Sassda Equips the Stainless Steel Sector for a Smarter Tomorrow
Sassda has opened registrations for its latest Fundamentals of Stainless Steel online course, an essential skills development initiative aimed at upskilling professionals across the stainless steel value chain.
Designed for fabricators, engineers, sales staff, and specifiers, the course offers a practical, structured introduction to stainless steel and its wide range of industrial applications. The upcoming course is now open for registration and forms part of Sassda’s broader mandate to boost technical
knowledge and ensure the correct application of stainless steel across industries.
The course is divided into six focused modules:
- Introduction and history of stainless steel
- Understanding stainless steel grades and types
- Corrosion and prevention
- Mechanical and physical properties
- Manufacturing processes
- Proper care and handling
Sassda Executive Director and course presenter Michel Basson says skills development in the industrial sector is directly linked to economic growth, particularly in manufacturing-driven economies like South Africa.
“A technically competent workforce not only improves productivity and reduces costly errors; it also enhances the global competitiveness of local manufacturers,” he explains. “In sectors such as stainless steel, where material performance, compliance, and precision are critical, well trained
personnel contribute to better project outcomes, reduced waste, and longer-lasting infrastructure. By investing in training, the industry creates a pipeline of skilled professionals capable of supporting innovation, localisation, and sustainable development.”
He adds that Sassda’s training programmes continue to deliver tangible value to industry participants. “Our goal is to close the knowledge gap in the industry, not with theory for theory’s sake, but with actionable, job-relevant content. That’s where we’re making an impact.”
Feedback from recent course evaluations supports this. Participants rate the courses highly across all categories. Attendees agreed that they meet their expectations, are professionally delivered, and will help them in their day-today work. Every participant said they would recommend the courses to colleagues, which is a strong indicator of the programme’s quality and relevance. Beyond the Fundamentals course, Sassda offers a range
of additional training modules tailored to specific sectors and applications, including:
- Stainless Steel in Architecture and Construction
- Fabrication and Welding Techniques
- Corrosion Resistance and Maintenance
- Finishing and Surface Treatment
- Stainless Steel in Food and Beverage Applications
- Lifecycle Costing and Sustainability
What’s clear is that with stainless steel playing a key role in infrastructure, manufacturing, and hygienic design, the need for correct material selection, specification, and fabrication is more important than ever. Misuse or lack of knowledge can lead to costly project failures, reduced product lifespan, or compromised safety.
Sassda’s training helps prevent these risks by equipping industry professionals with the knowledge needed to design, work with, and maintain stainless steel effectively. “Training is not an add-on to what we do. It’s core to our mission. When people understand stainless steel, they respect its potential and use it properly. That benefits the entire value chain,” Basson adds. As South Africa faces growing demand for local skills development, Sassda’s structured, accessible training is strengthening both individual careers and the broader stainless steel industry.
To find out more about Sassda’s training initiatives e-mail mankabe@sassda.co.za or call (011) 883-0119.
To register for the Sassda Fundamentals of Stainless Steel Course click here: https://sassda.co.za/education/fundamentals-of-stainless-steel/