Australian Welding - December 2023

AUSTRALIAN

WELDING

2023 Welding Excellence Awards Page 9

Weld Australia’s 2023 Year in Review Page 40

Q4 | DECEMBER 2023 Official Journal of Weld Australia weldaustralia.com.au

Q4 | December 2023

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SECURING THE FUTURE OF AUSTRALIA’S WELDING INDUSTRY

WELD AUSTRALIA’S VALUE PROPOSITION

HOW WE CAN HELP

JOIN WELD AUSTRALIA TODAY

Expert Engineering Services: Our team of IWEs can help with the development of welding procedures, welding inspection, supervision and engineering, expert opinion and automation.

Weld Australia membership is an investment in the success of your career or the success of your business. We will help you increase your income, decrease your costs and give you a competitive advantage over companies or people who aren’t members. A Weld Australia membership delivers: • Community and networking opportunities • Widespread credibility • Visibility within the industrial sector • Career opportunities and professional development • Industry insights and knowledge sharing • Expert help and technical advice • Access to a wide range of Technical and Guidance Notes • Discounted rates on Weld Australia events, seminars, professional development, training and technical publications

Company & Individual Certification: We can help your company gain and maintain certification to: AS/NZS ISO 3834, EN 15085, DIN 2303 and AS/NZS ISO 9606.

Premier Welding Training & Qualification: Our comprehensive range of training and qualification services help welders, fabrication companies and the industrial sector achieve and maintain a competitive advantage.

Advocacy: As the peak body for welding, we are dedicated to facilitating the growth of world class welding in Australia.

David Choudry (Membership Manager, Weld Australia) d.choudry@weldaustralia.com.au 02 8748 1800 189 0135 900 | 0417 878 104

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MORE INFO weldaustralia.com.au

IN THIS ISSUE

WELD AUSTRALIA CONTACTS National Office PO Box 197 Macquarie Park BC NSW 1670 1800 189 900 office@weldaustralia.com.au weldaustralia.com.au

CONTENTS A Message From Weld Australia’s Chair

04

A Message From Weld Australia’s CEO

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2023 Welding Excellence Awards

09

ACT and New South Wales

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Queensland and Northern Territory

14

South Australia 18 Victoria and Tasmania 20 Western Australia 24 BOC: How Do You Manage Welding Fume in the Workplace?

28

Coregas: Fume Management and Performance

30

Diverseco: Pioneering Robotics, Automation and Measurement

30

Gentronics: Tomorrow’s Technology Today

34

OneGas Australia: Service Like No Other

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Outsource Institute (AUS): Upskilling the Welding Industry

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Chief Executive Officer Geoff Crittenden 1800 189 900 g.crittenden@weldaustralia.com.au ENGINEERING Victor Blain, Engineering Team Manager 0409 823 991 v.blain@weldaustralia.com.au TRAINING Guy Brooks, Training Manager 0488 743 322 g.brooks@weldaustralia.com.au MARKETING Michelle Bignold, National Manager, Sales & Marketing 0437 106 726 m.bignold@weldaustralia.com.au MEMBERSHIP David Choudry, Membership Manager 0417 878 104 d.choudry@weldaustralia.com.au QUALIFICATION & CERTIFICATION Deniz Yalniz, Qualification and Certification Team Manager 0487 487 170 d.yalniz@weldaustralia.com.au

Why ProQM Exists 38

2023: A Year in Review

40

Weld Australia’s Advocacy in 2023

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Weld Australia 2023 Member Survey Results

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National Manufacturing Summit 50 Workshops, Seminars and Events in 2023

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BECOME A MEMBER

Industry Events in 2023 56 Premier Welder Training 58 MEM Training Resources 60 Advanced Welder Training Centres

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Linking Members: Weld Australia’s Industry Groups

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Updates to Australian Standards

68

Company Certifications

70

What Weld Australia Members Have to Say

74

Subscription to Australian Welding is a Weld Australia member benefit included in annual membership fees. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or copied in any form without the written permission of Weld Australia. Weld Australia and its agents are not responsible for statements or opinions expressed by contributors in this publication, which are not necessarily those of Weld Australia.

Publication of any advertisement does not constitute endorsement by Weld Australia of any product, nor warrant its suitability.

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FROM THE CHAIR

2023: A YEAR IN REVIEW

“

Our advocacy work paid dividends this year. Focused on issues such skill shortages, onshoring and local content procurement, renewable energy and adherence to quality standards, we generated significant media coverage and political interest.”

David Lake (Chair, Weld Australia).

As 2023 draws to a close, I thought it pertinent to reflect on Weld Australia’s key achievements this year. At all times, the Weld Australia team focused on providing the resources and services that members needed most. Our primary goal is to ensure that the Australian welding industry remains locally and globally competitive, both now and into the future.

While 2023 presented challenges such as supply chain issues and skilled labour shortages, Australia’s welding industry has continued to go from strength to strength. In fact, our 2023 Member Survey indicated that most fabrication businesses have a very strong pipeline of work, capacity for additional work, and rate the prospects of their business as strong.

Weld Australia members continue to lead the way in innovation,

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environmental sustainability, diversity and inclusion, and health and safety.

We are extremely proud to be your peak body.

We’ve been busy behind the scenes at Weld Australia too.

Advocacy Our advocacy work paid dividends this year. Focused on issues such skill shortages, onshoring and local content procurement, renewable energy and adherence to quality standards, we generated significant media coverage and political interest.

For further information, see the article on page 40.

Events Almost 1,000 people attended 19 member events, on topics as diverse as mechanical testing and cobots in the Australian manufacturing industry, right through to an update on the revisions of EN 15085 Railway applications – Welding of railway vehicles.

In collaboration with the Australia Institute’s Centre for Future Work, we hosted the National Manufacturing Summit at Old Parliament House on 2 and 3 August. With the theme of Manufacturing the Energy Revolution: Industrial Opportunities from Renewable Energy, the event was a great success.

We hosted the much expanded program of Welding Excellence Awards. This year, five awards ceremonies were held across the country throughout October and November, with a total of more than 670 people coming together to acknowledge the incredible calibre of work achieved over the past 12 months. For further details about all the winners, please see the article on page 9.

We launched new Industry Groups this year, focused on Renewable Energy and Advanced Manufacturing, and reinvigorated our Defence Industry Network, bringing together

more members than ever before.

Training and Skills Our training department went from strength to strength, with over 350 students completing courses. Weld Australia trained and qualified 10 new International Welding Engineers (IWE), 96 Welding Inspectors, 113 Welding Supervisors, and six International Welding Specialists (IWS).

Our work on the MEM Resources Project continued, with the resources officially launched and already adopted by some TAFEs. We expanded our Advanced Manufacturing School Outreach Program in New South Wales significantly, with over 80 welding simulators installed in more than 40 schools.

Qualification and Certification Our qualification and certification services remained as popular as ever in 2023, with 11 new companies certified to AS/NZS ISO 3834 Quality requirements for fusion welding of metallic materials; DIN 2303 Welding and allied processes – Quality requirements to be met by production and maintenance companies for military products; or EN 15085.

The Australian Welder Certification Register (AWCR) and WeldQ platform also continued to grow. Over 720 users registered this year, taking the total number of users up to 12,290.

We expanded our certification services, adding AS/NZS 9001, AS/NZS ISO 14001 and AS/NZS ISO 45001 to our offering. We also added the IIW International Welding Practitioner (IWP) qualification.

Season’s Greetings I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Weld Australia Directors for not only volunteering their time throughout 2023, but for their true commitment and hard work. On behalf of the entire Board, I would also like to thank Geoff Crittenden, our CEO, and his team for their dedication and work throughout the year.

Lastly, I would like to thank all of our members for their ongoing support, particularly all those members who regularly contribute to our success, such as the hard-working members of our local committees.

LASTING CONNECTIONS

Böhler Welding offers a globally unique and complete product portfolio of welding consumables; these products are from our own production facilities. Our extensive range of approximately 2,000 products is continuously adapted to the current specifications of the industries and market requirements, considering the highest quality standards.

It’s the ongoing support from members like you that allows us to continue advocating for the welding industry in Australia, and we wholeheartedly thank you for your role in that this year. We hope you will continue your support in 2024.

Scan for additional information

I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. voestalpine Böhler Welding www.voestalpine.com/welding

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FROM THE CEO

MELDING SKILLS WITH STRATEGY: WELD AUSTRALIA’S BLUEPRINT FOR A WORKING FUTURE

Geoff Crittenden (CEO, Weld Australia)

In late September, the Federal Government released its employment white paper, Working Future — a roadmap to ensure more Australians can make the most of the big shifts underway in the economy and our society over the coming decades.

According to the Government, Working Future presents a vision for a dynamic and inclusive labour market in which everyone has the opportunity for secure, fairly paid work and people, businesses and communities can be beneficiaries of change and thrive.

The Government’s vision is underpinned by five ambitious objectives: delivering sustained and inclusive full employment; promoting job security and strong, sustainable wage growth; reigniting productivity growth; filling skills needs and building our future workforce; and overcoming barriers to employment and broadening opportunity.

Fostering an inclusive, flexible and productive labour market is critical to achieving the Government’s priorities, including the net zero transformation, the implementation of the Defence Strategic Review 2023, the AUKUS agreement, and supporting workers with expanded use of digital and advanced technologies.

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Welding is a key component of the industrial processes required to support the achievement of the Government’s priorities outlined in Working Future. As such, Weld Australia estimates that an additional 70,000 welders will be required over the next decade.

Weld Australia and its members already operate a range of programs designed to increase the capacity, quality and skill of the Australian welding sector to not only meet these challenges, but support Australian industry to thrive. However, there are several opportunities to partner with governments at all levels to grow Australia’s local welding industry to meet the objectives outlined in Working Future.

OBJECTIVE 1: DELIVERING SUSTAINED AND INCLUSIVE FULL EMPLOYMENT Sustained full employment is about minimising volatility in economic cycles and keeping employment as close as possible to the current maximum level consistent with low and stable inflation. Inclusive full employment is about broadening opportunities, lowering barriers to work, and reducing under employment.

Establishing a First Nations Welder Training Academy Weld Australia is partnering with a major essential services provider to establish a First Nations Welder Training Academy in Port Headland, Western Australia. The first of its kind, the Academy will provide a culturally-safe program facilitated by First Nations instructors. It will deliver international-standard welder training to up to 100 First Nations people in the first two years. This initiative will provide a pathway for First Nations people into inclusive employment.

Weld Australia is seeking government funding for the Academy, and looking to work with government employment services providers to establish a longterm pipeline of candidates.

OBJECTIVE 2: PROMOTING JOB SECURITY AND STRONG, SUSTAINABLE WAGE GROWTH Real wage growth is a key element of increasing living standards but not all workers are fairly paid. The gender pay gap remains an ongoing challenge, and some groups are more susceptible to exploitation.

Increasing the Workforce Participation of Women Welders Encouraging the participation of women in male-dominated industries

is critical to ending employment disparity and the gender pay gap.

Weld Australia facilitates the Women in Welding discussion group, and undertakes other activities to promote greater female participation.

In conjunction with Corrections Victoria, Weld Australia is also in the process of establishing an Advanced Welder Training Centre at the Tarrengower Prison in Victoria, to provide a pathway to employment for women prisoners reintegrating into the community.

However, Weld Australia and its members cannot tackle this problem alone. Support is needed from governments of all levels to: set measurable targets to improve the gender balance across the welding industry; implement marketing and engagement campaigns that attract women into welding; and create streamlined training and employment pathways.

OBJECTIVE 3: REIGNITING PRODUCTIVITY GROWTH Productivity growth is the key driver of real wage growth and rising living standards over the long term, but it has been slowing around the world.

In the decade to 2020, productivity growth in Australia was the slowest in 60 years. Raising productivity is becoming increasingly important.

Increasing Welder Productivity through Cobots Currently, Australia’s 70,000 welders spend approximately two hours on-arc time per shift, which is below international benchmarks (four hours per shift in the US and Japan). The remainder of their time is spent completing manual labour, such as materials handling. By reducing the manual labour load, there is an opportunity to increase welder productivity and improve the capacity of the domestic welding industry to achieve the government’s priorities.

[ IT’S HAPPENING AGAIN ]

Weld Australia is currently partnering with TAFEs to train welding apprentices to program cobots, which can reduce the manual labour burden on welders. This program, at scale, has the capacity to double the on-arc time of Australian welders.

To broaden this program, two things are needed: the introduction of a dedicated cobot programming module as part of the Certificate III and IV in Metal Fabrication; and additional government funding to supply TAFEs nationally with cobots and qualified instructors.

Increasing Welder Productivity through Trades Assistants The manual labour burden on welders could be also be reduced by employing trades assistants to complete materials handling and grinding work. Weld Australia will execute a research project in 2024 with a view to benchmarking current productivity levels and developing

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a business case to bring welder productivity in Australia in line with international best practice.

A ratio of 2:1 Certificate II-qualified trades assistants represents industry best practice, and requires funding support from the Australian Government in order to achieve its policy objectives, including the net zero transmission.

OBJECTIVE 4: FILLING SKILLS NEEDS AND BUILDING OUR FUTURE WORKFORCE Some rapidly growing industries are facing acute skills shortages and will require tailored workforce solutions.

This requires investments in domestic skills and training, complemented by targeted migration pathways.

Expanding Advanced Welder Training Centres into Schools Weld Australia has 180 advanced welder training simulators across 90 schools in New South Wales, and is working with industry partners to create a pathway to employment for school leavers into the clean energy industry.

The Australian welding industry needs a government-supported national plan and marketing campaign to promote skills training in schools, linked with clear pathways to employment and future career opportunities.

Supporting Older Welders to Transition into Teaching Weld Australia is partnering with TAFE to design and implement a bridging course for older welders to fast-track skilled professionals into teaching.

This will help improve workforce participation and address demand in the TAFE sector. Weld Australia urges governments to support this program.

OBJECTIVE 5: OVERCOMING BARRIERS TO EMPLOYMENT AND BROADENING OPPORTUNITY Disadvantage reduces the employment prospects of many people and can lead to intergenerational cycles of joblessness. Compounding local factors, complex personal circumstances and discrimination can make engagement in work challenging for families and communities, including to break out of cycles of disadvantage. Many people face multiple, interconnected barriers to employment.

Expansion Of Advanced Welder Training Centres in Prisons Weld Australia currently supports five Advanced Welder Training Centres in Victorian prisons, including both men’s and women’s facilities.

Weld Australia would welcome additional opportunities to partner with the federal, state and territory governments to establish Centres

Season’s Greetings &

Happy Holidays from Weld Australia

On behalf of everyone at Weld Australia, we would like to thank our members and clients for their continued support throughout 2023, and to extend our warmest wishes for the holiday season.

Our National Office will be closed over Christmas and the New Year, from Friday 22 December 2023, reopening on Monday 8 January 2024.

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across correctional jurisdictions.

Welding is a key component of the industrial processes required to support the achievement of the priorities outlined in the Working Future white paper. The initiatives outlined above represent a promising start to addressing the critical skills gap and securing the additional 70,000 welders required to deliver on the Australian Government’s commitments.

There is a real opportunity for the Australian Government to lead the way forward in partnership with Weld Australia and its members, for the benefit of Australian industry, communities and the economy.

THANK YOU AND WARM WISHES I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those members who have contributed to Weld Australia this year. In particular, my thanks go to the hard-working members of all our local committees.

I would also like to thank the Weld Australia Directors who commit a significant proportion of their free time to Board matters. I thank them for their advice throughout 2023. Finally, I would like to thank the entire Weld Australia team for their hard work, enthusiasm and dedication.

I wish everyone a safe and happy festive season and a prosperous new year.

Craftsmanship, quality and professionalism were front and centre over the last month, with the winners of the 2023 Welding Excellence Awards announced at ceremonies across the country. Weld Australia’s Excellence Awards are the most prestigious event on the welding industry calendar. The Awards showcase and celebrate the world-class work being undertaken by local welders, fabricators and industry educators.

This year, five awards ceremonies were held across the country throughout October and November, with a total of more than 670 people coming together to acknowledge the incredible calibre of work achieved over the past 12 months.

Western Australia award ceremony.

According to Weld Australia’s CEO, Geoff Crittenden, “The 2023 Welding Excellence Awards not only spotlight the world-class contributions of our local talent but also underline the industry’s continuous drive for excellence. At Weld Australia, we are immensely proud to elevate and celebrate those who are setting new benchmarks in quality, safety, and innovation in welding.”

“This year’s winners feature businesses and individuals committed to the pursuit of innovative, sustainable solutions that minimise risk and maximise project outcomes, as well as initiatives designed to increase the breadth and depth of skilled labour within the welding sector,” Crittenden said.

Weld Australia would like to congratulate all the winners, runners up and highly commended receipients. We would also like to thank all of our sponsors, without whom the Welding Excellence Awards would not be possible.

New South Wales and ACT award ceremony.

South Australia award ceremony.

WITH THANKS TO OUR AWARDS SPONSORS

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ACT & NEW SOUTH WALES COMPANY OF THE YEAR – FABRICATION

NEPEAN Engineering & Innovation Established in 1974, NEPEAN Engineering & Innovation has become one of Australia’s largest privately owned engineering service providers. NEPEAN offers a full range of engineering services across sectors such as mining, defence, manufacturing, infrastructure, construction, aerospace. Their commitment to excellence is evident through three fundamental pillars: continuous investment in plant and equipment; their willingness to be better and different; and their competitive passion for winning and growth. The Runner Up in this category was Macfab Engineering.

COMPANY OF THE YEAR - INDIGENOUS

Indigee Metals Indigee Metals is a majority Indigenous owned and Supply Nation registered manufacturing company, being a joint venture between JNC Group (Aust) and Precision Metal Group. Indigee Metals is proud to service the Federal, State and Local governments as well as other international clients. The company has a strong defence security delivery background, including nationwide capability and an extensive global reach. Indigee Metals works across a variety of sectors, including defence, infrastructure, construction and maritime and is certified to AS/NZS ISO 3834, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO 27001.

COMPANY OF THE YEAR - SUPPLIER

Allweld Services Allweld Services is 100% Australian owned and operated, employing over 50 staff including technical representatives and service technicians for both gas and electrical equipment. With three conveniently located branches at Beresfield, Muswellbrook and East Maitland, as well as a daily delivery service, Allweld services the needs of fabricators across the state. Allweld was incorporated in June 1983 in East Maitland with the vision to supply quality products and technical advice to all facets of the engineering, mining, manufacturing and construction industries, as well as the home handy person.

PROJECT OF THE YEAR

TSS Engineering for the Rozelle Interchange TSS Engineering played a pivotal role in one of Sydney’s landmark projects: the Rozelle Interchange Ventilation Steelwork. The project’s primary objective was to fabricate and install architectural structures around three ventilation stacks, each standing at 25m in height. These structures featured vertical ladder components and intertwined rope elements to seamlessly blend with the intricate subterranean road network below. Additionally, the steelwork provided access to the ventilation platform via three stair sets, enabling the monitoring of carbon emissions and housing various electrical equipment essential for ventilation. The Runner Up for this award was SWA Water.

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HEALTH AND SAFETY IN WELDING AWARD

Apex Welding Safety (AWS) Established in 1994, AWS specialises in welding safety equipment, supplying all forms of welding fume product controls. In 2022, AWS commissioned an independent scientific study to compare the effectiveness of welding fume product controls. Previous studies have done an effective job in defining the problem; however, few have been able to identify and compare the relative effectiveness of available product control solutions. In 2023, the research was published as a peer reviewed scientific paper. AWS has since released a series of resources based on the study to help workplaces reduce welding fume.

TSS Engineering Founded in 2017, TSS Engineering swiftly cemented its reputation in the engineering sector, taking on expansive projects across all three stages of the renowned WestConnex project. Since its inception, TSS Engineering has rooted its operations in the principles of quality, safety, and integrity. Through an intricate blend of industry certifications, cutting-edge technology, and proactive policies, TSS Engineering has not only elevated their health and safety standards but set industry benchmarks. TSS Engineering introduced a specialised training module focused on welding safety, covering proper equipment usage, ventilation, and PPE. Post-training, monthly incident reports highlighted a decline in welding-related injuries.

TRAINING AND EDUCATION – ORGANISATION AWARD

NSW Department of Education The NSW Department of Education introduced a new program in 2019 designed to boost interest from secondary students in manufacturing and engineering courses. The program relies upon the use of augmented reality welding simulators to give kids a real welding experience. To date, 82 welding simulators are installed at 40 high schools across NSW. These simulators are used to teach students in Year 9 to develop an understanding of welding across all common processes in a completely safe and controlled environment.

The technology is also being utilised by students in years 10-12 to support the delivery of Manufacturing and Engineering and Industrial Technology (Metal).

TRAINING AND EDUCATION – INDIVIDUAL TEACHER AWARD

Nathan Kelly from TAFE NSW Orange Nathan delivers the Certificate III in Engineering at TAFE NSW. He has been involved in product development, and creating assessments and resources.

Nathan is involved with WorldSkills Australia, organising regional competitions and a mentor for past and future competitors within the welding and metal fabrication trade. He also won the regional WorldSkills Competition, and placed second in the National WorldSkills competition. Prior to taking on his role at TAFE, Nathan gained extensive hands-on experience in all welding processes, including maintenance and repair of mining equipment, manufacturing of structural components, and pressure piping and sanitary tube welding.

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YOUNG TRADESPERSON OF THE YEAR

Harrison Field from A-OK Metal Fabrication Harrison, age 20, is a skilled tradesman who completed his metal engineering apprenticeship and Certificate III Engineering Fabrication Trade in 2022 to the highest standard. He is currently employed by A-OK Metal Fabrication in Bathurst. Harrison is known for his exceptional welding skills and has a genuine passion for the craft. Harrison’s talent and hard work have not gone unnoticed, having won gold at the 2023 WorldSkills Australia competition for Welding. Harrison has been involved with large scale projects such as the new $88-million Parramatta Aquatic Centre covering 40,000 square meters. The Runner Up was Alex Pace from Precision Metal Group.

WELDING COORDINATOR OF THE YEAR

Alireza Samimi Mottaghi from Professional Welding Clinic Alireza is a certified International Welding Engineer (IWE) with over 20 years of experience in welding, quality control, and non-destructive testing. He has worked across various sectors and projects, including oil and gas, rail, power plants, pressure vessels, mining, pipelines, and steel structures. He currently works with more than 15 companies, helping them to prepare and implement all documents for AS/NZS ISO 3834, EN 15085 and DIN 2303 certification. Alireza holds a number of professional qualifications in addition to his IWE, including CSWIP 3.2 (Senior Welding Inspector), AS 2214 Welding Supervisor, and Lead Auditor qualifications for ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, and ISO 27001.

WELDING SUPERVISOR OF THE YEAR

David Parr from Alfabs Group With over 10 years of experience, David is currently the Welding Superintendent across the Alfabs Group. He is responsible for weld procedure qualification, welder qualification and revalidation for all sections. His biggest achievement to date was being in charge of all welding activities for the launching nose for the Sydney Gateway Project. David started his career at the age of 19 in an aluminium fabrication workshop as a labourer. Within six months was promoted to Area Supervisor looking after fabrication and dispatch. It was there he showed in interest in TIG welding and soon decided to become a welder. After completing his welding trade and gaining experience in heavy fabrication, he took on roles in quality assurance.

WELDING INSPECTOR OF THE YEAR

Shaun Brown from MC Quality Control Shaun is an exceptional professional who has made an impressive mark in the field of welding inspector, particularly at Hunter Valley Operations, where he is based as a Welding Inspector for MC Quality Control. Shaun has also recently completed his AS 2214 Welding Supervisor course. According to his colleagues, in addition to his technical expertise, Shaun’s professionalism, responsiveness, and punctuality in meeting customer needs set him apart as a role model in the field of welding inspection and within the MC Quality Control team. His dedication to excellence, commitment to safety, and ability to deliver high-quality results are qualities that truly deserve recognition.

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CEO’S AWARD

Gary Mitchie from Mitchie Welding With a career that spans over 40 years, Gary Mitchie is a highly experienced welder, welding supervisor and welding inspector. He is also experienced in all aspects of welder training, non-destructive testing and quality assurance and control. He spent time at the Diamantina Power Station, the Collie A Power Station and at CITIC Pacific Mining Management before establishing Mitchie Welding. With his enduring dedication to Australia’s welding industry across several decades, Gary remains a guiding force for a team of welders. His passion for welding and the Australian industry is unwavering, and he is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of welding professionals.

The Indigee Metals and Precision Metal Group team.

L to R: Alireza Samimi Mottaghi, Geoff Crittenden and Arya Sharifian

The NEPEAN Engineering & Innovation team.

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QUEENSLAND & NT QUEENSLAND COMPANY OF THE YEAR – FABRICATION

Munster Services Group Munster Services Group have been one of the market leaders in complex, multi-disciplinary project delivery since 2008. They deliver turnkey engineering, fabrication and maintenance solutions across the infrastructure, water, utilities, food processing, and building sectors. In the last three years, Munster has experienced significant growth, and helping bring manufacturing back to Queensland. They are committed to supporting their local community and upskilling the next generation of welders, with 91 apprentices and trainees.

Safety, Quality and Environment outcomes are also paramount for Munster.

The Runner Up in this category was RUD Australia.

INDIGENOUS COMPANY OF THE YEAR

Bridgeman Bridgeman is a proudly Indigenous owned, operated and Supply Nation certified metal manufacturing and construction company. They are committed to providing leadership, support, opportunity, and encouragement to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the broader community.

Originally founded in 1997 as a metal manufacturing company, Bridgeman has transitioned into one of Australia’s most trusted and respected multi-faceted solutions providers. With a presence in Brisbane, Townsville and Cairns, Bridgeman boasts an advanced manufacturing facility of over 2,700m2, which is equipped with the latest machinery.

COMPANY OF THE YEAR – SUPPLIER

Coregas Operating since 1974, Coregas is the only Australian industrial gases company.

Coregas manufactures gases locally and distributes them throughout Australia and New Zealand via a network of branches and third parties. As a key partner to the welding industry, Coregas is always seeking to raise the bar in terms of service, quality and value. They actively support the learning and development of their own people to better assist their clients and the sectors in which they operate. This includes offering apprenticeships, internships, on the job training and other educational and developmental programs. Coregas delivers highly solutions that reduce the financial and resource burden on Australian industry.

HEALTH AND SAFETY IN WELDING

Monadelphous Monadelphous is an ASX-200 company providing multidisciplinary construction, maintenance and industrial services to many of the largest companies in the resources, energy and infrastructure sectors.

Monadelphous is dedicated to setting the highest standards for health and safety in the welding industry. Monadelphous proactive health monitoring practices, comprehensive training programs, and investment in top-tier protective equipment demonstrate their commitment to the wellbeing of their workforce.

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PROJECT OF THE YEAR

Rockpress for the Gunungia Drive Shared Pathway Bridge Rockpress is a privately-owned Queensland-based manufacturing powerhouse with a proud history dating back to 1972. The Gunungia Drive Shared Pathway Bridge project presented a unique challenge: constructing a 35-meter bridge within the confines of a workshop designed to handle small to medium assemblies in purpose built welding bays. Rockpress developing advanced manufacturing jig structures that ensured precision, drastically reduced distortion and minimized misalignment of members caused by possible variances in the section profiles.

TRAINING AND EDUCATION – ORGANISATION AWARD

BHP BHP was recognised for their highly innovative in-house training program, the BHP FutureFit Academy. The BHP FutureFit Academy disrupts the normal approach to training, attracting, and enabling diverse candidates to work in mining. The Program delivers high-scale modular 12-month Maintenance Traineeships and 24-month Trade Apprenticeships, and it significantly increases female and First Nations representation in mining and trades. Permanently employed with BHP from day one of training, learners graduate from the BHP FutureFit Academy with a nationally recognised Certificate II or III qualification, and are deployed to BHP’s operational sites.

TRAINING AND EDUCATION – INDIVIDUAL TEACHER AWARD

Clayton Dunne from TAFE Queensland Skills Tech Clayton Dunne is a Leading Vocational teacher with TAFE Qld SkillsTech in the Metal Fabrication team. Clayton has a great depth of specialised knowledge in welding and has been part of the panel to upgrade the AS1796 standard. Clayton took a lead role in preparing welders for the Rheinmetall project, qualifying them against the ISO9606 and ensuring they were well prepared for the DIN standard test in Germany. Clayton’s ability to engage learners from basic skills to highly technical cert welding skills is a testament to his teaching.

Dave Holak from TAFE Queensland East Coast With over 25 years of experience, Dave Holak is an exceptional engineering teacher known for his effective teaching style and commitment to student success. Dave recently gained his International Welding Inspectors qualification, further enhancing his knowledge and skills in welding. Dave has also led several major projects in the field of engineering education. He has spearheaded initiatives to introduce innovative teaching techniques, integrate technology into the curriculum, and establish industry partnerships for experiential learning opportunities. His efforts have resulted in enhanced student engagement and improved learning outcomes.

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YOUNG TRADESPERSON OF THE YEAR

Brittany Hague from JRS Group Brittany Hague is an apprentice boilermaker at JRS Manufacturing Group in Toowoomba. She commenced her apprenticeship in January 2022. When asked what makes Brittany’s work stand out from others, her supervisors will tell you, her steady hand, and finesse in technique when welding, all make her work quality stand out. Her supervisors still recall, not long after starting with JRS Group, giving Brittany the task of assisting with a complex fabrication in the workshop. Having never worked with a welder before, Brittany completed this flux based work like she had been working with it for years.

CEO’S AWARD

Peter Kuebler from BOC Peter is a professional welding engineer and metallurgist with over 40 years’ experience in the construction, fabrication and welding products industries. He is a qualified International Welding Engineer and has a degree in metallurgy. Peter has held management, technical and consulting positions with a wide range of companies and is currently employed by BOC as Technical Manager. In this role, he is responsible for coordinating technical welding support for BOC’s largest customers as well as robotics applications.

WELDING COORDINATOR OF THE YEAR

Trevor Vonhoff from CS Energy Trevor is the Boiler and Pressure Vessels Technical Officer at CS Energy. In this role, he is the Welding Coordinator in charge of outages at the Callide B, C and Kogan Creek power stations. He also supports day to day welding operations. With a career spanning 45 years, Trevor holds IWI-S and IWS qualifications, and is known for his high quality standards. Trevor began his Boilermaker apprenticeship in 1976 at Welsh Engineering in Toowoomba.

Following this he did a range of work at shutdowns and construction working as a boilermaker with structural steel at locations like Saraji mine, Dalyrymple Bay coal handling and Tarong power station. He then moved into pressure welding with Clyde Babcock Hitachi on Stanwell Power Station.

WELDING SUPERVISOR OF THE YEAR

Andrew Gray from HiVue Andrew is Managing Director of HiVue Inspection and Compliance, and HiVue Business Advisors. He has significant local and international experience in welding inspection and quality management, manufacturing and mining technology. He works on large projects, from gas pipelines to bridge construction, all across Queensland with many large multi-nationals. Andrew is extremely qualified, holding IWI-S, IWS, CSWIP and AINDT qualifications, to name a few. Described as an amazing mentor, he is always happy to share his knowledge. According to his colleagues, Andrew deserved to win this award because he is an extraordinarily knowledgeable welding professional, while remaining humble at all times.

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WELDING INSPECTOR OF THE YEAR

Paul Court from Maxcon Industries Paul Court has over 25 years of experience in the industry, progressing from an apprentice boilermaker to a skilled welder, before becoming a Welding Supervisor and Inspector. His extensive career spans various sectors such as cryogenics, defence, and mining, including significant work in liquid gas transport and vacuum insulated piping systems. Committed to excellence and safety in welding, Paul has enhanced his expertise with multiple qualifications, including diplomas in WHS, Business, Project Management, and Building and Construction. He regularly mentoring apprentices and advocates for best practice safety in welding.

Robart Jacob from Melco Engineering Robart Jacob is a multifaceted Mechanical Engineer and Welding Coordinator based in Mackay. He is currently the Welding and QAQC Manager for three of Melco Engineering’s branches. His career began in India and flourished over seven years in Singapore, where he gained extensive experience as a Welding Inspector and Coordinator in the shipbuilding industry, acquiring additional certifications such as CSWIP 3.1 and API 570. After migrating to Australia, Robart played a key role in Melco Engineering’s recent ISO accreditations.

Robart continues to advance his expertise, recently obtaining his IIW International Welding Specialist qualification.

The CS Energy team.

The Rockpress team.

The Munster Services Group team.

The JRS Group team.

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SOUTH AUSTRALIA COMPANY OF THE YEAR – FABRICATION

BAE Systems Australia BAE Systems is one of Australia’s most versatile defence and security companies. Over the last 70 years, they have developed a proud heritage of providing advanced defence technology which protects both people and national security, keeping critical information and infrastructure secure.

Operating from 23 sites across Australia, their strengths and core capabilities include providing design, manufacture, upgrade and support services to the Australian Defence Force, cyber intelligence organisations, and commercial organisations.

COMPANY OF THE YEAR – SUPPLIER

Welding Equipment Sales & Service (W.E.S.S) Welding Equipment Sales & Service (W.E.S.S) is the largest independent welding distribution business in South Australia and is 100% Australian owned. They serve a large customer base via their 2,800m2 facility in Wingfield. They also provide a field service, sales and repair fleet covering metropolitan Adelaide and major South Australia rural regions. With a rich 40 year history, Welding Equipment Sales & Service (W.E.S.S) is a dedicated, trusted business for many of South Australia’s welding and fabrication businesses.

TRAINING AND EDUCATION – ORGANISATION AWARD

Outsource Institute For over two decades, Outsource Institute has been a frontrunner in vocational education. TTheir training programs are designed to meet industry standards, ensuring that graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their welding careers. Completion rates for their governmentfunded students surpass industry averages by up to 17%, demonstrating how Outsource Institute engages and supports students. Strong industry partnerships and endorsements from leading universities demonstrate that Outsource Institute delivers training that is both industry-relevant and academically recognised.

YOUNG TRADESPERSON OF THE YEAR

Caleb Rozman from Century Engineering With seven years of experience in the metal fabrication industry, Caleb completed his Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade in 2021 while working at Pipe Weld Australia. He expanded his career by joining Century Engineering and obtaining an International Welding Inspector – Basic (IWI-B) certification. Caleb’s expertise encompasses vehicular body building, chassis modifications, complex pipe spooling, and welding with various materials such as low-carbon steel 350, stainless steels, duplex, inconel, copper, and nickel aluminium bronze. He also has experience in leading site teams, welding inspection, and compliance with code requirements.

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Australian Welding

WELDING COORDINATOR OF THE YEAR

Ashley Bell from BAE Systems Australia From humble beginnings as a 15 year old apprentice in his Father’s structural fabrication business, Ashley is now the Head of Manufacturing Engineering at BAE Systems Australia. This journey has taken place over the past 25 years and encompasses vast experience in the oil and gas, mining, subsea and defence sectors. Ashley has been working on the Hunter Class Frigate project for five years, from inception through to fabrication of the first Hunter Class blocks. Within his role at BAE Systems, Ashley’s extensive knowledge of a wide variety of materials, welding processes, standards and fabrication methods has seen the HCF project continue to exceed delivery expectations.

WELDING INSPECTOR OF THE YEAR

John Hayman from Mine Tech Engineering John started his welding career in 2017 undertaking a Cert III in Engineering and Fabrication at SA Steelworks. This saw him earn the title of afternoon leading hand, working on large construction projects. In 2021, John joined Mine Tech Engineering which gave him the opportunity to broaden his welding experience. John demonstrated an unwavering curiosity to learn and understand welding theory which has seen him become an integral part of Mine Tech’s QA/QC department. John completed his IWI-B in April 2023 and has since taken on the role of Welding Inspector. While only 22 years old John’s level of maturity, tenacity, integrity, and determination is firm.

The Welding Equipment Sales & Service (W.E.S.S) team.

The Century Engineering team.

The BAE Systems Australia team.

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VICTORIA & TASMANIA COMPANY OF THE YEAR – FABRICATION

Alstom Alstom is the leading rail manufacturer in Australia and New Zealand. They have provided sustainable infrastructure solutions for more than 100 years, and currently employ over 2,300 people across more than 25 sites. Alstom’s Dandenong manufacturing site is home to their Welding Centre of Excellence where they develop skills and teach advanced welding technologies, testing and certification. The Centre of Excellence specialises in resistance spot welding and arc welding, and is accredited to both EN 15085 and AS/NZS ISO 3834.

COMPANY OF THE YEAR – SUPPLIER

Coregas Operating since 1974, Coregas is the only Australian industrial gases company.

Coregas manufactures gases locally and distributes them throughout Australia and New Zealand via a network of branches and third parties. As a key partner to the welding industry, Coregas is always seeking to raise the bar in terms of service, quality and value. They actively support the learning and development of their own people to better assist their clients and the sectors in which they operate. This includes offering apprenticeships, internships, on the job training and other educational and developmental programs. Coregas delivers highly solutions that reduce the financial and resource burden on Australian industry.

PROJECT OF THE YEAR

Shadbolt Group for the Thermal Oxidiser Project The Thermal Oxidiser is used to treat waste vapours and liquid wastes by combustion before it is exhausted to the atmosphere to control air pollution. The Oxidiser was 18m tall x 3.6m in diameter. Shadbolt Group supplied materials and all necessary labour to fabricate, weld, test, trial assemble, surface treat and install the main vertical Oxidiser section. Since the late 1980s, Shadbolt Group has grown from a general engineering and maintenance workshop into a highly professional heavy steel fabrication and installation organisation. Certified to AS/NZS ISO 3834, they regularly work with high profile projects in the defence, mining, oil and gas and water industries.

TRAINING AND EDUCATION – INDIVIDUAL TEACHER AWARD

Brad Menzies from Chisholm Institute Brad is a Senior Fabrication Teacher at Chisholm. According to his colleagues, Brad is focused on successful outcomes for his students, and builds rapport and trust with students easily. Brad has maintained a student retention rate of 95%, demonstrating just how engaging his classes are. Brad started his career as general labour, before completing an apprenticeship in fabrication.

While working at Allsteel in Dandenong, he completed his Certificate IV in Training Assessment. He has been at Chisholm Institute since 2015.

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VICTORIA TRAINING & EDUCATION - ORGANISATION AWARD

TAFE Gippsland TAFE Gippsland is setting the benchmark for the delivery of accessible, quality vocational education and training. Their new Port of Sale Campus is fitted with cutting-edge technology such as CNC lathes and mills. This equipment gives students the change to experience working with real-world technology and equipment. The campus has also recently added an advanced hydraulic and pneumatic training centre for both engineering and automotive students in response to industry need. The TAFE Gippsland team includes highly qualified and skilled staff who have worked across all facets of the trade.

TASMANIA TRAINING & EDUCATION - ORGANISATION AWARD

TMEC In 2019 TMEC’s Manufacturing Centre of Excellence (MCOE) was established as Australia’s first Advanced Welding Centre. It is a Weld Australia Testing Facility which enables TMEC to train, test and certify welds and welders on island, thereby allowing access to flexible training and certification solutions for Tasmanian industry. The MCOE has truly evolved into a vibrant, high traffic facility equipped with state-of-the-art training equipment. TMEC has evolved its business model from its income being derived from membership subscriptions and events, to today where providing services, such as training accounts for 10% of TMEC’s revenue in the 2022-23 financial year.

YOUNG TRADES PERSON OF THE YEAR

Blair Hogan from Mallee Steel Blair started his Cert II in Engineering while he was in Year 10 at high school. The following year, he started a school based apprenticeship, which he then continued full-time. Blair has won several awards, including SuniTAFEs 2023 Apprentice of the Year. He also won his category in the WorldSkills Regional Championships last year, and went on to compete at the finals in Melbourne this year. Blair’s commitment to his craft, evidenced by his rigorous self-imposed standards and his enthusiasm for mentoring the next generation, makes him a deserving winner.

TRADES PERSON OF THE YEAR

Mark Seiter from Furphy Engineering Mark started a Certificate III in Engineering with Furphy Engineering in 2016.

Since then, he has been promoted several times based on his exceptional workmanship, can do attitude, and people management skills. In 2019, he become a leading hand and in 2021, was offered a role in Furphy’s Quality Assurance and Control department. He went on to obtain AS 1796 Certificate 7 and 10, as well as AS 2214 Welding Supervisor qualifications. This training saw him promoted again to Area Captain in Furphy’s Special Projects Area – where he works on projects that require special attention due to their difficult build process or extraordinary specifications.

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VICTORIA WELDING COORDINATOR OF THE YEAR

Jason Davey from Marand Precision Engineering Jason’s expertise in welding is deeply respected at Marand, where he plays a pivotal role in everything from project consultation to the execution of welds that meet stringent aerospace and defence industry standards.

Jason’s commitment to education is evident. He mentors apprentices and helps qualify tradespeople to meet exceptional welding standards, including international benchmarks in armour plate welding—a skill he honed through specialised training in Germany. With a 37-year career, Jason’s dedication to excellence in welding is not just about perfecting his craft but inspiring the next generation of welders.

TASMANIA WELDING COORDINATOR OF THE YEAR

Danny Patmore from Jayben Group Danny is building an impressive welding career built upon expertise and dedication. Starting out as an apprentice boilermaker in 2006, he now holds certifications such as IWS, IWI-B and AS2214. Through seminars, and informative sessions, he has bridged the gap between intricate welding concepts and their practical applications. This educational commitment has not only elevated his standing as a welding professional but has also enriched the collective proficiency of Jayben Group. H regularly passing on his knowledge to team members. Danny has also played a key role in introducing new technologies into Jayben Group, including weld tracking systems and a cobot.

WELDING SUPERVISOR OF THE YEAR

Merrill De Gee from Structural Challenge Merrill boasts a remarkable 35 year career. He has worked on a range of iconic projects, including local projects the Docklands Stadium, the Desalination Plant and the MCG; as well as international projects like the Bangkok Airport and Singapore Casino. As Production Manager and Welding Supervisor at Structural Challenge, he oversees production and planning, provides crucial employee training, develops weld procedures, and conducts in-house inspections, ensuring quality and efficiency. Merrill is also dedicated to lifelong learning, recently completing both AS 2214 certification, and a Certificate IV in Process Manufacturing, specialising in lean manufacturing.

PRESIDENT’S AWARD FOR AN OUTSTANDING SOCIAL PROJECT Department of Justice and Community Safety, Corrections Victoria In 2022, Corrections Victoria expanded its VET Centre of Excellence model to deliver Fusion Welding to ISO 9606 certification standard to complement their Metal Fabrication industry at HM Prison Langi Kal Kal. Federation University delivers the training program with the support of Weld Australia and onsite prison industry staff. As part of the program, augmented reality training was introduced to expand the welding skills of the prisoner learners to meet international standards. A welding workshop sits alongside the augmented reality training room so that participants can work on projects to use and practice their welding skills in the physical as well as virtual environments. The VET Centre of Excellence model links participating prisoners with prospective employers and pre- and post-release support service providers.

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CEO’S AWARD

James Johnson, Coslee Heavy Metal Fabrications Weld Australia’s CEO Award recognises the outstanding contribution of an individual to the broader Australian welding industry. The 2023 winner for Victoria and Tasmania was James Johnson from Coslee Heavy Metal Fabrications. James is the longstanding Chair of Weld Australia’s State Committee, volunteering his time to help support our members at a grassroots level and acting as an advocate for Weld Australia. On behalf of the Weld Australia team, we’d like to thank James for all of his hard work and dedication over the years.

Some of Weld Australia’s team members.

Department of Justice and Community Safety, Corrections Victoria

The Stilcon Holdings team

The Shadbolt Group team

L to R: Geoff Crittenden, Mark Rooney and David Lake

Q4 | December 2023

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WESTERN AUSTRALIA COMPANY OF THE YEAR – FABRICATION

Hofmann Engineering Since 1969, Hofmann Engineering has provided specialist engineering services to Australia’s industry leaders. Triple accreditation by Bureau Veritas and welding accreditation by Weld Australia to AS/NZS ISO 3834 and EN 15085 complements their total quality culture. Hofmann Engineering is equipped with leading-edge, heavy fabrication robotic welding cells, and high-volume heat treatment furnaces. Their commitment to continuous quality, safety, and environmental improvement touches every aspect of their products, services, and customer support. The Runner Up was GF Engineering, and Mondaelphous received a Highly Commended.

PROJECT OF THE YEAR

Bossong Engineering The project involved the meticulous repair of oil and gas casing joints, commissioned by a prominent international oil and gas service provider.

Bossong removed and replaced one-way valves and concrete shoes encapsulated within 12m long, X56 casings, followed by the intricate process of preparing and reassembling the casing joints. The project’s complexity stemmed from the substantial size, limited accessibility, unique material composition of the casing pipes, complication of the thermal mass of the embedded concrete shoe as well as the stringent welding standards demanded by the harsh subsea operating conditions they would endure.

COMPANY OF THE YEAR - SUPPLIER

Alphaweld A leading supplier of welding equipment in Australia for over a decade, Alphaweld offers a wide range of premium products and boasts a “SUPER” guarantee emphasising stock, customer support, delivery, online ordering, and reliability. In 2022, they expanded by relocating to a new state-of-the-art facility, increasing their stock holdings significantly and supporting prominent brands like Lincoln Electric and Hypertherm. Located in Canning Vale, Western Australia, Alphaweld not only offers sales but also provides machine servicing, equipment rentals, and has a team with 60+ years of combined technical knowledge.

TRAINING AND EDUCATION – INDIVIDUAL TEACHER AWARD

Darren Way from South Metropolitan TAFE Having been a boilermaker and fabricator for over 20 years, Darren gained extensive hands-on industry experience since commencing his apprenticeship in 1989. He worked as a fabricator and workshop manager for an impressive array of industry leading outfits before becoming an industry trainer in 2008. Darren is a big believer in personal development and is passionate about mentoring the next generation of Australia’s welders. All his students and colleagues agree that he demonstrates high level safety awareness, a strong work ethic, a passion for sharing his skills, experience, and a real ability to connect with students. This is the second year in a row Darren has won this Award.

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TRAINING AND EDUCATION – ORGANISATION AWARD

BHP BHP was recognised for their highly innovative in-house training program, the BHP FutureFit Academy. The BHP FutureFit Academy disrupts the normal approach to training, attracting, and enabling diverse candidates to work in mining. The Program delivers high-scale modular 12-month Maintenance Traineeships and 24-month Trade Apprenticeships, and it significantly increases female and First Nations representation in mining and trades. Permanently employed with BHP from day one of training, learners graduate from the BHP FutureFit Academy with a nationally recognised Certificate II or III qualification, and are deployed to BHP’s operational sites.

South Metropolitan TAFE South Metropolitan TAFE is one of Western Australia’s most diverse training providers. The college offers more than 340 qualifications, including tailored relevant welding and fabrication training. With 12 campuses, SM TAFE trains over 28,000 students per year. SM TAFE is Western Australia’s premier partner in trades training and workforce development, with over 10,000 apprentices currently in training and holding a commanding 40% market share in the state. Their facilities are world-class, providing students with hands-on experience in a real-life industry setting. SM TAFE is actively incorporating Augmented Reality welding simulators into their programs at their Naval Base campus and engagement initiatives for schools through the try-a-trade program.

YOUNG TRADESPERSON OF THE YEAR

Shayla Katona from Alcoa Shayla recently completed her boilermaker and welder apprenticeship at Alcoa’s Wagerup Alumina Refinery, having commenced training when she was 19 years old. Shayla was crowned one of Western Australia’s best fabrication apprentices, winning a gold medal at the 2022 WorldSkills regional competition. Shayla went on to compete at the WorldSkills Australian National Championships in 2023. As part of the competition, the fabrication apprentices are required to complete six different welds over six hours with judges awarding points to the participants against a range of criteria.

TRADESPERSON OF THE YEAR

David Rodgers from Shadbolt Group For the past 20 years, David has been a welder in the oil and gas and shipbuilding industries in Australia. David has extensive experience working with various exotic materials, specifically in process-piping work and more recently in structural shipbuilding. At Shadbolt Group, he regularly works with materials such as stainless steel, low temperature carbon steels and shipbuilding steels in a variety of welding processes. He has so far achieved a weld rejection rate of 0.73% for 41 metres of radiography tested welding for shipbuilding projects on hull block consolidation work, confirming his reputation as an outstanding structural welder.

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MICK CUDMORE AWARD

Eddy Derwort from Bradken Eddy has over 50 years’ experience in the fabrication industry and has held a series of senior engineering and supervisory roles, working across the construction, petrochemical and marine sectors. He has contributed significantly to the welding industry, volunteering as a WorldSkills judge for over 10 years, contributing to technical notes and Australian Standards, and helping train the next generation of welders. Eddy holds a range of qualifications, including AS2214 and AS1796 Certificate 10 Welding Supervisor, an Advanced Certificate of Welding Technology, a Graduate Diploma in Materials Welding and Joining, a Master of Engineering Practice, International Welding Inspector Comprehensive and International Welding Engineer.

WELDING COORDINATOR OF THE YEAR

Ravin Wijeyaratna from Shadbolt Group Ravin is a qualified International Welding Engineer from Germany, who obtained his IWE at 22 years of age. He also holds a Masters of Science in Welding Engineering, as well as professional qualifications as a ISO 9001:2015 Lead Auditor, CSWIP 3.1 and NDT Level 2 certifications. Ravin currently works at Shadbolt Group as the Responsible Welding Coordinator (RWC) and has 10 years of professional experience previously working with reputed international shipyards. As a key member of the Shadbolt team, Ravin has been responsible for developing DNV approved welding procedures for various shipbuilding projects involving austenitic, ferritic and duplex stainless steels.

WELDING SUPERVISOR OF THE YEAR

Paul Crawley, MC Quality Control Paul is a dedicated boilermaker who has successfully transitioned into a Welding Inspector role, gaining IWS, IWI-S and AS2214 Welding Supervisor certifications. According to the MC Quality team, Paul is a true embodiment of excellence in the welding industry. Paul’s contribution to MC Quality Control has been nothing short of remarkable. He has played a pivotal role in their expansion into new hard rock mining territories, demonstrating outstanding leadership and welding expertise. Paul’s ability to adapt and excel in challenging environments has been a cornerstone of the success enjoyed by MC Quality Control in this venture.

WELDING INSPECTOR OF THE YEAR

Brad Kerr-Adcock from Scope Mining & Industrial Brad worked throughout Australia and Europe as a welder and fabricator on large greenfield and brownfield projects. He then established his own business—Scope Mining & Industrial—and has provided specialist inspection services in the Kalgoorlie region for over 20 years. Just some of the projects Brad has worked on include the Norton Gold Binduli North Heap Leach construction (284 field welds inspected), MACA Interquip 316L stainless CIL tank construction (346 field welds inspected) and LYNAS Rare Earths 904L stainless ducting, 316L piping, 304L ducting, super duplex piping (126 field welds inspected). Brad has dedicated his life welding and the implementation of his own programs to streamline the welding inspection process.

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WEBINAR Using stainless steels with aggressive chemicals 11.30am AEDT TUESDAY 12 DECEMBER 2023 www.assda.asn.au

WEBINAR OUTLINE Conventional uses of stainless steels rely on the passive layer to prevent corrosion initiation. However, when handling aggressive chemicals, the normally passive film can be overwhelmed and there is a slow dissolution of the stainless steel. In these situations, a corrosion allowance applies to stainless steels in the same way as for carbon steels. While environment changes may be possible, it is usually alloy modifications that brings the corrosion rate within accepted bounds. Topics covered include: • • •

• • • •

The alloy modifications which can improve the corrosion resistance of stainless steels.

The differences between attack in oxygenated, chloride-rich environments and strong and often reducing chemicals.

How to measure corrosion losses; discrete weight or thickness changes compared to resistance or electrochemical measurements such as polarisation probes, impedance or voltage/current harmonics.

Isocorrosion curves, their accuracy limitations especially in autoclaves.

The effect of small or large oxidising additions.

Non-chemical protection.

When it may be necessary to move to a nickel or other alloy.

PRESENTER: Dr Graham Sussex, ASSDA Technical Specialist Register online at www.assda.asn.au

BR EAT H E S AFELY Managing welding fume exposure IN THE WORK PLACE

Maintaining your lungs as a welder and keeping your workmates and workshop safe from welding fumes is vitally important.

Talk to BOC. We can help manage your exposure to welding fumes and assist you with ...

1. Your selection of low fume welding processes 2. Using EWM welders with patented waveform controls (coldArc, forceArc and forceArc puls) which have been proven to significantly reduce fume generation for MIG/MAG 3. Your selection of low fume shielding gases eg. replace CO2 with argon based and Performance Line shielding gases 4. Automated welding systems (eg robotic and cobot systems) to help limit employee exposure to welding fume 5. On-gun fume extraction 6. Welding fume extraction packages 7. PAPR (Powered Air Purifying Respirators)

CALL 131 262 for your nearest BOC store or visit www.boc.com.au Scan QR code for your nearest BOC Gas and Metal Fabrication Expert.

BOC Limited 10 Julius Avenue, North Ryde NSW 2113 Australia | Level 3 Agility CIS Building - 56 Cawley Street, Ellerslie, 1051 New Zealand BOC is a trading name of BOC, a Linde Company. © BOC Limited 2023. RW 1123

Scan this QR code to talk to a BOC Gas and Metal Fabrication Specialist about weld fume management.

HOW DO YOU MANAGE WELDING FUME IN THE WORKPLACE? All welding processes generate welding fume. Some produce very little fume while others produce considerable amounts. Welding fume consists of particulate fume (the cloud of smoke you can see rising) and gaseous fume (fume that you can’t see but sometimes smell).

In most cases, welding fume is formed close to the arc near the welder, but some of the gaseous fume can be generated well away from the arc. The potential effect on the body of exposure to welding or cutting fume depends mainly on the amount of fume produced, what’s in it and the length of time the worker or workers are exposed to the fume.

HEADS UP! Maintaining your lungs as a welder and keeping your workmates and workshop safe from welding fumes is vitally important. Why? As most welders know, in March 2017, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) re-classified welding fumes as carcinogenic to humans so, if you haven’t already, now is the time to take notice and take action of the air you (and others around you) breathe.

Welding and cutting processes that produce high volumes of gaseous fume give greater risk of inhalation.

Metal cored, fluxcored and gas metal arc (MIG) processes can give high volumes of fume and so present a high risk of inhalation. Generally, as welding current or power increases so the fume generation rate increases. The more fume there is the higher the risk of inhalation.

Where the welding takes place has a significant influence on risk of inhalation of fume and this should be carefully considered. Welding outside carries a lower risk factor, welding in a large workshop increases the risk factor, welding in a small workshop

further increases the risk factor and welding in a confined space can greatly increase the risk factor. The amount of welding fume inhaled can also be influenced by how long welding had been carried out. As the accumulated duration of welding increases, so the risk of inhaling a lot of fume increases.

Taking control of the air you breathe Control measures should be aimed at keeping the particulate and gaseous fume levels as low as possible. BOC recommends using the hierarchy of controls shown below. BOC can help you with: 1. Your selection of low fume welding processes 2. Using EWM welders with patented waveform controls

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

(coldArc, forceArc and forceArc puls) which have been proven to significantly reduce fume generation for MIG/MAG Your selection of low fume shielding gases such as replacing CO2 with argon based and Performance Line shielding gases Automated welding systems (like robotic and cobot systems) to help limit employee exposure to welding fume On-gun fume extraction Welding fume extraction packages PAPR (Powered Air Purifying Respirators)

Preventing airborne pollutants from entering a worker’s breathing zone is a vital component of any professional safety program.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Talk to a BOC Gas and Metal Fabrication Specialist today about how we can help manage your exposure to welding fumes in your workspace.

Scan the QR code below to find a BOC Gas and Metal Fabrication Specialist nearest to your location or ring BOC on 131 262 (AU) or 0800 111 333 (NZ) or visit www.boc.com.au or www.boc.co.nz Q4 | December 2023

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HIGH PERFORMANCE GAS FOR THE MOST DEMANDING APPLICATIONS

Contact us to discuss productivity advantages with our high performance gas products

www.coregas.com.au

1800 807 203

www.coregas.com.au/contact 30

Australian Welding

FUME MANAGEMENT AND PERFORMANCE Can a shielding gas change be better for your health as well as productivity and quality?

An important component in many GMAW welding gas mixtures for use on carbon steel is carbon dioxide (CO2). This is because increasing the level of CO2 in the gas mix helps to support heat transfer and the corresponding weld penetration. In contrast, high CO2 levels can produce high fume levels, increased spatter, and a reduction in arc stability.

Welding fumes are something many of us had accepted in the past as an inevitable part of welding. While PPE is important to minimise fume exposure, reviewing materials and processes that can reduce the fume formation rates in welding can also be important. From trials conducted by our welding engineers, there was a distinct relationship between CO2 increases, and higher fume formation/emission rates.

We found that in heavy carbon steel materials, CO2 levels of 15%-25% and up to 100% may be needed to satisfy key criteria in a weld procedure, but in many applications, a gas mixture with less CO2 may still meet the weld performance needs with the additional benefits of increased weld fluidity and appearance, reduced spatter, and reduced fume levels.

As many of us entered the welding industry, we became accustomed to just using the gas mixtures the workshop always had in use. We may not have given much thought to the gas. It was familiar, and we knew how it performed. Many don’t know that gas companies have a wide range of gas mixtures. These products are selected as they all have unique benefits in quality and performance outcomes.

For example, Coregas have products such as Coregas 10 and ShieldPro Heavy that may contain lower levels of CO2 than what is currently in use, and may be suitable alternatives for your GMAW process on carbon steel.

Use of these gases in their optimal application range typically result in reduced fume formation, spatter, surface oxidisation, and in some applications improving welding speed compared to gases containing higher percentage levels of CO2.

Coregas 10 (10% CO2, balance Argon) is optimal for a broad range of thicknesses in carbon steel from 3mm16mm. While mostly used for GMAW, it also performs well with many MCAW wires.

ShieldPro Heavy (30% Helium, 10% CO2, balance Argon) is suitable for heavy sections of carbon steel in high performance welding. The helium addition supports higher heat transfer that leads to increased deposition and penetration rates, and higher welding speeds than typical Argon + CO2/O2 mixtures.

This mixture is becoming increasingly used in automated GMAW processes such as robotic welding.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Scan the QR code below to see our new industrial shielding gases brochure. This includes a handy gas selection guide to review if gas optimisation may be achieved on your welding applications. View as an online flip book where it can also be downloaded as a PDF. Contact us to discuss productivity advantages with our high-performance gas products.

1800 807 203 | www.coregas.com.au/contact Q4 | December 2023

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DIVERSECO: PIONEERING ROBOTICS, AUTOMATION & MEASUREMENT IN AUSTRALIA For over 30 years, Diverseco, an Australian leader in robotics, automation and measurement, has become the driving force behind the adoption of cuttingedge technologies and solutions that enhance the efficiency and accuracy of various industries. What sets Diverseco apart is not only its commitment to innovation but also its strong partnerships with industry leaders and educational institutions, such as Weld Australia, Charles Darwin University (CDU), and the Outsource Institute.

Diverseco has helped its customers to transform their operations and step forward into growth equipped with the latest robotics automation technologies.

Diverseco’s turn-key service has facilitated the development, installation, and deployment of numerous robotic welding systems for many national organisations. Its robotics solutions automate manual tasks, enhancing productivity, product quality, and overall efficiency.

This, in turn, reduces overhead costs, boosts profitability, enhances customer satisfaction, and mitigates workplace health and safety risks.

Cobots redefine welding automation, working harmoniously alongside human operators. Their advanced sensors ensure safety, while their precision and adaptability make them suitable for various welding tasks.

Industrial robots, on the other hand, caters to heavy-duty and high-volume welding operations. They offer high throughput, cost-effective material usage, and seamless integration into existing manufacturing systems.

Diverseco’s commitment to welding innovation is evident through its dedication to enhancing the industry’s standards. Robots have not only revolutionised the welding process but also reflect Diverseco’s vision for a safer, more efficient, and highly productive welding landscape allowing Australian industries to remain commercially viable and more competitive to retain onshoring business activities.

Partnerships for Progress Diverseco’s collaboration with Weld Australia, Charles Darwin University (CDU), and the Outsource Institute has resulted in Diverseco and CDU delivering a micro credential offering to support the new acquisition of skills for both employers and employees who automate their robotic welding system.

These partnerships demonstrate Diverseco’s dedication to the industry and nurturing the talent required to sustain the growth and innovation in these sectors. As the demand for precision, efficiency, and automation in industrial processes continues to rise, Diverseco remains an essential partner for companies seeking to embrace the latest technologies and best practices, including collaborative and industrial robots for welding automation.

Innovative Products and Services Diverseco’s product and service portfolio encompasses an extensive array of solutions designed to meet the needs of its clients. These include industrial weighing scales, automation systems, software, and custom engineering. One of the most significant offerings is their range of collaborative robots (cobots) and industrial robots designed to automate welding processes.

Robotic Welding Automation At the forefront of welding automation, collaborative robots (cobots) and industrial robots have reshaped the welding industry, prioritising safety, efficiency, and productivity.

FURTHER INFORMATION

For further information on how Diverseco can help your business, call 1300 069 970, visit diverseco.com.au or scan the QR code opposite.

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“Tomorrows Technology Today” SALES · SERVICE · HIRE · ARC · MIG · TIG · PULSE · MULTIPROCESS · PLASMA · GENERATORS · LASER · CNC & AUTOMATION

See our huge range at gentronics.com.au

SERVICE LIKE NO OTHER

WELDING AND HOSPITALITY GASES 1300 663 427 ONEGASAUSTRALIA.COM.AU 34

Australian Welding

GENTRONICS: TOMORROW’S TECHNOLOGY TODAY With a rich legacy dating back to 1982, Gentronics has been dedicated to serving industries just like yours, providing unrivalled expertise and a comprehensive range of welding products, consumables, and industrial supplies. Their mission is to empower you to achieve the best results by offering the finest selection of topquality products at competitive prices, ensuring you have everything you need to successfully complete your next project.

team of on-site service technicians is readily available to assist you whenever the job requires it.

Gentronics specialises in welding automation, generators, engine driven welders, turning rollers, positioners, compressors, benders, notchers, and safety equipment. Whether you require equipment or consumables for TIG, MIG, MMA, CNC, Inverter MIG, welding wire, filler rods, aluminium, stainless steel, or even gas cylinders and refills such as oxygen, acetylene, and argon, they are your one-stop solution.

Step into the Gentronics welding bay and be greeted by an extensive array of cutting-edge welders proudly on display. From traditional models to the latest advancements in welding technology, Gentronics has it all. Their commitment to innovation ensures that you have access to the most up-to-date equipment that enhances your welding experience.

Their commitment extends beyond merely supplying welding products and equipment. With their Welshpool service centre, Gentronics offers comprehensive repair and maintenance services for all your equipment.

No matter the scale of the task or the complexity of the machinery, Gentronics has you covered. And to minimise downtime and maximise convenience, their

Gentronics takes pride in offering more than just products and services. They provide a dynamic environment where welding enthusiasts and professionals alike can immerse themselves in a world of possibilities. Their state-of-the-art welding bay, located on-site, is a haven for welders of all skill levels.

Gentronics prides itself on building lasting relationships with clients. Their dedicated team possesses deep industry knowledge and a genuine passion for delivering exceptional service. They prioritise your satisfaction and aim to exceed your expectations at every step.

Choose Gentronics as your trusted partner for all your welding needs. Experience the reliability, expertise, and personalised attention that sets them apart.

ONEGAS: SERVICE LIKE NO OTHER Introducing One Gas Australia, a trailblazer in the industrial and hospitality gas industry, committed to revolutionising the business landscape with a unique and inclusive approach.

Their fundamental philosophy centres around empowering customers through their ground-breaking NO RENT cylinder purchase program. By granting complete control and ownership of the cylinders, One Gas Australia empowers its customers to treat them as indispensable tools and equipment—just like any other essential asset.

With decades of industry experience under their belt, One Gas Australia bring profound expertise in the welding industry to the table. Let them guide you towards finding the perfect gas solution for any job, ensuring optimum performance and unparalleled results. At One Gas Australia, the future of gas ownership is here—you are invited to be a part of this transformative journey.

One Gas Australia sets the benchmark for unwavering commitment to innovation, service excellence, and unmatched value for all their customers. They take pride in spearheading the paradigm shift towards rent-free ownership in both the industrial and hospitality gas markets, heralding a new era of progress.

Driven by their unwavering dedication to making a positive impact, One Gas Australia forges meaningful partnerships with stockists and customers, catering to the needs of metropolitan as well as rural communities.

Their reach extends far and wide, leaving no region untouched by their deliberate and focused efforts.

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Australian Welding

OUTSOURCE INSTITUTE (AUS): UPSKILLING THE WELDING & ENGINEERING INDUSTRY Education for upward socioeconomic mobility has always been crucial, but in 2023, the message is clearer than ever: Companies must start reskilling their workforces now to stay competitive in the current landscape. Outsource Institute (AUS), with decades of experience in the education sector, is well-equipped to help businesses access funding options to upskill their employees.

To address skill shortages in Australia, governments are offering various funding options and incentives to minimise shortages, focus on high-demand jobs in critical industries, and increase the number of individuals with formal post-school qualifications.

Who is Outsource Institue (AUS)?

Outsource Institute (AUS) specialises in advanced trade training in the metals and engineering sector, enhancing workforce and individual trade and technical skills to strengthen both companies and Australia’s sovereign capability.

Partnering with industries for over 25 years, they understand the skills needed in the metals and engineering sector and deliver them directly or through partnerships with Weld Australia, Custom Fluid Power, SMC Corporation (Australia) Pty Ltd, Workforce Success, RPR Trades, Solidus IQ and Technoweld.

Their advanced trade qualifications recognise existing tradespeople’s skills, allowing them to advance and be formally recognised within their chosen industry. Outsource Institute (AUS) is experienced in training advanced trade apprentices, approved for state and federal government funding across multiple states, with pathways into leading universities.

Their comprehensive solutions in Welding include: Welding Supervision Ticket 10, AS 1796

Pressure Vessels and AS 2214 Structural Steel; and Welding Certificates Tickets 1 to 9 AS 1796.

In Engineering, Outsource Institute (AUS) has solutions in: Mechanical, Fabrication, Instrumentation, Maintenance, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, Fluid Power, Drafting, Automotive Electrical Technology, Mobile Plant Technology, and Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology.

Specialised Skill Sets Outsource Institute (AUS) can help with: Advanced Hydraulics, Pneumatics and Air Conditioning.

UPSKILLING IN ENGINEERING Australia Defence Force: Outsource Institute is offering skill-set training to Australia Defence Force personnel. The program enables these individuals to apply for an Electrical Fitters licence by providing recognition of prior learning. By doing so, Outsource Institute is supporting Defence Force personnel who are looking for career development opportunities or making a smooth transition to civilian life.

ASC Shipbuilding: Outsource Institute (AUS) is delivering the Advanced Diploma of Engineering and Diploma of Engineering Technical qualifications online for ASC. These courses aim to enhance participants’ skills, enabling them to meet the present and future shipbuilding qualification prerequisites that are pertinent to their job roles.

Allship Engineering: Outsource Institute (AUS) is currently offering onsite trade training for both new and existing workers. In collaboration with the client, they have tailored a training plan that incorporates the essential competencies. This plan enables the workers to acquire the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to effectively engage in the ongoing upgrades, maintenance, and repairs within the Defence sector.

Explore the Certificate IV in Engineering [MEM40119], which enhances key team members’ skills, increasing competitiveness and corporate knowledge. This posttrade qualification offers upskilling opportunities in various areas.

FURTHER INFORMATION

For further information, contact Outsource Insitute (AUS) Training and Development Specialists on 1300 136 904 to discuss eligibility for funding and customised proposals, or visit outsourceinstitute.edu.au.

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A Hub of

INSPECTION ProQM is a specialised provider offering exceptional client representation services at the designated supplier's facility, focusing on crucial tasks such as comprehensive construction inspection and surveillance activities. Our commitment to quality is underscored by our NATA accreditation to ISO/IEC 17020 standards, ensuring the delivery of NATAaccredited reports across our suite of services to all our esteemed clients.

Our comprehensive approach allows us to support and streamline the entire process, providing valuable assistance in ensuring a smooth and efficient project handover to the client. We prioritise the establishment of traceability framework, guaranteeing that all requisite elements are in place for a successful transition.

Trust ProQM to elevate your project handover experience through our professional expertise and meticulous attention to detail.

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Australian Welding

1800 467 767

WWW.PROQM.COM.AU

ENQUIRIES@PROQM.COM.AU

WHY ProQM EXISTS

Empowering Precision: ProQM’s Expertise in Streamlining Quality Assurance Through their extensive experience collaborating with major construction companies in Australia, ProQM, as dedicated quality professionals, frequently witness smaller quality assurance departments allocating valuable staff resources to visit suppliers and contractors, ensuring adherence to project requirements.

This often leads to resource gaps within their teams.

ProQM firmly believes that entrusting these demands to a company equipped with expertise, efficient practices, and shared goals and values will empower your team to maintain focus on their role within your company’s operational framework.

ProQM is committed to conducting all inspections with unwavering impartiality, proactively managing potential conflicts of interest, and upholding absolute objectivity.

Impartiality, confidentiality, and independence stand as foundational pillars within their business.

ProQM is deeply devoted to its support framework and organisational culture, aspiring to align their vision with that of their clients.

FURTHER INFORMATION For further information, contact ProQM on 1800 467 767 or visit their website: proqm.com.au

SERVICES Welding Inspection ProQM delivers welding inspection services that ensure compliance with stringent Australian Standards and regulations, ensuring the structural integrity and safety of welded joints and increasing your productivity.

Concrete Inspection With over thousands of precast pre-pour inspections, ProQM has extensive experience in projects of all types and complexities. ProQM’s inspectors are all accredited by NATA, including VicRoads requirements.

Coating Inspection Coatings ensure durability and corrosion protection—paramount to the longevity of any structure. With ProQM you’re assured that your coatings inspections are done to a high-level, NATA-accredited standard.

Quality and Safety Auditing ProQM is a quality and safety auditor for various systems, including ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 18001 for Safety. Our auditing services give you an overview of how well your company is performing at any one point in time.

Quality and Safety Systems ProQM has many years of experience in construction management and knows how to help your company complete your projects efficiently and comprehensively all while complying with industry standards.

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2023: A YEAR IN REVIEW

Welcome to Weld Australia’s 2023 Year In Review – a look at our successes, projects and programs over the last 12 months, as well as that of our members. Throughout the year, we continued to strengthen our advocacy work, facilitated a host of member events, and were involved in a range of industry events. We hosted the National Manufacturing Summit in Canberra, as well as the 2023 Welding Excellence Awards. And, we did all this while continuing to reinforce our membership offering, and providing high-quality training courses and certification services.

It really is an exciting time to be a Weld Australia member. We are committed to using our extensive experience, combined with an innovative new approach, to achieve our primary goal—ensuring that the Australian welding industry remains locally and globally competitive, both now and into the future. The entire Weld Australia team is looking forward to a busy, successful 2024.

12,290

Welders Registered on the Australian Welder Certification Register (AWCR)

6,925

People in the Weld Australia Community

997

People Attended Events

383

People Commenced Training Courses

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10

19 Member Events

Newly Qualified International Welding Engineers

96

Newly Qualified Welding Inspectors

18

State Division Committee Meetings

113

Newly Qualified Welding Supervisors

22

Newly Certified Individuals

6

Newly Qualified International Welding Specialists

11

Newly Certified Companies Q4 | December 2023

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ADVOCACY

WELD AUSTRALIA’S ADVOCACY IN 2023 added an extra 39 occupations to the Australian Apprenticeships Priority List. The list has grown to encompass 111 occupations, as Australia continues to struggle with skills shortages across a range of different sectors—particularly welding and fabrication.

Several occupations related to welding and fabrication were added to the Priority List, including Welder, Pressure Welder, Fitter, Metal Fabricator, Metal Machinist, Sheetmetal Trades Worker, and Blacksmith. In fact, 11% of the occupations included in the Priority List are now related to welding.

As the peak body for welding in Australia, our primary goal is to ensure that the Australian welding industry remains both locally and globally competitive, both now and into the future.

In all our advocacy activities, our over-reaching vision is to facilitate the growth of a world class welding industry.

Weld Australia’s advocacy agenda focused on training initiatives for the next generation of welders and fabricators, building a sustainable, safe and productive local industry, and ensuring superior welding quality standards and public safety.

Renewable Energy: Challenges and Opportunities The Australian Government has legislated emissions reductions targets of 43% (on 2005 levels) by 2030 and net zero by 2050. These targets are enshrined in law in the Climate Change Act 2022.

Importantly, these targets will necessitate the construction of new

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infrastructure on a massive scale.

Australia’s existing renewable energy generation of 64GW is forecast to grow to over 218GW by 2050. This will comprise 90GW of wind, 39GW of solar, 18.7GW of water, and 35.9GW of battery storage.

For example, it is expected that over 11,000 wind towers will need to be produced, each requiring 500 tonnes of plate steel (for onshore wind towers) or 750 tonnes (for offshore wind towers). The annual production of plate steel in Australia is currently 400kt.

To connect all this new generation to consumers, AEMO estimates that more than 10,000km of new transmission lines and 25,000 transmission towers (at 30 to 60 tonnes of steel per tower) will need to be constructed around the country.

While funding has been made available for the infrastructure itself, little consideration has been given to the skilled workforce that will be required.

The Federal Government recently

All this renewable energy infrastructure will require a veritable army of skilled workers, including welders. Australia’s renewable energy industry will need a raft of additional resources to deliver on these ambitious projects, including: manufacturing and fabrication capacity, raw materials (particularly steel), and contracting and contractor resources. Plus, new technologies will need to be developed and deployed.

While our governments can wish, and hope, and make public pledges about Australia’s transition to renewable energy, we simply do not have the sovereign manufacturing capability to make this a reality.Without a massive investment in fabrication and steelmaking facilities, and skills and training in each state, it will not be achievable.

The Federal Government must commit to building sovereign manufacturing capability for renewable energy. It must legislate local content policy. This will create a capacity mechanism that generates a clear, long-term signal for investment by private equity and local manufacturers. The Federal Government must also mandate that all wind towers are constructed,

erected and inspected according to Australian Standards.

To overcome the established overseas supply chains and generate investment into fabrication capability, local manufacturers need certainty of demand. This demand must stem from government, project investors and developers, and OEMs. Local manufacturing companies must be assured of the security of sufficient orders to enable them to invest in the necessary plant and equipment to deliver high quality, cost effective wind towers.

The Vital Role of Social License Unless we achieve a social license— and quickly—Australia will fail to meet its renewable energy and net zero targets by 2050. There is nothing difficult about achieving Australia’s renewable energy infrastructure targets from an engineering or manufacturing perspective, given the right incentives and investments.

The challenge we must overcome is achieving a social license from the key interest groups of conservationists, farmers, unions, and planning departments.

To make the renewable energy revolution a reality, Australia must: 1. Stick with the plan—wind, solar and hydro are our immediate solution.

2. Achieve a social license. All stakeholders must be brought onside with the plan, no matter the cost. It will be negligible in terms of the cost of doing nothing.

3. Resolve the bureaucracy, planning and legal constraints now—make the process efficient, simple and fast.

4. Partner with industry leaders and invest in manufacturing in Australia. There is no alternative.

Global supply chains are already effectively empty.

5. Invest $200 billion into our own improved version of the Inflation Reduction Act. 6. Do all of the above yesterday.

Tomorrow will be too late.

AUSTRALIAN WELDERS MORE THAN CAPABLE OF BUILDING AUKUS NUCLEAR SUBMARINES—WE JUST NEED MORE OF THEM In March, Weld Australia confirmed that Australia’s welders are more than capable of building the new fleet of eight nuclear-powered submarines agreed to in the $368 billion AUKUS deal. However, the biggest risk facing the nuclear-powered AUKUS submarine build is whether enough skilled welders can be recruited and trained. As such, Weld Australia is calling for a Shipbuilding Welding Academy to be established and funded by the Federal Government.

According to Geoff Crittenden (CEO, Weld Australia), “There has been some discussion in the media over whether the quality of Australian welders is sufficient to build the proposed AUKUS nuclear-powered submarines. Australia’s qualified welders are more than capability of building the new fleet.”

“Some pundits have stated that the quality of welding required for a nuclear submarine is of a much higher standard than that required for a diesel electric conventional submarine. However, all welding must be of the highest quality if the submarine is to meet the necessary survivability objectives—whether the submarine is nuclear or diesel powered is irrelevant.”

“Whilst some welding on nuclear boats is undertaken in line with different International and Australian Standards, and utilises different materials, the quality of the weld must be the same: that is to zero defects.”

The biggest risk facing Australia’s nuclear-powered AUKUS submarine build is not welder capability, but the recruitment and training of enough skilled welders.

“Australia is already facing a severe shortage of skilled welders. Even before the AUKUS deal was signed, Australia was looking at a shortage of 70,000 welders by 2030. So, unless we take serious precautions now, there simply won’t be enough skilled people to undertake the welding required,” said Crittenden.

“We need a Shipbuilding Welding Academy to be established and funded by the Federal Government. An academy of this nature will help ensure that the defence prime contractors have access to the skilled, qualified welding professionals required to successfully deliver the nuclear-powered submarines. It will ensure that Australia has sufficient tradesmen of the right calibre ready to commence welding of the AUKUS submarines when the time comes.”

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ADVOCACY Industry and Government Work Together to Improve Welder Safety Industry, government and statutory bodies are working together to ensure that appropriate strategies are in place to reduce welder exposure to fumes and prevent long-term health effects.

Established by Weld Australia in early 2019, the Welding Safety Council provides a forum for industry and legislative safety authorities to discuss issues and work collaboratively to identify solutions.

By drawing together key government stakeholders, statutory bodies and industry into a single independent body focused on eradicating welding related injury, the Australian welding industry continues to take a significant steps forward in protecting both the general public and welders.

Recent media coverage has raised the issue of lowering the limit for exposure to welding fumes. In recent years, the welding industry has become increasingly aware of the hazards posed by metal fume produced during the welding process. This fume, comprising of microscopic particles of hot metal and gases, poses serious risks when inhaled by welders. In early 2017, the International Agency for Research on Cancer classed welding fumes as ‘Carcinogenic to Humans’. However, when appropriate precautions are adhered to, risk of exposure is greatly minimised.

According to Geoff Crittenden (CEO, Weld Australia), “Welding can and should be considered a safe occupation; when proper precautions are taken, welders have no cause to fear accident or injury. But when safety isn’t taken seriously in the workplace, the risk of a severe incident becomes a real concern.”

“It is vital that appropriate strategies are in place to reduce welder exposure to fumes and prevent the long-term health effects that can result from exposure. All welders should receive training on methods to mitigate the effects of metal fume, including positioning themselves to reduce exposure and investigating

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less toxic alternatives where possible.”

“Education is the key to ensuring a safe and productive working environment for everyone. Employers need to invest in thorough and up-todate training for all their employees to ensure that they understand the risks associated with welding, the mitigation strategies they can use, and the equipment available to prevent accident and injury.”

In collaboration with industry, Weld Australia has implemented a range of other initiatives to help improve welder safety.

Weld Australia has published a wide range of welding safety resources, which are available to the public completely free of charge.

These include: Fume Minimisation Guidelines: Welding, Cutting, Brazing and Soldering; and Technical Note 7: Health and Safety in Welding.

Weld Australia is currently developing two comprehensive online welder safety training courses. One course is tailored for welders, while the other is aimed at welding engineers and supervisors.

Weld Australia Calls on Federal Government to Unlock Women’s Workforce Participation To mark International Women’s Day, Weld Australia is calling on the Federal Government to implement a proactive, targeted approach that: engages and recruits women into the trades; implements innovative trade training programs designed specifically for women; and sets measurable gender diversity targets on government-funded projects.

According to Weld Australia CEO, Geoff Crittenden, “Industry is already at capacity. Weld Australia’s members are currently operating at 50% to 70% capacity, and turning away work because they cannot find enough welders. Increasing diversity in the trades is one of the best ways to alleviate the looming skills shortage.

Every effort needs to be made to encourage women to become welders.”

o

MAJOR MEDIA COVERAGE IN 2023

WATCH NINE NEWS

WATCH NINE NEWS

CHANNEL NINE NEWS Weld Australia appeared on Channel 9 News, with the Schools Manufacturing Outreach Program broadcast, demonstrating the benefits of the STEM program.

CHANNEL NINE NEWS Weld Australia also appeared on Channel 9 News, when regional Queensland high school students had the chance to experience the life of a welder at CQ University.

RADIO INTERVIEWS Geoff Crittenden secured a range of radio interviews this year, including: • ABC NewsRadio, live on-air interview on Tuesday 9 March at 10.45am (recording unavailable) • 3AW Radio Melbourne, live on-air interview on Tuesday 9 March at 5.15pm (recording unavailable) • 2GB Sydney Radio Interview on 1 August with Michael McLaren (recording unavailable) PRINT AND ONLINE ARTICLES • High tech trades class, published by the Illawarra Mercury • Angela has been in her job for 38 years. She has never met another woman, published by Nine News • How Augmented Reality is Helping Students Learn, published by AusBiz (the in-flight

• •

• • •

magazine of Rex Airlines) Australia Needs Welders for Submarine Program, published

by Asia Pacific Defence Reporter Renewable energy revolution needs ‘army’ of welders, published by The West Australian Manufacturing Australia’s answer to the climate crisis, published by the Canberra Times Australia gets wake up call on materials manufacturing, published by The Queenslander A renewable tech bottleneck: Half of Australia’s welding workshops operating at 80 per cent capacity or below, published by The Market Herald FURTHER INFORMATION

For a full list of Weld Australia’s media coverage in 2023, visit our website.

“There are significant economic benefits for women in welding, from increased choice and availability of jobs, through to improved job security, higher than average pay and ample opportunities for progression and promotion. A career in welding is safe and secure—once you’re qualified, you can walk into a job tomorrow. Welding is in-demand because it is essential to the success of so many industries,” said Crittenden.

Building Equality Policy (BEP) is an Australian first and aims to disrupt gender stereotypes in the country’s most male-dominated industry. The BEP applies to new government projects, and mandates female representation in at least 3% of each trade role, 7% of each non-trade position and 35% of management, supervisor and specialist labour roles.

It also mandates that 4% of labour hours for apprentices and trainees are performed by women.

With all these government-funded projects in play, measurable gender diversity targets on governmentfunded projects would have a huge impact. In effect since 1 January 2022, the Victorian Government’s

“If the Federal Government mandated a policy similar to Victoria’s Building Equality Policy, then the necessary recruitment and training programs would follow,” said Crittenden.

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MEMBER SURVEY

THE RESULTS OF WELD AUSTRALIA’S 2023 MEMBER SURVEY Weld Australia has released the results of its 2023 Member Survey. The results demonstrate that Australia’s welding and fabrication industry is facing a whole raft of challenges that will make the delivery of the Federal Government’s plans for a renewable energy revolution almost impossible—from severe labour shortages that are inhibiting the growth of the welding industry, through to rising material and labour costs. The Federal Government must step in and provide real support to industry to make the renewable energy revolution a reality.

According to Geoff Crittenden (CEO, Weld Australia), “Distributed in March 2023 and completed by over 130 companies, our 2023 Member Survey indicates that labour shortages, and the rising cost of materials, energy and labour remain high on the agenda for the welding industry. Without funding and support from governments at all levels, these challenges will make it nearly impossible for industry to deliver the necessary manufacturing capability required for the Federal Government’s ambitious renewable energy revolution.”

When asked to select their top two factors, 60% of survey respondents indicated that labour shortages are most likely to inhibit the growth of their business in 2023.

When asked what their main concern is right now, 45% confirmed that labour shortages was on the top of their list. 50% of Australia’s welding workshops are operating at 80% of their capacity or below. When asked why this is, a lack of skilled workers was the overwhelming answer.

Figure 1.

As a business owner or senior manager, what factors are most likely to inhibit the growth of your business in 2023?

(Select your top two)

Figure 2.

As a business owner or senior manager, what is your main concern right now?

Figure 3.

What strategies will your business implement in 2023 to combat staff shortages? (Select all that apply)

“With a considerable volume of work being onshored and a greater sentiment in the market to ‘buy local’, Australian fabrication companies are so strapped for skilled welders that they are operating well below capacity. They are being forced to turn down jobs because they simply don’t have the manpower to complete the work,” said Crittenden.

“How then, will Australian fabricators cope with the influx of work required to make the Federal Government’s renewable energy revolution reality?”

The Federal Government has legislated emissions reductions targets of 43% (on 2005 levels) by 2030 and net zero by 2050. These targets will necessitate the construction of new infrastructure on a massive scale.

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Australian Welding

“

Our 2023 Member Survey indicates that labour shortages, and the rising cost of materials, energy and labour remain high on the agenda for the welding industry.”

Australia’s existing renewable energy generation of 64GW is forecast to grow to over 218GW by 2050. This will comprise 90GW of wind, 39GW of solar, 18.7GW of water, and 35.9GW of battery storage. It is expected that over 11,000 wind towers will need to be produced, each requiring 500 tonnes of plate steel for onshore towers, or 750 tonnes for offshore wind towers. To connect all this new generation to consumers, AEMO estimates more than 10,000km of new transmission lines and 25,000 transmission towers (at 30 to 60 tonnes of steel per tower) will need to be constructed.

“All this the renewable energy infrastructure will require a veritable army of skilled workers, including welders,” said Crittenden. “Australia will have a shortfall of at least 70,000 welders by 2030.”

Figure 4.

What is the main investment priority for your business in 2023?

Figure 5.

How do you rate the prospects of your business over the next 12 months?

And yet, 45% of survey respondents (compared to 47% in 2022) already have a pipeline of work that extends for six months or longer—this protracted pipeline is necessary in the face of ongoing skills shortages.

Another 33% of respondents have a pipeline of work that extends between three and six months. This is a marked increase on Weld Australia’s 2020 member survey results; the most common answers were less than one month (at 28%), one month (19%), and two months (16%).

“While our governments can wish, and hope, and make public pledges about Australia’s transition to renewable energy, at the moment, we simply do not have the

Q4 | December 2023

47

MEMBER SURVEY sovereign manufacturing capability to make this a reality,” said Crittenden.

“According to the results of our survey, at 62%, the majority of the Australian welding industry supports the Government’s carbon emissions reduction targets.

However, 75% of the welding and fabrication industry believes that Australia’s governments are not doing anywhere near enough to support industry in achieving these targets. Our governments will need to consider policy and funding opportunities, reduce red tape and regulatory barriers, and support local investment to enable the renewable energy transition.”

“Without a massive investment in fabrication and steelmaking facilities, skills and training in each state, and real, practical support for local industry, Australia’s renewable energy revolution will simply not be a reality,” said Crittenden.

Figure 6.

How do you rate the prospects of your business over the next 12 months?

In the meantime, the welding industry is taking steps to try to overcome these labour shortages—without government support. 60% of respondents indicated that they are training or upskilling their existing staff, another 55% are either increasing wages or improving employee benefits, and 32% are leveraging different talent pools, such as apprentices, females and prisoners. Another 57% are either investing in automation and technology, or changing their operational processes.

Given these figures, it is little surprise that investment priorities for 2023 include staff training and development

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Australian Weld Australia Welding

Figure 7. Has your business, or the business you work for, invested in advanced welding technology?

(32%), business process improvements (30%) and plant and equipment (25%). Some companies are also looking to advanced welding technology to help overcome skilled labour shortages. The types of technology that the welding industry has planned, in progress or completed include: • Industry 4.0 (40%; up from 25% in 2022) • Robots (36%; up from 28%) • Cobots (35%; up from 28%) • Augmented or virtual reality (30%; not reported in 2022) • Drones (32%; not reported in 2022)

upgrade TAFE facilities, and 64% support both options.

The welding industry is also investing in its own sustainability performance and credentials, and has made significant headway in the last 12 months. Some measures include: • Installing LED or sensor lighting (80%; up from 53% in 2022) • Waste reduction programs (78%; up from 46% in 2022) • Recycling, upcycing and repurposing programs (75%; up from 46% in 2022) • Implementing a net zero carbon plan (50%; up from 13% in 2022).

2023 MEMBER SURVEY RESULTS ANALYSIS 02 8748 0100 membership@weldaustralia.com.au

The majority of respondents (at 37%) will not be looking to skilled migrants to help overcome labour shortages, believing that immigration limits for skilled welders should not be increased. While 28% believe that immigration limits should be increased on a temporary basis for short-term contracts.

The welding industry strongly supports investment into TAFE to help combat labour shortages; 21% support free TAFE for apprentices, 14% support increased funding to

Australia’s welding industry is also concerned about rising labour costs and rising material costs, with 50% and 45% (respectively) of respondents indicating that they could inhibit their business growth this year. Only 47% of respondents indicated that their gross profit margin had increased over the last 12 months to help cover these rising overheads. Alarmingly, the welding industry expects these overheads to continue to rise this year, with 82% expecting even higher materials prices and 85% expecting even higher energy prices.

weldaustralia.com.au

DOWNLOAD A COPY OF THE FULL SURVEY REPORT

2023 Q4 | |December Year in Review 2023

49

Weld Australia, in collaboration with the Australia Institute’s Centre for Future Work, hosted the National Manufacturing Summit at Old Parliament House on 2 and 3 August. Its theme was Manufacturing the Energy Revolution: Industrial Opportunities from Renewable Energy.

International expert, Adam Hersh, addressed the opportunities and challenges presented by Australia’s renewable energy revolution at the Summit Dinner, while Emily Scivetti, Chief Operating Officer at Oceanex Energy, gave an insightful overview of Oceanex operations, as well as the inherent benefits of offshore wind energy.

The Hon Tim Ayres, Assistant Minister for Manufacturing and Trade, opened the 2023 National Manufacturing Summit. According to Ayres, “Ensuring the transformation of our nation into a high-value, high-wage modern green economy needs to be a collaborative effort. It will involve governments, industry, unions, the research sector and other stakeholders. If we work together Australia will reach our emissions reduction goals while placing ourselves in the forefront of advanced manufacturing nations. Because there is too much at stake to simply retreat or be resigned to another decade of slipping down the global value chain.”

Adam Hersh.

L to R: Lance McCallum, Fredrik Andrén-Sandberg, Tim Buckley, and Adam Hersh.

Manufacturing the Renewable Energy Revolution Dan McKinna, General Manager at Keppel Prince Engineering, kicked off session two, speaking about the opportunities and challenges in manufacturing onshore wind towers in Australia at the 2023 National Manufacturing Summit. According to Dan, “We need to incentivise investment. We must have certainty of demand—if local manufacturers are going to invest in factories, we need certainty that those factories will be fed. We need local content targets. The potential demand need not be 100%.

We need to remove the peaks and troughs; we need a Hon Tim Ayres, Assistant Minister for Manufacturing and Trade.

WITH THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS

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baseline demand for an extended period of time.”

Simon Preston, Group General Manager at Allthread Industries, presented a case study focused on the Murra Warra II wind tower project.

Given the size, scale and weight of the turbines, a robust anchor cage solution was required; the expertise of Allthread Industries was required.

Allthread Industries supplied a unique solution that competed with cheaper overseas imports based on the value delivered throughout the construction phase—not just on the cost of steel.

“We were able to provide an Australian-made solution. Our solution used all Australian steel, and on analysis used 97% Australian content and 50% recycled content,” said Simon.

Emily Scivetti, Chief Operating Officer at Oceanex Energy, spoke about the potential economic and regional benefits of offshore wind energy.

These benefits include $10 billion estimated capex and $200 million in DEVEX for up to 5 to 7 years; 3,000 direct jobs duration the construction period of three to four years; and 300 jobs during the 30 year operation and maintenance life.

The Changing Policy Landscape The Hon Lance McCallum, Assistant Minister for Energy Queensland, provided an overview of the Queensland state government’s work in renewables.

Queensland has set a bold clean energy future—a 70% renewables target by 2032—as part of the $62 billion Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan. The Plan includes initiatives such as: a commitment to progress two new pumped hydro projects by 2035; a pathway to build the new Queensland SuperGrid, which will connect solar, wind, battery and hydrogen projects across the state and unlock new capacity and storage; a commitment to convert all of Queensland’s publicly-owned coal-fired power stations into clean energy hubs by 2035, backed by a

L to R: Emily Scivetti, Simon Preston and Dan McKinna.

Job Security Guarantee for workers; and substantial investment across the state, with 95% of clean energy infrastructure investment anticipated to be in regional Queensland.

content rules. While these are an important part of the equation, we need to determine how we target funding. Where are we funnelling the money?”

Fredrik Andrén-Sandberg, Head of Public Affairs APAC, Vestas Asia Pacific, and Tim Buckley, Director, Climate Energy Finance, also gave highly informative and engaging presentations during this session.

“We cannot just ask for government funding and tax credits, the money needs to be targeted to gain a competitive advantage. We need a response that is commensurate to the US Inflation Reduction Act. We’re calling for $150 billion,” said Katie.

Australian Council of Trade Unions President, Michele O’Neil, made it clear that there shouldn’t be a single worker made redundant by the phase-out of fossil fuels.

Making It Happen Katie Hepworth PhD, Political and Strategic Advisor, Australian Manufacturing Workers Union, presented on the heavy vehicle manufacturing industry.

According to Katie, there is a real need for regulatory certainty and harmonisation of standards, a steady supply of work and a smoothing of demand, and workforce skills development in both R&D at a high level and in trade skills.

“We cannot rely on narrow local

Katie Hepworth.

“If we miss out on this opportunity to become a renewable manufacturing powerhouse, we’ll be leaving jobs and wealth on the table.”

“Don’t leave behind those people who make everything you use every day,” she said. “There are so many manufacturing sectors hitting the new learning curve.”

Michele O’Neil.

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WORKSHOPS, SEMINARS AND MEMBER EVENTS IN 2023 Each year, Weld Australia facilitates a variety of member-focused events to help ensure that the Australian welding industry remains strong, competitive and upto-date with advancements in everything from technology, through to Australian Standards. Our events give members the opportunity to network and collaborate with like-minded individuals throughout the industry.

Industry Drinks Night in Sydney

Industry Night at Antec

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Industry Drinks Night Sydney, March Weld Australia partnered with TAFE NSW to deliver a night of networking for Weld Australia members and other industry professionals. The event was attended by key Tier 1 contractors, government representatives and more, with speeches from Stephen Brady (Managing Director of TAFE NSW) and Geoff Crittenden (CEO of Weld Australia). The special guest speaker was inspirational disability advocate Ben Pettingill, who helped launch the Weld Australia initiative to access a diverse range of people including people living with a disability.

Industry Night at Antec Sydney, March Weld Australia and the New South Wales and ACT Committee organised an Industry Night hosted by Antec Group, an Australian owned and operated business supplying the construction, infrastructure, and mining and minerals processing industries. Presented by Matt Waller (National Stud Welding Manager at Antec Group), this well attended event highlighted the broad range of applications for stud welding, from the use of capacitor discharge welding of pins, through to clips and cupheaded pins for the insulation industry.

Standards Update for HERA Auckland, April Bruce Cannon (Principal Welding Engineer, Weld Australia) presented a seminar on behalf of HERA, New Zealand’s peak body for the metals industry. This excellent event was attended by more than 60 professionals and received positive feedback. The seminar provided practical, in-depth information to help attendees understand and interpret current and upcoming changes to AS and AS/NZS Standards, and covered the changes and revisions made over the last twelve months. It also includes an expert panel discussion and a lively Q&A. Mechanical Testing Demonstration and Discussion Melbourne, July Hosted by Victorian Testing and Inspection Services, this free member event was designed specifically for engineers, welding supervisors, inspectors, and coordinators. It provided an opportunity for these industry professionals to witness the magic of mechanical testing first-hand and gain a deeper

Industry Drinks Night in Brisbane.

understanding of test methods, test samples, specifications, results, and reporting. Attendees were invited to immerse themselves in the world of testing as they explored live samples, observed tests in action, and learnt how to interpret results effectively.

Welded Fabrication Knowledge for Structural Engineers Online, July Weld Australia and Engineers Australia co-hosted this highly successful webinar which focused on welded fabrication knowledge for structural engineers, highlighting the practical and technical knowledge engineers should have. The panel of expert speakers for the event included Bruce Cannon (Principal Welding Engineer, Weld Australia), Cornelis Van Niekerk (Business Manager Defence Welding, Weld Australia) and Professor Madeleine du Toit (Program Coordinator International Welding Engineer Training, and University of Wollongong).

Cobots in the Australian Manufacturing Industry Online, August Weld Australia’s Advanced Manufacturing Industry Network hosted a free webinar in conjunction with the

Australian Cobotic Centre (a collaboration between researchers and industry, funded by the Australian Research Council), focused on the growing area of collaborative robots, or cobots, in the manufacturing industry. The webinar took a deep dive into topics like how cobots work, the benefits they can deliver in terms of productivity and safety, how to train staff in their use, and integration throughout the Australian industry.

Industry Drinks Night Brisbane, August In partnership with TAFE Queensland and the Outsource Institute (AUS), Weld Australia facilitated a night of networking with key Tier 1 contractors, industry colleagues and government representatives.

Held at Black Bird in the Riverside Centre, attendees heard from Kevin Roos (Business Manager Engineering Training, TAFE Queensland Acacia Ridge); Stephen Love (Managing Director, Outsource Institute (AUS)); and Geoff Crittenden (CEO, Weld Australia) during an enjoyable and well attended evening of drinks and networking.

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EVENTS

Photos Design and Modeling of Welded Structures Courses.

Students in both Melbourne (top) and Perth (bottom) learnt how to mitigate the detrimental effects of welding defects, reducing inefficiencies and costs, and improving schedules and productivity.

An Update on the Revisions of EN 15085 Online, August Weld Australia hosted a successful workshop focused on the revisions to EN 15085 Railway applications – Welding of railway vehicles and components. The workshop was hosted by Victor Blain (Engineering Team Manager) and delivered insights and practical recommendations on how to implement the new requirements of the EN 15085 series of Standards.

The event also covered how to gain certification. EN 15085 was introduced to harmonise the requirements for welding materials related to railway vehicles.

MEM Resources Information Session Online, September Following the launch of Weld Australia’s new suite of learning resources for the Manufacturing and Engineering (MEM) Training Package, the webinar offered attendees a comprehensive tour of these new resources, including their features and applications.

The event provided Insightful updates on our roadmap for the next units, highlighting the innovations and improvements that users can anticipate. Additionally, it was an opportunity to engage with the Weld Australia team, share your thoughts, and ask questions.

Design and Modeling of Welded Structures Courses Melbourne & Perth, October Across two big days, attendees of this course learnt

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how to mitigate the detrimental effects of welding defects, reducing inefficiencies and costs, and improving schedules and productivity. Facilitated by USA expert Professor Pingsha Dong (University of Michigan), the course covered the fundamentals that every engineer should know when designing welded components, including weld in-situ strength, residual stresses, geometric discontinuities, resultant joint strength, fatigue resistance, and implications on metallic additively manufactured parts.

ASME Section IX Course Adelaide, November This intensive three day course provided participants with a working knowledge of ASME Section IX, including how to comply with its requirements. The ASME code regulates the design, development and construction of boilers and pressure vessels, and the course was designed for welding engineers, quality assurance personnel, auditors, testing laboratory personnel, maintenance personnel and jurisdictional inspection personnel. It was facilitated by US expert Walter J Sperko, President of Sperko Engineering Services.

FURTHER INFORMATION For further information about Weld Australia’s events, or to register for an upcoming event, visit: weldaustralia.com.au

Need Help Understanding the Processes and Parameters Required for Successful Stainless Steel Welding?

Stainless steels are usually specified because of their enhanced corrosion resistance, high temperature oxidation resistance, or their strength. With various types of stainless steel available, there are specific welding processes and techniques that must be employed to ensure that the corrosion and oxidation resistance, and other mechanical properties are not impaired.

Avoid Shutdowns and Service Interruptions.

Realise Economic and Environmental Benefits.

The objective of this course is to provide an in-depth overview of the various aspects of pipeline modification and repair (full encirclement sleeves, hot taps and so on) and to address the concerns associated with welding onto in-service pipelines.

Facilitated by US expert, William A Bruce, attendees will walk away with a thorough understanding of the

This two day course will give participants a working knowledge of the welding metallurgy and weldability of stainless steels. Attendees will walk away with an understanding of the various types of stainless steel, and how to pre-heat, weld and post-heat treat them without introducing imperfections, causing cracking or otherwise disrupting their beneficial mechanical properties.

To register, contact Danielle Pennington on d.pennington@weldaustralia.com.au or 0493 024 505

factors that affect welding onto in-service pipelines helps avoid pipeline shutdowns and interruptions of service, thereby bolstering both economic and environmental benefits for operators and welders alike.

Plus, repairs can be undertaken efficiently, effectively and with full confidence. It is a must attend course for pipeline repair personnel.

To register, contact Danielle Pennington on d.pennington@weldaustralia.com.au or 0493 024 505 Q4 | December 2023

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EVENTS

INDUSTRY EVENTS IN 2023 Industry conferences and exhibitions were back in full force this year. From expos and career fairs, through to Australian Manufacturing Week, Weld Australia was on hand to answer questions and represent the Australian Welding industry. In addition to the major events below, Weld Australia also exhibited at smaller regional events like the Try A Trade Showcase in Gladstone and the Charleville Careers Expo.

AOG Energy Perth, April Over 6,000 people from more than 40 countries attended this major event, previously known as the Australasian Oil & Gas (AOG) Conference & Exhibition. For over 40 years AOG Energy has bought the entire oil, gas and energy supply chain together as a platform for discovering innovation, capabilities and opportunities, supported by major operators, government and industry. This year, AOG Energy featured a renewed focus on the energy transition, including hydrogen and the potential for hubs in the Pilbara, Midwest and South West.

Australian Manufacturing Week Melbourne, May Weld Australia was pleased to be a part of the very successful Australian Manufacturing Week (AMW2023), held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. Organised and run by the Australian Manufacturing Technology Institute Limited (AMTIL), AMW2023 saw 348 exhibitors put on a fantastic showcase for over 15,900 attendees from 29 different countries.

The Weld Australia exhibition stand proved extremely popular with the crowds, with many people and large groups of students eager to try the Soldamatic welding simulators.

Careers and Employment Expo Adelaide, May Held at the Adelaide Showground, the Adelaide Careers and Employment Expo hosted over 130 organisations and employers with career opportunities for all ages.

The event was tailored especially for school students, parents, teachers, graduates, job seekers, people looking

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for courses and workers seeking new training options. Weld Australia had a very popular stand in one of the ‘Try A Trade’ interactive zones, with our cutting edge welding simulators a real hit with the crowds. Additionally, the Expo offered attendees free advice and career seminars.

Careers Expo Regional Queensland, May The Careers Expo in regional southwest Queensland provided regional students with the opportunity to discover the diverse range of careers, education, pathways and employment available across the region. Adam Coorey (Regional Training Coordinator, Weld Australia) was on-site at the Roma and St George campuses of TAFE Queensland, helping to promote

EduTECH Conference

welding as a highly successful and exciting career to the next generation of workers. The event included a range of workshops and demonstrations to guide students in choosing a career.

Trades Fit Expo Melbourne, June Weld Australia was excited to be part of the Victorian Government’s Trades Fit expo at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. The expo showcased the myriad of rewarding and well-paid career opportunities for young women and non-binary students, providing information and pathways across a range of in demand and emerging industries.

Bringing together more than 3,000 students and almost 120 schools, the

two-day expo featured more than 90 exhibitors including Amazon, Ford, Woolworths and Star of the South.

IIW 2023 Singapore, July In conjunction with the 76th Annual Assembly of International Institute of Welding (IIW), the Singapore Welding Society (SWS) hosted the International Conference on Advances in Welding, Joining and Additive Manufacturing at the beautiful Marina Bay Sands Hotel.

The event provided a platform for knowledge exchange and networking among scientists, researchers and industry experts in the field of welding and joining. Welding professionals were invited to present original work in diverse areas including nano joining and laser welding.

WorldSkills National Championships and Skills Show Melbourne, August Weld Australia would like to congratulate all the winners of the 2023 WorldSkills National Championships, held in Melbourne from 17 to 19 August. 180 young apprentices and trainees were presented with medals at a ceremony

attended by the Victorian Minister for Training and Skills, Gayle Tierney, Dr Michelle Ananda-Rajah, and invited guests. The winners came from across 59 skills. Weld Australia was proud to sponsor the Welding category, and Guy Brooks (Training Manager) was the Deputy Chief Judge for the Welding Category.

Try A Trade Expo Melbourne, August The Try a Trade Expo in Melbourne offered students in the Maribyrnong and Moonee Valley areas to discover the world of trades and vocations in a fun, interactive way. This unique, hands-on expo was attended by over 350 students in years 9 to 12, who came along to gain a better understanding of the career pathways available in trades and vocations. As always, Weld Australia’s Soldamatic augmented reality welding simulator was a big hit with the crowd, giving students the opportunity to try welding in safe environment.

AIMEX Sydney, September AIMEX, the Asia-Pacific’s International Mining Exhibition, was the premium

event in 2023 for the mining section to collaborate and hear from industry thought leaders. The Expo provided the opportunity to connect and do business with over 250 local and international suppliers. Additionally, there was an extensive program of speakers sharing insights on topics such as transformative technology and decarbonisation. Weld Australia’s stand proved popular as always, with a Soldamatic welding simulator and a Dooson welding cobot on display.

EduTECH Conference Melbourne, September EduTECH 2023 was held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre and featured over 550 local and international speakers who covered the latest trends and technologies shaping the education sector. The largest education event in Australia, the conference featured hundreds of international and local exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge solutions, including Weld Australia with the Soldamatic augmented reality simulator. The event was attended by over 12,000 people, including a range of educators and industry professionals.

Careers Expo in Regional Queensland

Australian Manufacturing Week

AIMEX

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WELDER TRAINING

PREMIER WELDER TRAINING Weld Australia is Australia’s premier welder training organisation. We understand the value of ongoing professional development and are committed to upskilling the next generation of welders. Weld Australia qualifications, certifications and training courses can boost your earning potential and job stability, and make you the preferred candidate for large-scale welding projects around the globe. Plus, continued professional development demonstrates to employers that you’re dedicated to continually learning and growing in your field—qualities that are essential for leadership roles and complex projects This year, we progressed with the MEM 2.0 Welder Learning Resources project, and facilitated a whole host of training.

Weld Australia’s mission is simple – to facilitate the growth of a world class welding industry in Australia. Our training does exactly this. As the International Institute of Welding (IIW) Authorised Nominated Body (ANB) and the Authorised Training Body (ATB), we are uniquely positioned to provide internationally recognised qualifications.

In 2023, our team of expert trainers facilitated more than 24 courses, ranging from the International Welding Engineer (IWE) and International Welding Inspector Standard (IWI-S) and Basic (IWI-B) qualifications, right through to AS 1796 Certificate 10.

In-House Training Courses Weld Australia facilitated in-house training and welder testing for a whole host of companies in 2023. In May, we facilitated an in-house Welding Fundamentals course for 14 students at Stanwell power station in Rockhampton. The course was tailored especially for Stanwell, and covered weld processes, imperfections, heat treatment, and more.

In June, we ran an in-house training course for Monadelphous at their Singleton facilities. The course focused on the IWI-B qualification.

In July and August, Weld Australia facilitated IWI-B inhouse courses for BAE Systems in Adelaide, as well as for the Navy at HMAS Kuttabul in Sydney, as well as our popular Welding Supervisor course in a face-to-face format in Gladstone, Queensland.

September saw Weld Australia host in-house training for Glencore in Brisbane. Joe Sandor presented our Welding Fundamentals training to 25 of Glencore’s engineers over the course of two days. In October, we were off to Gladstone, rolling out in-house training sessions for Queensland Alumina Limited.

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24 8

In-house or in-person courses

Courses

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IWI-B Students

94

Welding Supervisor Students

82

Welding Fundamentals Students

FORGING A SKILLED WORKFORCE: DEVELOPING LOCAL TALENT IN PNG In mid 2023, Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea was home to a suite of successful welding training programs, bringing together ten citizen employees from both Monadelphous and Santos across their Lihir and Monadelphous Worley Joint Venture (MWJV) operations.

In collaboration with Weld Australia, Monadelphous conceptualised and coordinated two welding upskilling programs including Welding Technology Basics and International Welding Inspector - Basic (IWI-B).

Led by Weld Australia’s experienced trainer, Joe Sandor, the comprehensive program covered welding processes, codes, standards, inspection techniques, and safety protocols. Participants engaged in theoretical sessions and practical demonstrations, gaining handson experience and a deep understanding of welding inspection procedures.

Mark Potts, Quality and Welding Manger for Monadelphous said, “This is a first for us all in PNG, and a fantastic example of our commitment to corporate social responsibility by training some of our national employees in welding inspection. By investing in the development of local talent, Monadelphous is not only bridging the skills gap but also empowering the local workforce to make significant contributions to their communities, and the broader nation. I’m proud of our ongoing dedication to creating sustainable opportunities and fostering economic growth in PNG.”

The success of the IWI-B course in Port Moresby was further bolstered by the proactive support and engagement of the site teams across Lihir and MWJV. The collaboration between the site teams, Weld Australia, and the participants fostered a strong sense of teamwork, highlighting the collective effort to advance welding inspection practices.

“Upskilling initiatives like this showcases the value of professional development opportunities in PNG, allowing employees to acquire essential skills and expand their knowledge in line with international best practices. We anticipate that the newly acquired expertise will have a positive impact on welding inspection practices across our operations, promoting higher quality standards and safety measures – which is great for everyone,” said Sean Lavin, Learning and Development Advisor (Eastern Region), Monadelphous.

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WELDER TRAINING

WELD AUSTRALIA LAUNCHES NATIONAL RESOURCES FOR MEM TRAINING PACKAGE In August, Weld Australia launched a new suite of learning resources for the Manufacturing and Engineering Training Package.

Davenport, you should have access to the same, high-quality training.

Our goal is to help ensure that highquality welder learning is consistent across the country.”

Weld Australia has designed and created a suite of resources for delivery of the 12 welding and fabrication units of competency in the Manufacturing and Engineering (MEM) Training Package.

Welders are more in demand than ever—labour shortages are inhibiting the growth of Australia’s welding industry. According to Weld Australia’s members, 50 per cent of Australia’s welding workshops are currently operating at 80 per cent of their capacity or below. When asked why this is, a lack of skilled workers was the overwhelming answer.

According to Geoff Crittenden (CEO, Weld Australia), “Our resources help simplify the learning process for students, teachers and training institutes and—most importantly— place the student at centre of the learning process.”

“Weld Australia believes that a national industry, which has a national learning package, needs national learning resources. Whether you’re an apprentice in Kalgoorlie, Ultimo or

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“This labour shortage comes as no surprise. Weld Australia has been calling for urgent action for over five years. We estimate that Australia will be at least 70,000 welders short by 2030,” said Crittenden.

“And yet, the number of welding trade workers in Australia dropped

by 8 per cent in the course of just five years, and 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 formed a national consortium of TAFEs to work on the project. Over the last two years, the consortium has collaborated with us to develop the most engaging, upto-date resources possible. Members of the consortium piloted use of the resources, and some TAFEs have already permanently adopted them.

Weld Australia’s MEM Resources have been built with students, teachers and training organisations in mind. It reimagines the learning process with its user-friendly interface, diversified delivery methods, and audited and accurate

able to utilise these training resources in class to support lecturers. If apprentices miss classes, they can access the resources and catch up a lot more quickly than trying to reschedule another block later on.”

Brenda Micale (General Manager, Training Services at South Metropolitan TAFE) agreed. “The resources have improved our delivery across the fabrication area quite significantly. We’ve had some really great feedback from our industry partners too.”

“On our own, we could have developed an adequate suite of materials for the qualification.

Through the national collaboration, we got a much higher quality resources. On a TAFE budget, we never could have got all the bells and whistles—the videos, the eLearning— it’s just financially out of our reach.” material. The new MEM resources are completely online and accessible via phone, mobile device or computer.

This allows students to access learning at the time, place and pace that suits them best.

South Metropolitan TAFE Pilot South Metropolitan TAFE in Fremantle, Western Australia was the first training organisation to facilitate an official pilot. The feedback received from students and lecturers alike was extremely positive.

“

On our own, we could have developed an adequate suite of materials for the qualification.

Through the national collaboration, we got a much higher quality resources. On a TAFE budget, we never could have got all the bells and whistles—the videos, the eLearning— it’s just financially out of our reach.”

“It’s great when I go out to Rockingham, the Thornley and Naval Base campuses where fabrication is taught and you can see apprentices engaging with the technology.

They’re able to download it onto their mobile phones, they can play the videos, its interactive.”

According to Jonathon Maile (Executive Director – Engineering, Transport and Defence, South Metropolitan TAFE), “The resources have been terrific, not only for our team here at South Metro TAFE, but we’ve also upheld these and shared these with some external customers as well. So from a quality perspective, the resources have been tremendous.”

“Being able to link in with Weld Australia and other TAFEs, improved training outcomes—there is a better consistency from a technical perspective Australia-wide. It has improved our focus on digitisation and eLearning, and the increased the flexibility of how we deliver. We’re

FURTHER INFORMATION To find out more about Weld Australia’s new MEM learning resources, email training@weldaustralia.com.au and watch the video above.

Q4 | December 2023

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Advanced Welder Training Centres

AN UPDATE FROM THE AWTCs Weld Australia has worked with partners around the country to secure State and Federal Government funding for the establishment of Advanced Welder Training Centres (AWTCs). Using the state-of-the-art Soldamatic augmented reality welding simulators, the training delivered at the AWTCs quickly qualifies welders to the only industry Standard in the world that is accepted in both Europe and America: ISO 9606-1 Qualification testing of welders – Fusion welding. This Standard is the minimum requirement for working on rolling stock, defence and infrastructure projects, which are crucial to onshore Australian manufacturing and a stronger national economy.

In 2023, several training organisations established new AWTCs, including CQUniversity in Rockhampton, Chisholm Institute in Melbourne, Melbourne Polytechnic, Rural Industries Skills Training (RIST) in Hamilton, and ATNZ (Apprentice Training New Zealand).

These organisations are set to introduce augmented reality into their welding curriculum. Soldamatic simulators were delivered to the training organisations, with Weld Australia installing, commissioning and rolling out training to their teachers, in both ISO 9606 and the use of the simulators.

Weld Australia also visited TAFE Queensland Acacia Ridge to provide refresher training to their staff. During the training, all teachers had the

opportunity to use the Soldamatic augmented reality welding simulators and learn about the role they can play in welder training.

The teachers completed training for ISO 9606-1 Qualification testing of welders — Fusion welding — Part 1: Steels, once again using the augmented reality welding simulators.

The teachers also undertook a real ISO 9606-1 assessment to achieve internationally recognised welder qualifications.

QMI’s Women Who Weld Program Throughout the year, Weld Australia participated in the Queensland Manufacturing Institute’s (QMI) Women Who Weld Program. The program aims to increase gender diversity and participation in manufacturing careers.

Training at the TAFE Queensland Acacia Ridge campus.

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It provides the opportunities for female high school students in years 10, 11 and 12 to gain insight into trade skills and career pathways, including local employment opportunities. The program was facilitated at several high schools across Queensland.

Augmented Reality Welder Training at Queensland Schools Throughout the year, Weld Australia facilitated augmented reality welding training in high schools across Queensland, including in Caboolture, Brisbane, Mackay and Yeppoon.

Students had the opportunity to undertake augmented reality welding training in line with ISO 9606.1 Qualification testing of welders. After just a few hours of practice, students were achieving results required to achieve qualified welder status.

Teachers try their hand at the Training at Grace Lutheran College in Caboolture.

Soldamatics at Temora High School.

ADVANCED MANUFACTURING SCHOOLS OUTREACH PROGRAM The Advanced Manufacturing Schools Outreach Program is encouraging kids in secondary schools across New South Wales to explore a meaningful career in the trades. With a skills deficient crisis impacting a raft of labour markets across Australia, industry is calling for the Program to be rolled out nationally.

The Program was demonstrated at a media event in March at Dapto High School. A range of media coverage was secured, including: • Channel Nine News • ABC Radio Interview • High tech trades class, by the Illawarra Mercury • NSW Schools Outreach Program Encourages Trade Careers, by Manufacturers Monthly According to Geoff Crittenden (CEO, Weld Australia), “There is no magic solution to Australia’s skills crisis. We need a radical approach. The same old approach that we’ve taken for years will not arm Australia with the skilled workers needed to deliver the record number of projects we’re seeing in industries like defence and renewables, let alone the $237 billion pipeline of government infrastructure.

Industry is calling out for kids with a

practical bent to go into the trades.

We need parents to understand that a career as a tradesperson is full of potential and a whole raft of exciting opportunities. The Advanced Manufacturing Schools Outreach Program in New South Wales is helping to do exactly this. It is helping to reverse the mindset that the only path for kids post-high school is university,” said Crittenden.

“Our STEM Program is unique because it actually engages kids. It is hands-on, fun and educational. It is not just about studying more maths and physics textbooks. Anyone can try their hand at the welding simulators and be a star. A lot of these kids have never passed a test in their lives— the light in the kids’ eyes when the simulators gives them the all-clear is really something to see.”

Weld Australia has been working with the New South Wales Department of Education on the Advanced Manufacturing School Outreach Program to create a practical solution to the skills crisis in Australia.

In 2020, a pilot was rolled out to 16 schools in areas from Wagga Wagga, Lake Illawarra and Dapto high schools in southern New South Wales, to the Gorokan and Kurri Kurri High Schools in the Lower Hunter region. Based on the success of the first pilot program, it was expanded in 2021 to another 12 high schools, and in 2022 to another 14 high schools.

To date, 82 welding simulators are installed at 40 high schools across New South Wales. The Program uses augmented reality welding simulators to give students in Years 9 to 12 a real welding experience.

PLAY Further Information For further information about Weld Australia’s training, contact: training@weldaustralia.com.au Q4 | December 2023

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INDUSTRY GROUPS

LINKING MEMBERS: WELD AUSTRALIA’S INDUSTRY GROUPS IN 2023 Weld Australia’s Industry Groups provide a forum for technology transfer and research and development, linking members with industry and research organisations. Weld Australia works with Industry Group members to ensure they remain diverse and resilient in the ever-changing and increasingly challenging global markets.

WELDING SAFETY COUNCIL The Welding Safety Council met in May and September this year. In attendance were representatives from Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists (AIOH), AWS, Industrial Laser Solutions, SafeWork NSW, Justice TAS, TAFE Queensland, SafeWork Australia, DMIRS WA, WorkSafe ACT, WorkSafe Victoria and Weld Australia.

The Welding Safety Council is currently addressing several areas of concern, including protective clothing, electric shock, and the dangers of welding fume, as well as hand-held laser welders and the lack of standards and regulations around their use.

Several case studies were presented by attendees that demonstrated the risks of electric shocks from welding, as well as incidents in which the cotton clothing of welders have caught fire necessitating hospitalisation and skin grafts. As such, the use of protective welders’

leathers or fire-resistant treated clothing used in accordance with instructions is recommended. A Safety Alert was prepared, which was widely distributed.

Cameron Jamieson (Director, Industrial Laser Solutions) gave a presentation on hand-held lasers that are commonly found in the Australian marketplace. Cameron highlighted that while some lasers have high levels of protection and interlocks to prevent inadvertent use of the laser—others do not. Weld Australia developed a Safety Alert on hand-held lasers that was widely distributed.

The Weld Australia website was reconfigured to enable the issue of Safety Alerts as deemed appropriate by the Welding Safety Council. These Alerts will draw attention to welding safety incidents, including the known causes of the incident and what steps can be taken to help prevent similar incidents occurring.

Weld Australia is developing two

Photo: Power Generation Industry Group meeting attendees.

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comprehensive online training courses designed to improve safety outcomes across the country.

One course is tailored for welders, while the other is aimed at welding engineers and supervisors. These courses will be available via the Weld Australia website in ealry 2024.

POWER GENERATION INDUSTRY GROUP The Power Generation Industry Group comprises: 1. Boiler Industry Group 2. Process Safety Industry Group 3. Asset Integrity Board Boiler Industry Group The Boiler Industry Group met in April 2023 in Perth, hosted by Synergy, attended by over 30 people.

Wayne Hill (EnergyAustralia) gave a detailed and informative presentation on a program developed by EnergyAustralia to develop a structured approach for the detection, repair, analysis and prevention of boiler tube failures.

Joseph Freeland (Delta Electricity) gave a presentation of a waterwall tube failure at Vales Point Power Station. Joseph explained the analysis of the failure to determine the root cause and to understand the risk of other similar failures on the boiler.

The cause was determined to be an original weld failure. Joseph also described the process for repair of the failure.

Abi Babu (HRL) gave a presentation of strategies to best preserve units during times of storage and layup.

Damien Charman (IRIS NDT) gave a presentation on Low Frequency

Electromagnetic Testing (LFET) on reheater tube standby pitting at Loy Yang A. The project involved 256 cut outs for repairs. This approach uses specific probes for specific tube IDs. The Boiler Industry met again in October. The first day was held at Mt Piper Power Station hosted by EnergyAustralia, and included a tour of the facilities.

As usual at these meetings, Bruce Cannon provided a presentation on updates to Australian Standards and Technical Guidance Notes.

Bruce advised that over 500 public Comments were received for the AS 3788 update. These have now been reviewed and resolved and is now under a final review by the sub-committee. There will still be a rigorous review process before finalising the updated Standard.

Wayne Hill (EnergyAustralia) gave a presentation on cracking that was found on a superheater outlet header stubs. Ryan Bentley (Quest Integrity) gave a presentation on new ultrasonic inspection methods.

Damien Charman (IRIS NDT) gave a presentation on advancement in phased array technologies and the application of this to complex geometries.

Randal Jitts (Delta Electricity) gave a presentation of an incident at Vales Point that occurred in 2014 and had ramifications over some years.

The initial incident involved a large condenser leak which then caused issues in the boiler, turbine and auxiliary plant over some years. This was an excellent presentation with many learnings for those present.

Warwick Robinson (HRL) gave a presentation on Life Assessment Techniques at HRL and how they can be applied to power station plant and equipment. A special presentation was given by Thomas Will (Chief Engineer) and Dr Krzyszof Zajacfrom Steinmuller Engineering GmbH (Germany) on NOx Reduction Methods and Technologies.

The second day was held at the old Wallerawang Power Station and

hosted by Greenspot Wallerawang.

The Wallerawang Power Station was closed in 2014 and has gone through a process of decommissioning and demolition. The site is now entering a phase of re-purposing and redevelopment. A large Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) has received Development approval and planning commence construction in 2024. The remainder of the site still has some of the old power station building which are available for re-purposing and redevelopment.

Malcolm Macleod gave a presentation on the project to date and on the plans for the future. This was particularly interesting as many power generators will be closing power stations in future years and will be facing similar challenges as has been encountered by Greenspot. The day also included a walk around of the site where attendees could see the potential for the re-purposing and redevelopment.

Process Safety Industry Group The Process Safety Industry Group meeting was held in April in Perth.

The meeting was attended by approximately 30 people.

Geoff Crittenden (CEO, Weld Australia) opened the meeting with an update on Australia’s renewable energy transition, touching on challenges such as the sheer volume of materials and labour that will be required.

James Ryan (OXT Group) presented on process safety bow ties for power generation. Sam Clayton (HRL) gave a presentation improving the operational performance of the Diamantina Power Station (Mt Isa) in terms of maximising plant output and improving operational flexibility.

Salim Talib (Synergy) described a process where Synergy is managing projects, bringing projects to completion and handing over completed projects to stakeholders.

Alex Horner and Ninh Nguyen from Synergy gave a presentation on the installation of additional electric heaters for the deaerators at Muja Power Station.

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INDUSTRY GROUPS The Process Safety Industry Group also met online in October. There were two presentations both given by representatives of Synergy. Joe Chew gave a presentation on the Risk Management of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). Salem Talib gave a presentation on Synergy’s Process Safety Fundamentals. Salem provided detail on the Process Safety structure that Synergy is currently implementing.

Asset Integrity Board The Asset Integrity Board met online in July 2023. The purpose of the meeting was to review the strategies and future directions for the Power Generation Industry Group. A draft Charter was circulated and discussed, including provision for renewable energy and a Turbine Industry Group.

The Boiler Industry Group discussed several topics, including integrity management, advanced analytics, management of data, flexible operations, low load operations, layup procedures and ramp rates. Skills shortages were also discussed, with members indicating that it is difficult to attract and retain young people.

As such, there is a real need for

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graduate development programs for young people.

Finally, renewable energy was discussed. Many generators are in the process of planning, building and operating wind assets and battery energy storage systems (BESS). It was suggested that BESS Working Group be formed. Issues raised also included wind, solar farms, transmission towers, and global supply chains.

DEFENCE INDUSTRY NETWORK Weld Australia hosted the second meeting of its Defence Industry Network in June. The purpose of the Network is to support, grow and sustain the local Australian defence Industry. The meeting was attended by representatives from the Austal, Baker & Provan, Bisalloy, the Department of Defence, DVR Engineering, HRL, Lincoln Electric, Marand, Precision Metal Group, Thales, Uneek and Weld Australia.

The meeting was opened by Chair Jason Elias (Founder and Director, Precision Metal Group), who led a discussion on sovereign industrial capacity priorities in defence.

Attendees shared the challenges and opportunities prevalant in the industry at the moment.

Thomas Lau (Senior Structural Design Engineer, Thales) provided a presentation focused on the manufacture of the Bushmaster combat personnel vehicle and the Hawke Eye. Lively discussion of several topics followed, including skills and labour shortages and ways to help overcome these shortages; the importance of collaboration within Defence supply chains to mitigate risk, share resources and learnings and create sovereignty; and the importance of a range of different certifications and qualifications.

ADVANCED MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY NETWORK Weld Australia launched its newly created Advanced Manufacturing Industry Network via a webinar in mid-May. The webinar focused on the additive manufacturing (AM) of metals and components with prominent technology providers doing talks on the current state of the technology on the market.

There was also a strong focus on the quality assurance of additive manufacturing with a member of ISO Technical Committee 261 Additive Manufacturing, giving a talk on the standardisation with regards to the qualification of AM processes, personnel, and 3D printed parts.

Brad Coulter (Senior Technical Sales Consultant, AML3D) provided an overview of the capabilities of AML3D; Professor Stephen Pan (University of Wollongong) spoke about wire-arc AM at the Facility of Intelligent Fabrication; Professor Huijun Li (University of Wollongong) gave an update on quality assurance, including the ongoing work of the ISO Technical Committee 261 and Standards Australia around AM. Finally, David Gerrard (Director APAC, Xiris) gave a presentation on the technology that Xiris has available for in-situ quality management of AM. A second meeting was held in August with a theme of Automation Using Cobots. Cornelis Van Niekerk gave a presentation on training of cobot operators for automated welding applications with the use of Soldamatic welding simulators.

Perry Swaveley (Frontline Manufacturing) gave a presentation on Benefits of small robotic automation – Distortion control, economy, and productivity associated with automation. Penny Williams, Greg Hearn and Mats Isakson of the Australian Cobotic Centre gave the feature presentation on the services provided by the Centre, and the benefits of partnerships, focused on the integration of cobots and obstacles to automation.

RENEWABLE ENERGY INDUSTRY GROUP Weld Australia established a Renewable Energy Industry Group to bring together existing generators, new players, manufacturers, suppliers, specialists and consultants.

The first meeting of the group took place in September 2023. Geoff Crittenden gave an overview of the renewable energy industry, focused on the issues facing renewable energy developments. These issues include local communities and consultation issues, lobby groups, and planning processes that are significant in the development approval process and also in the construction phases of a project.

Dan McKinna (General Manager, Keppel Prince) gave a presentation on challenges and issues facing manufacturers such as Kepple Prince. Dan discussed the impact of overseas competition, overseas labour rates, overseas steel supply, exchange rates, US Inflation Reduction Act, and the need for government support for local industry.

Simon Preston (Group General Manager, Precision Oxycut, Allthread Industries, First Forge) gave a presentation about the state of the renewable energy industry in Australia and opportunities that can be gained through innovation and approaches that differentiate local suppliers from overseas supply. Precision Oxycut has achieved this through an improved design approach to wind tower foundation anchor cages.

FURTHER INFORMATION For further information or to join one of our Industry Groups, contact: Andrew Davies (Manager Technical Industry Networks) on a.davies@weldaustralia.com.au or 0438 428 966.

THE BENEFITS OF INDUSTRY GROUP MEMBERSHIP • • • • • • • • • • •

A confidential forum for discussing issues with peers A unified body that advocates for change among industry clients Advantageous access to technical advice and engineering support The opportunity to benchmark against industry best practice A conduit between industry and research organisations Beneficial nationally and internationally accredited training Cost effective certification products and services Collaborative sharing of resources and services for repair options in accordance with Australian and international standards Opportunities to influence Australian Standards, contract terms and specifications Opportunity to participate in research and development projects Technology transfer and networking via industry specific forums

JOIN NOW

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AUSTRALIAN STANDARDS

UPDATES TO AUSTRALIAN STANDARDS IN 2023 Australian Standards are living documents. They reflect progress in science, technology and systems. To maintain their relevancy, all Standards are periodically reviewed, with amendments and revised editions published. The last 12 months have seen several developments, including reviews into standards related to pressure equipment, steel structures and pipelines. Weld Australia also commenced the publication of Safety Alerts and made a range of free technical and guidance notes available to members.

Pressure Equipment The revision of AS/NZS 3788 Pressure equipment—In-service inspection is progressing well and public comment closed in June.

Comments received have been resolved by the drafting committee and the draft is being prepared for committee ballot by ME-001.

Welding Consumables Committee WD-002 has reviewed the aged AS/NZS 1167 suite (Welding and Brazing — Filler metals) and the adoption of the relevant ISO consumable standards has been completed. The suite was formally superseded in October.

The Committee has also resolved to revise AS 2576 Welding consumables for build-up and wear resistance and project consultation is currently underway.

Welding Safety The revision of AS 1674.1 Safety in Welding and allied processes—Part 1 Fire precautions is underway.

Initial drafting has been completed, with a public review draft now being prepared by Committee WD-004.

The standard is used extensively in industry to establish fire preventative measures whilst welding in locations not necessarily designed for hot work.

Separate to this project, Committee EL-019 has commenced the revision of the sister standard AS 1674.2 Safety in Welding and allied processes—Part 2 Electrical with the kick-off meeting held in August. Associated with these projects is the revision of AS 2812

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Welding, brazing and cutting of metals — Glossary of terms by Committee WD-003. The project opened for public comment in October.

Bridges The amendment to AS/NZS 5100.6 Bridge design — Part 6: Steels and composite construction is well advanced and following a period of public comment, comments have been resolved. The draft amendment is now being prepared for Committee ballot. The revision will align the requirements of the standard with the latest revision of AS 4100 Steel structures, AS/NZS 5131 Structural steelwork — Fabrication and erection, and the New Zealand steel structures design standard NZS 3404.1. The revision will resolve known conflicts and anomalies via an amendment.

Steel Structures Standards Australia has commenced a major revision of AS 4100 Steel structures in May. Committee BD-001 is managing the project. Cognisance will be taken on the relevant amendments to AS/NZS 5100.6.

WD-003’s project to revise AS/NZS 2214 Certification of welding supervisors —Structural steel welding has been approved and the revision process commenced. The project will see the standard split into parts and renamed. The existing standard will become Part 1 and will be revised to accommodate welding inspection, similar to the latest revision of AS 1796.

Part 2 will cover bolting supervisors

and inspectors, and will be drafted with the assistance of members of BD-001 and ME-029. As previously advised, the long term intention is to add additional parts to cover the qualification of key personnel relevant to AS/NZS 5131.

Committee WD-003 was made aware of errors in two Tables within AS/NZS ISO 9606-1 Qualification testing of welders — Fusion welding.

A mathematical operator in Tables 8 and 14 was reversed and Standards Australia has since corrected the error. The original ISO text was correct and remains unchanged.

Committee BD-023 is currently revising AS/NZS 1594 Hot-rolled steel flat products. Formerly managed by Committee MT-001, this standard

primarily relates to grades of steel used in hot rolled coil product form but also relates to lighter gauge plate manufactured from hot rolled coil for structural purposes. The draft is currently being prepared for public comment.

ISO Update ISO TC44/SC10 has completed the revision of ISO 3834 Quality requirements for fusion welding of metallic materials series of standards primarily taking cognisance of changes to ISO 9001 Quality management systems — Requirements and the 2019 edition of ISO 14731 Welding coordination — Tasks and responsibilities.

Parts 1 to 5 inclusive have been published and adopted by Standards Australia as direct text adoptions. Revision of Part 6 of ISO 3834 is now well advanced and the FDIS ballot is underway. Consideration for adoption in Australia will commence after finalisation by ISO. TC44/SC10 has also been revising ISO 17660 Welding — Welding of reinforcing steel. This edition is planned to combine the two existing parts into a single document. Work is ongoing.

Similarly, ISO TC44/SC11 has been revising ISO 9606-1 Qualification testing of welders— Fusion welding— Part 1: Steels to combine all 5 parts into the one standard. This will simplify the ongoing maintenance and review requirements for the standards currently published as Parts 2 to 5 of ISO 9606-1. A CD draft has been released for ballot and comment by National Committees with the drafting committee next scheduled to meet in November 2023 during TC44 week.

WELD AUSTRALIA RELEASES RESOURCES IN 2023 Weld Australia offers a range of technical resources, with a new Technical Guidance Note released this year. In addition, Weld Australia commenced the publication of Safety Alerts in 2023. All our technical resources are available via the website, free of charge for Weld Australia members.

TGN-PG04: Flame Straightening of Structures The objective of this Technical Guidance Note is to identify the factors that influence flame straightening and provide fabricators and users with an understanding of the process so that it can be effectively used when required. Whilst flame straightening is often seen as a ‘black art’, an understanding of how the process works and careful placement of the heating torches will maximise its effectiveness and allow the user to not only straighten warped, bent, twisted, dented and impact damaged workpieces with the flame rapidly, and without impairing the material, but to also create curved structures.

Safety Alert: Welders’ Clothing Catching Fire This Safety Alert was issued in response to serious incidents involving welders’ cotton drill clothing catching fire during welding. Commonly used cotton drill clothing in Australia, including high-visibility wear, is typically not flameresistant unless specifically treated, posing a fire hazard.

Synthetic materials like nylon or polyester should never be worn while welding due to their potential to melt and cause severe burns. The Alert emphasises guidelines for protective clothing for welders and the danger of exposed undergarments.

Safety Alert: Hand-Held Laser Welders Increasing numbers of hand-held laser welder devices are being imported into Australia, posing significant safety risks.

These devices transmit invisible laser light energy and can cause severe burns and permanent blindness to personnel directly or indirectly exposed. Welders should use safety precautions including using hand-held laser systems with integrated safety features, conducting laser welding in fully enclosed booths with safety interlocks, wearing suitable protective clothing, and ensuring proper training for welders operating hand-held laser welders.

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QUALIFICATION & CERTIFICATION

WELD AUSTRALIA LAUNCHES NEW COMPANY CERTIFICATIONS In September, we announced that companies can now be certified by Weld Australia to three new Standards: AS/NZS ISO 9001 Quality Management System; AS/NZS ISO 14001 Environmental Management; and AS/NZS ISO 45001 Occupational Health and Safety.

AS/NZS ISO 9001 AS/NZS ISO 9001 is a crucial certification for a quality management system. It is used by organisations to demonstrate their ability to consistently provide products and services that meet customer and regulatory requirements.

First adopted in 1987, over one

million organisations from more than 160 countries have certified to ISO 9001 to meet quality management objectives.

Obtaining ISO 9001 certification offers several advantages. It showcases a commitment to quality, assuring clients of standardised, consistent outcomes. This recognition differentiates you in a competitive market, elevating your business reputation.

The certification processes can help streamline your operations, reducing wastage, and improving efficiency, to translate into cost savings. It also emphasises continual improvement, promoting innovation and adaptability.

This certification enhances customer trust and satisfaction, potentially increasing client retention and referrals.

Lastly, some clients mandate ISO 9001 certification for contractual purposes, widening market opportunities. In essence, ISO 9001 can accelerate growth and boost credibility.

AS/NZS ISO 14001 ISO 14001 is one of the most recognised and advanced environmental management systems in the world. It provides a framework for companies, including welding businesses, to minimise their environmental footprint, ensure compliance with applicable legal regulations, and continually improve in these areas.

For welding businesses, the benefits are manifold. Besides promoting eco-friendly operations, the certificate process can help reduce waste and energy consumption, leading to cost savings. Achieving this certification differentiates a company in the marketplace, highlighting its commitment to sustainability. This attracts environmentally conscious clients and enhances reputation among stakeholders.

Moreover, by adhering to ISO 14001, businesses are better equipped to anticipate and manage environmental risks, ensuring long-term resilience and sustainability. This is essential in an evolving climate, where safer environmental practices should be at a business’ core.

AS/NZS ISO 45001 AS/NZS ISO 45001 has wellbeing and safety at its core to minimise workplace-related injuries and poor health. The leadership-lead approach means AS/NZS ISO 45001 meets moral, legal, ethical and industrybest practice when it comes to an employers’ duty of care over staff.

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The certification shares principles with a range of other essential standards within the welding, fabrication and manufacturing space.

This certification offers numerous benefits. It not only helps reduce the incidence of accidents and health-related absences but also demonstrates your commitment to the safety of your workforce.

This proactive approach to health and safety can enhance a firm’s reputation, boost employee morale, and potentially decrease insurance premiums. Moreover, ISO 45001 helps businesses to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, reducing the risk of penalties and lawsuits.

International Welding Practitioner (IWP) Qualification Introduced Weld Australia introduced the IIW International Welding Practitioner (IWP) qualification this year. It is awarded to professionals who have demonstrated a thorough understanding of welding technology and its applications.

Holding this qualification not only enhances one’s technical expertise but also opens up opportunities for career advancement, international recognition, and the ability to contribute to the highest standards of welding practices.

International Welding Inspector – Comprehensive (IWI-C) Weld Australia is currently working on the introduction of the IIW International Welding Inspector – Comprehensive (IWI-C) alternative route for qualified International Welding Engineers (IWEs) and International Welding Technologists (IWTs). This is the highest level of IIW qualification available for welding inspectors.

FURTHER INFORMATION

For further information about qualification or certification email: qnc@weldaustralia.com.au

Improvements to the WeldQ Online Exam System Early this year, Weld Australia rolled out a major new feature for WeldQ, the online exam system. Students are now able to complete online written exams using a single platform. The process has been streamlined as much as possible to ensure that students can focus on the task at hand— achieving the best possible exam result. With the new process, students will use the robust WeldQ platform, along with interactive QR Codes to complete their exams.

We are currently working on a WeldQ update, which will see the introduction of live online proctoring and viewing student video feed—an additional layer of invigilation to protect against examination fraud.

Weld Australia also launched a brand new phone app version of the WeldQ platform. The app is available for download via both the Android and iOS platforms. The app has made accessing the WeldQ platform—and all the vital information stored within the platform—even easier for welders and employers alike. It will be particularly handy for use on-site or in a workshop when a computer is not readily available.

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COMPANY CERTIFICATIONS

COMPANY CERTIFICATIONS IN 2023 Certification demonstrates a company’s ability to deliver a compliantly welded product, on time and on budget. Certification increases your potential to enter international markets with a competitive edge and improves the likelihood of repeat business.

Weld Australia would like to congratulate the companies awarded certification in 2023, including: • Seven new companies certified to AS/NZS ISO 3834 Quality requirements for fusion welding of metallic materials, bringing the total to 82 companies • One new company certified to AS/NZS ISO 9001 Quality Management System • Two new companies certified to EN 15085 Railway applications – Welding of railway vehicles, bringing the total up to 15 companies • One new companies certified to DIN 2303 Welding and allied processes - Quality requirements to be met by production and maintenance companies for military products, bringing the total up to nine companies

Allship Engineering WA and NSW Alliship Engineering is a specialist defence marine repairer with facilities in both Sydney, New South Wales and Henderson, Western Australia.

Both of their facilities were certified to AS/NZS ISO 3834 in 2023.

Allship provides cost-effective, highquality solutions to get ships to sea, including: machining and milling of steel; coded welding of carbon steel, copper nickel, aluminium and stainless steel; design, manufacture and install of custom thermal heat shields and insulation blankets; and much more For further information, visit: allship.com.au

DJM Fabrications Since 1994, DJM Fabrications has provided superior engineering for mechanical, civil, forestry and mining applications, as well as quality custom metal fabrication for the forestry, mining, and civil industries for numerous clients around Australia. With an emphasis on a quality product and an exceptional level of engineering excellence, their reputation and after sales service is second to none. DJM fabrications was certified to EN 15085 this year, already holding AS/NZS ISO 3834 certification. For further information, visit: djmfab.com

Kitson Manufacturing Solutions Based in Parkes, New South Wales, KMS is a leading provider of integrated manufacturing, building and construction, asset maintenance and service solutions. Since 2014, they have grown from a specialist plant maintenance company to involvement in many major resource engineering projects. KMS has built a reputation for quality and reliability backed by an entrenched safety culture, well maintained equipment and a highly qualified and experienced team who are committed to each and every project. For further information, visit: kitsonsolutions.com.au

Coslee Heavy Metal Fabricators With more than 55 years experience in the industry and produly Australian owned, Coslee specialises in light poles and steel fabrication. Their products include poles of all shapes and sizes, from circular pipe, mid hinge and slip base, through to security camera poles. Based in Thomastown in Melbourne, Coslee’s fabrication services extend to sign structures, bridges, gantries, portal cranes, job cranes, monorails and steel framework. Coslee was certified to AS/NZS ISO 3834 and ISO 9001 in 2023. For further information, visit: coslee.com.au

Hilton Manufacturing With a 20,000m2 high-tech manufacturing facility in Dandenong in Melbourne. Hilton has experience and expertise in all aspects of sheet metal manufacturing for a diverse range of industries. Hilton has heavily invested in its team of 250-odd people, processes and plant to remain competitive. Many of their more repetitive high-volume processes are undertaken by robotics, to ensure cost effectiveness and quality, as well as improved working conditions for their team members. For further information, visit: hiltonmanufacturing.com.au

Outdoor Fabrications Outdoor Fabrications was established in 2000 as a specialist outdoor advertising sign construction company. Until then, most outdoor advertising signs were built by general steel fabricators and designed by engineers with little experience in the intricate workings and needs of safe sign installation. Outdoor Fabrications has pioneered many safer and more economic ways of installing and maintaining large outdoor advertising signage, including but not limited to LED signs, monopoles and lightboxes, and the manufacturing and supply of structural steel. For information, visit: outdoorfabrications.com.au

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Photos Left: One of Allship Engineering’s projects. Photo courtesy of Allship Engineering.

Right: Members of the Kitson Manufacturing Solutions (KMS) team. Photo courtesy of KMS.

Metwest Engineering With 30 years experience, Metwest Engineering designs, manufactures, and installs products for many infrastructure projects. Products include road and rail signalling gantries, galvanized steel troughing, galvanized steel trunking, overhead wiring portals, masts, posts, pre-cast concrete bases, elevated platforms, walkways, structural steel, support brackets and bollards. Metwest’s customers include significant private and public companies like RailCorp, Downer EDI, Laing O’Rourke and John Holland. For further information, visit: mwe.com.au Moxon Industries Established in 2001, Moxon Industries is based in south west Sydney. Their 3,000m² state of the art facility houses over 200 machines, including some of the latest CNC machine technology.

Moxon Industries is dedicated to providing the highest level of engineering excellence and customer service across key industry sectors such as rail, food, concrete and masonry, civil and defence. Moxon specialises in the design, project management and manufacture of special purpose machines, precision component machining, toolmaking, fabrication and site work. For further information, visit: moxon.com.au

SP McLean Based in Bayswater, Melbourne, SP McLean manufactures highquality stainless steel and carbon steel filtration solutions. They service a variety of industries, including fuel and aviation filtration, pressure vessels, architectural and general metal fabrication, and rolling stock.

Established in 1999 as a small family business, the company now has an impressive team of design engineers, project managers, welder-boilermakers and more. Already certified to AS/NZS ISO 3834, they gained EN 15085 certification this year. For information, visit: spmclean.com.au

Weld Australia’s Certification Services Weld Australia is Australia’s premier welding certification body. We understand the value of ongoing professional and business development and are committed to upskilling the next generation of welders and safeguarding the future of local welding businesses.

Our comprehensive range of certification services are designed to help Australian welders, fabrication and manufacturing companies and the industrial sector at large achieve and maintain a competitive advantage.

As the International Institute of Welding (IIW) Authorised National Body (ANB) and the Authorised Training Body (ATB), we are able to provide internationally recognised certifications, to the following Standards: • AS/NZS ISO 3834 Quality requirements for fusion welding of metallic materials • EN 15085 Railway applications – Welding of railway vehicles • DIN 2303 Welding and allied processes - Quality requirements to be met by production and maintenance companies for military products • AS/NZS ISO 9001 Quality Management System • AS/NZS ISO 14001 Environmental Management • AS/NZS ISO 45001 Occupational Health and Safety Contact iso3834@weldaustralia.com.au for details.

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MEMBER TESTIMONIALS

WHAT WELD AUSTRALIA PARTNERS HAVE TO SAY Weld Australia’s members and partners are made up of individual welding professionals, as well as companies of all sizes. In fact, Weld Australia members are involved in almost every facet of Australian industry and make a significant contribution to the nation’s economy. We recently spoke with a number of our members and partners, eliciting their feedback on our activities, services and membership benefits.

Javier Lorenzo (Director, S+L Steel) “S+L Steel has been working with Weld Australia (formerly the WTIA) since the 1990s. As a welding and fabrication business, a close working relationship with Weld Australia aligns perfectly with the core of our operations. Weld Australia is always up-to-date with all the Australian and international Standards and regularly disseminates this information to members. The types of jobs we take on—such as those with Roads and Maritime Services in New South Wales—have very high standards for welds and quality control. Given these strict requirements, there is a real need for us to partner up with Weld Australia.”

“Weld Australia has assisted us with certification to AS/NZS ISO 3834 – without this, we cannot tender for high quality jobs. In addition, whenever we have technical queries about welding, we trust Weld Australia’s expert team to provide the correct answers. The team is very helpful and encouraging.”

“The welding industry is not very big in Australia, compared to other countries. Weld Australia is helping to train apprentices in welding and helping TAFEs to encourage apprentices to join the welding industry. This is vital for the future, and growth, of our industry. In addition, Weld Australia provides in-depth courses for qualified welders, such as International

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Welding Engineers, inspectors and supervisors. Some of our personnel have completed these courses and found them highly beneficial.”

Carl Spruce (Director, Outsource Institute) “Outsource Institute became a member of Weld Australia for a number of reasons: industry currency, to remain up-to-date with the welding industry; professional development, specifically for our engineering trainers and assessors who teach welding related qualifications; access to augmented reality welding equipment; and networking opportunities.”

“Weld Australia has been very supportive, offering us presentation opportunities and the ability to offer ISO 9606 training to our clients, as well as other special classes to our client and student base. They have also facilitated introductions to promote new business relationships for us.”

“We’ve accessed a range of resources and services. Our engineering trainers and assessors have undertaken many webinars.

We’ve also been able to on-share key information with our client network to ensure they too remain up to date with industry changes, for example AS 1796 and ISO 9606. Weld Australia has intimate knowledge of ISO 9606 and the use of augmented reality systems to train welders in

the new welder qualification code. Weld Australia is a centralised point of contact for all things related to welding. We live in an information age, and often this can be overwhelming. Weld Australia has provided the industry with a go to location for trusted, current information pertaining to welding, which is wonderful.”

“It has led to many mutually beneficial opportunities for both of our organisations and our respective networks.

It has ultimately contributed to enhancing organisations and individuals within the Australian welding industry, enabling them to remain locally and globally competitive, both now and into the future.”

Sean Lavin (Learning and Development Advisor, Eastern Region, Monadelphous) “Monadelphous recently collaborated with the Weld Australia team to bring their IWI-B program to Papua New Guinea. A groundbreaking initiative, being the first time that this program has ever been delivered in PNG.” “Joe, Guy and the broader Weld Australia team have been a pleasure to work with, offering exceptional support and flexibility to meet the logistical and cultural nuances that come with organising a training initiative outside of Australia, without compromising on quality or the integrity of their IWI-B offering.”

“Thank you to Weld Australia for your dedication to helping upskill our PNG citizen employees to acquire essential skills and expand their knowledge, in line with international best practices.”

Tim Wilson (Chief Executive Officer, ATNZ) “Working with Weld Australia has been really good—it’s been a really positive experience. All of Weld Australia’s team members have been really responsive and great to work with. We’re looking forward to an ongoing strategic relationship with Weld Australia, and working together on other programs and initiatives.”

WELD AUSTRALIA MEMBERSHIP TYPES • • • • • •

Individual Membership: Open to apprentices, tradesmen, inspectors, supervisors, technologists, engineers, academics and others with an interest in welding.

Corporate Membership: Best suited to micro, small and medium businesses. Corporate members have access to a range of exclusive and valuable resources, opportunities and events.

Premium Corporate Membership: Ideal for larger businesses, and businesses of any size wanting to take advantage of the premium offering to increase their exposure and visibility in the marketplace.

Technology Networks Membership: Technology Networks share resources for engineering innovative solutions to enhance safety, manage risk, reduce cost, and optimise operating efficiency. Technology Network members are primes and Tier One contractors, major asset owners and state authorities.

Free Student and Apprentice Membership: As part of our commitment to nurturing the next generation of skilled welders in Australia, Weld Australia is offers free membership to students and apprentices.

Free TAFE Membership: Weld Australia is proud to support, and encourage development of, Australian TAFEs and their teachers, which is why we are pleased to offer free membership to both.

JOIN NOW

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WELD AUSTRALIA’S VALUE PROPOSITION

DELIVERING VALUE TO MEMBERS

STAY CONNECTED

CONTACT 76

Australian Welding

weldaustralia.com.au | office@weldaustralia.com.au | 1800 189 900