Limited (NBL), a division of AVI Limited, is currently recruiting a Junior Welder for its Westmead Biscuits manufacturing facility in Pinetown, KwaZulu-Natal. This permanent opportunity is ideal for skilled welders looking to build a long-term career within one of South Africa’s leading FMCG manufacturing companies.
The successful candidate will support plant maintenance, fabrication, welding, and engineering projects to ensure efficient production and minimise downtime at the factory that produces some of South Africa’s most loved biscuit brands, including Bakers Tennis®, Blue Label Marie®, and Choice Assorted®.
Vacancy Details
Position
Junior Welder
Company
National Brands Limited (AVI Limited)
Business Unit
National Brands Westmead Biscuits
Location
📍 Pinetown, KwaZulu-Natal
Employment Type
Permanent
Industry
FMCG Manufacturing
Functional Area
Engineering
Closing Date
📅 25 June 2026
About National Brands Limited
National Brands Limited has been producing quality food products in South Africa for more than 170 years. The company operates world-class manufacturing facilities and produces some of the country’s most recognised biscuit brands.
Employees benefit from working in an innovative manufacturing environment focused on quality, safety, continuous improvement, and career development.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be responsible for:
- Fabricating components and structures for plant maintenance
- Welding stainless steel components
- Welding aluminium components
- Conducting repairs on plant machinery and equipment
- Supporting preventative maintenance activities
- Assisting with breakdown repairs
- Maintaining welding tools and equipment
- Supporting engineering projects
- Ensuring compliance with food safety standards
- Following health and safety procedures
- Contributing to continuous improvement initiatives
- Assisting with cost-saving projects
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must have:
✅ Grade 12 / Matric
✅ 2–5 years welding or fabrication experience
✅ Ability to work in a manufacturing environment
✅ Knowledge of stainless steel welding
✅ Knowledge of aluminium welding
✅ Ability to read technical drawings
✅ Understanding of welding and fabrication techniques
Advantageous
✅ Relevant Welding Certificate
✅ Trade-related qualifications
✅ Manufacturing industry experience
Skills and Competencies
The ideal candidate should possess:
- Welding skills
- Fabrication experience
- Technical drawing interpretation
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving abilities
- Teamwork skills
- Communication skills
- Time management skills
- Safety awareness
- Quality workmanship
Why Join National Brands Limited?
Employees may benefit from:
- Permanent employment
- Career growth opportunities
- Exposure to world-class manufacturing facilities
- Skills development programmes
- Engineering career advancement
- Working with iconic South African brands
- Supportive team environment
Reporting Structure
The Junior Welder will report directly to the:
Engineering Manager
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their applications through the official AVI Careers Portal before the closing date.
Required Documents
- Updated CV
- Certified ID Copy
- Matric Certificate
- Welding Certificates
- Supporting Qualifications
- Contactable References
10 Junior Welder Interview Questions and Answers
1. Tell us about your welding experience.
Answer: I have experience with fabrication, welding repairs, stainless steel welding, aluminium welding, and interpreting technical drawings.
2. What welding methods have you used?
Answer: I have worked with various welding methods and have experience welding stainless steel and aluminium components.
3. Can you read technical drawings?
Answer: Yes, I can interpret dimensions, specifications, and fabrication requirements from engineering drawings.
4. Why is safety important when welding?
Answer: Welding involves heat, sparks, and equipment that can be dangerous if proper safety procedures are not followed.
5. What would you do if a weld failed inspection?
Answer: I would identify the issue, repair the weld, and ensure it meets quality standards before reinspection.
6. How do you maintain welding equipment?
Answer: I perform routine inspections, cleaning, maintenance, and report faults immediately.
7. What experience do you have in manufacturing environments?
Answer: Discuss any factory, engineering, production, or maintenance experience you have gained.
8. Why is preventative maintenance important?
Answer: Preventative maintenance helps reduce downtime, improve reliability, and extend equipment lifespan.
9. Can you work overtime when required?
Answer: Yes, I understand manufacturing environments may require overtime to meet operational needs.
10. Why should National Brands hire you?
Answer: I am hardworking, safety-conscious, skilled in welding and fabrication, and committed to producing quality work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Matric required?
Yes, Grade 12 (Matric) is required.
How much experience is required?
Applicants should have between 2 and 5 years of welding or fabrication experience.
Is a welding certificate required?
It is advantageous but not specifically listed as mandatory.
Where is the job located?
The position is based at Westmead Biscuits in Pinetown, KwaZulu-Natal.
Important Information
⚠️ Closing Date: 25 June 2026
⚠️ Manufacturing experience will be advantageous.
⚠️ Candidates must be willing to work overtime when required.
⚠️ Never pay any fee when applying for jobs.
Final Thoughts
The National Brands Limited Junior Welder Vacancy 2026 offers an excellent opportunity for skilled welders to join one of South Africa’s leading FMCG manufacturers. If you have welding, fabrication, and maintenance experience and want to build a career with AVI and the makers of Bakers biscuits, apply before 25 June 2026.

Nomcebo Yaka is a South African opportunity curator and digital platform builder dedicated to helping young people access employment and skills development opportunities. Through her social media presence and website, she shares verified job openings, learnerships, and career resources, making it easier for job seekers to stay informed and apply on time.
Driven by a passion for community upliftment, she actively connects unemployed individuals with potential employers and encourages proactive job searching. Her work focuses on bridging the gap between opportunity and access, particularly for youth across South Africa.


