The first Advanced Welder Training Centre (AWTC) is set to open in Burnie, Tasmania, with Federal Minister for Education and Trainin, Simon Birmingham pledging $750,000 worth of funding.
The first AWTC will be established at the Tasmanian Minerals and Energy Council (TMEC) Centre of Excellence in South Burnie. The newly refurbished centre will feature an advanced augmented reality lab equipped with five Soldamatic welding simulators, as well as advanced technical training to help upskill TasTAFE trainers.
The training delivered at the AWCT will quickly qualify welders to the standard required by ISO 9606-1 Qualification testing of welders – Fusion welding. ISO 9606 is the only standard in the world that is accepted in both Europe and America. It is a simple test that assesses welding competency according to a specific weld procedure, based on a practical acceptance criteria.
According to Geoff Crittenden, Chief Executive Officer of Weld Australia: “The combination of a curriculum based on global best practice delivered via advanced training technology will help ensure a strong supply of capable welders, both now and well into the future.
“Without a doubt, the successful implementation of this innovative training initiative will revolutionise welder training in Australia. It will raise the standard of welder education in Australia exponentially, putting our welder training on par with the best in Europe and America.”
Weld Australia convened an Industry Skills Group in mid-2017 to prepare a training curriculum tailored for both experienced welders and transitional workers. The courses were accredited by the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA) in late 2017. As a result, TAFEs around the country can now teach the accredited course, with funding provided by their parent state government.
Weld Australia will work in close collaboration with TMEC to ensure the success of the project, and anticipate that the AWTC will open in September. It is anticipated that an additional five AWTCs will receive funding for establishment in 2018, with similar numbers expected in the next two years.