Australia is facing a severe welding skills shortage, with an estimated 70,000 welders needed by 2030.
This shortage is already straining key national projects like South Australia’s $9.9 billion Torrens to Darlington (T2D) project, the AUKUS submarine initiative, and shipbuilding programs. While large corporations manage to secure skilled welders, small and medium-sized enterprises are feeling the pinch, struggling to maintain operations.
Weld Australia is stepping up with a solution: a 12-week micro-credential program designed to train job-ready welders quickly and effectively. Unlike traditional apprenticeships, which take years to complete, this program focuses on ISO 9606 certification, equipping students with the ability to perform specific, high-demand welding procedures. While it offers a faster route to the workforce, the program doesn’t replace apprenticeships. Instead, it complements them, enabling students to continue their education with a strong foundation of skills and hands-on experience.
The initiative also focuses on inclusivity, targeting marginalized groups such as Indigenous communities, women, and the long-term unemployed. By establishing welding academies and partnering with industry stakeholders, Weld Australia is ensuring this program meets immediate needs while fostering a sustainable talent pipeline. As CEO Geoff Crittenden points out, this is a balanced approach to both urgent and long-term workforce challenges, ensuring high-quality welders are ready to step into projects today and for years to come.
Source:
Weld Membership
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