New training resources developed by Weld Australia will aim to simplify processes for the in-demand trade.
Weld Australia found 50 per cent of its members were working at 80 per cent capacity, due to a lack of skilled workers.
The leading Australian welding body predicts the nation will be short 70,000 welders by 2030.
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“And yet, the number of welding trade workers in Australia dropped by 8 per cent in the course of just five years,” Weld Australia CEO Geoff Crittenden said.
“Completion rates of welding apprenticeships continue to fall by as much as 23 per cent annually.
“It is essential that welder training is revolutionised with online, accessible and engaging learning resources.”
Weld Australia has designed and created 12 welding and fabrication units of competency for the Manufacturing and Engineering (MEM) Training Package.
It’s worked with a collection of TAFES to design the training resources and they were created with students, teachers and training organisations in mind.
They’re built to be as engaging and up-to-date as possible, and some TAFEs have already adopted the units permanently.
“Weld Australia believes that a national industry, which has a national learning package, needs national learning resources,” Crittenden added.
“Whether you’re an apprentice in Kalgoorlie, Ultimo or Davenport, you should have access to the same, high-quality training. Our goal is to help ensure that high-quality welder learning is consistent across the country.”