Training & Certification News Is it time to return Welding as a stand-alone trade path? By Paul James (Training Manager, Weld Australia) Trade training—as part of Vocational Education and Training (VET)—has undergone dramatic changes in structure over the last 30 years. Changes to the traditional apprenticeship system, coupled with the decision to introduce competency based training in the late 80s, has changed not only the way trades are obtained but the trades that are actually available. As the result of a rationalisation process, the trades of Fitter and Turner, Boilermaker and Welder were placed into new categories under the Australian Qualifications Framework. In essence, the three separate trades ceased to exist. Other trade streams also went through a similar rationalisation. These changes mean that a person wanting to become a welder (as a trade qualification) now needs to complete (at a minimum) a three year Certificate III in Engineering (Fabrication). The Certificate III includes pathways for metal fabrication, forging,
founding, structural steel erection, electroplating, metal spinning, metal polishing, sheet metal work and welding. These courses are structured in such a way that the trainee completes mandatory core competencies. Then, the employer or trainee must choose from a selection of ‘elective’ units of competency. These elective units include welding, as well as other engineering and fabrication competencies. People who earn their Certificate III then go onto employment. Their role may require them to use a variety of skills learned during their Certificate III. However, sometimes people gain employment in a position that is purely focused on welding—a task they will perform for the majority of their career. While their trade training has prepared them, sometimes only a portion of the training is devoted to the welding proficiencies required. When companies need to employ
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July 2018
welders for their business, it’s important that they understand that a Certificate III in Fabrication is not necessarily the same for everyone. Hiring managers should be aware that when hiring welding personnel, only the transcripts from the course itemise the competencies that were completed—the Certificate must be taken at face value only. The transcripts will identify each individual welding process that the person has been deemed competent in, and will also indicate (by omission) the processes in which they are not competent. This is by no means a criticism of people with this trade or the people conducting the training. It is a failing of the vocational education system to understand industry needs and wants, namely a dedicated welding trade. Welding requires extensive knowledge and is a very specialised and technical skill. It is something that used to be a profession, not a list of ‘elective’ competencies.
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