More welders are needed in Queensland and a training program with subsidies has been launched to address the problem.
The program by Weld Australia and Manufacturing Skills Queensland (MSQ) is geared to address an ongoing shortage of welders in the state.
MSQ is to subsidise 50% of training costs for eligible program participants.
Weld Australia says there is ongoing demand for welders with consistent reports of shortages of certified welders and welding supervisors.
This applies particularly to regional manufacturing centres involved in defence, energy, infrastructure and advanced manufacturing projects.
Training will be delivered across Queensland such as Maryborough, Gladstone, Cairns, Brisbane, Townsville, Mackay and Bundaberg.
MORE WELDERS NEEDED
Geoff Crittenden is CEO of Weld Australia, which represents the welding profession with membership of individual welders and companies.
“Queensland manufacturers are telling us the same thing again and again: they need more qualified welders and welding supervisors, and they need better access to nationally and internationally recognised certification pathways,” he says.
“This partnership with MSQ to subsidise 50% of training costs will remove a major barrier for employers and workers — especially in regional areas — and help build the skilled workforce Queensland needs.”
According to Kris McCue, the acting Chief Executive Officer of MSQ, there is a growing need for qualified welders.
“Certified welding skills are essential for maintaining safety, quality, and compliance in manufacturing,” she says.
“Partnering with Weld Australia to halve the cost of welding training is a step towards closing critical skills gaps.”
The training programs are:
- AS 1796 Certificate 10 (welding supervisor): for professionals supervising welding on pressure equipment and high-risk applications.
- AS 2214 (welding supervisor): for those overseeing welding in structural steel fabrication.
- ISO 9606 (welder certification): the internationally recognised standard verifying a welder’s ability to produce consistent, compliant welds.
The MSQ-funded program is available to eligible Qld manufacturing businesses and participants.
Participant eligibility includes employment at a Qld business, living in state and meeting training conditions. Eligible businesses need to have less than 200 staff.
“This is a rare opportunity for both individuals and employers to access high-value welding training and certification at half the cost,” Crittenden says.
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