Weld Connect - June 2026

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Weld Connect | June 2026

IN THIS ISSUE

WELD AUSTRALIA CONTACTS

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A Message from our CEO 03 Breaking News 07 50% Off Training in Queensland 08 Membership Renewals Now Due 10 Welcome to Our Newest Members 10 Member Directory 11 Free Access to MEM Training Resources for Members 12 How to Use Your Corporate Member Credit Voucher 14 2026 Welding Excellence Awards 16 INDUSTRY NEWS Century Engineering Wins Work on US Navy Aircraft Carriers JC Butko Marks 50 Years in Business Kemppi Art of Welding Competition 2026 Equipping Students with Essential Skills for Rural Australia Member Profile: Elliotts Australia

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EVENTS Upcoming Events Western Australia Industry Drinks Night Victoria Industry Drinks Night Australian Manufacturing Week Factory of the Future Event Pipeline Repair, Hot Tapping and In-Service Welding Course Trade Skills and Drills with BMA Tradies for Day at Spinifex College Tasmania Industry Drinks Night

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ENGINEERING One Glove Doesn’t Fit All: What Every Welding Business Can Learn from a Recent PPE Assessment

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COMPANY CERTIFICATION Successful Certification Audits Around the Country

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INDIVIDUAL QUALIFICATION & CERTIFICATION Congratulations to all the Newly Qualified Individuals Weld Australia’s Exam Calendar

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TRAINING Upcoming Training Courses Building Capability in Central Queensland In-House Training

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NATIONAL OFFICE PO Box 197, Macquarie Park BC NSW 1670 1800 189 900 office@weldaustralia.com.au weldaustralia.com.au Geoff Crittenden Chief Executive Officer 1800 189 900 office@weldaustralia.com.au STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS Ben Mitchell, Director, Strategic Partnerships 0467 419 657 office@weldaustralia.com.au TRAINING Guy Brooks, General Manager, Training Operations 0488 743 322 training@weldaustralia.com.au MARKETING & EVENTS Michelle Tagliapietra, Executive General Manager, Sales & Marketing 0437 106 726 marketing@weldaustralia.com.au events@weldaustralia.com.au MEMBERSHIP David Choudry, Membership Manager 0417 878 104 membership@weldaustralia.com.au QUALIFICATION & CERTIFICATION Luke Nicholls, General Manager, Qualification & Certification 0487 487 985 qnc@weldaustralia.com.au ENGINEERING Simon Doe, Director, Engineering 0490 384 406 engineering@weldaustralia.com.au NEW SOUTH WALES Ashkan Abdibastami, Welding Engineer 0456 850 315 a.abdibastami@weldaustralia.com.au VICTORIA, TASMANIA, SOUTH AUSTRALIA & WESTERN AUSTRALIA Victor Blain, General Manager, Engineering – VIC, TAS, SA & WA 0409 823 991 v.blain@weldaustralia.com.au QUEENSLAND & NORTHERN TERRITORY Ross O’Bryan, General Manager, Engineering – QLD, ACT, NSW, NT 0491 491 888 r.obryan@weldaustralia.com.au

AUSTRALIA HAS STANDARDS. WHAT WE NEED IS ENFORCEMENT.

technical breaches. They are products moving at speeds and power levels far beyond what most people understand when they hear the word ‘bicycle’.

When the ABC recently reported on the rise of highpowered, non-compliant e-bikes on Australian roads, the story should have made every regulator in the country sit up and take notice. Because the issue is not really e-bikes.

The result is predictable: enforcement becomes almost impossible, police are left to clean up the mess, hospitals see a 400% increase in e-bike related injuries, and the public pays the price.

According to the ABC, Australia has seen a surge in high-powered products that can be imported and sold, but are illegal to use on public roads. The ABC also found online sellers agreeing to place fake compliance stickers on high-powered e-bikes to make them appear road legal. These are not harmless

The Dangerous Habit of Assumed Compliance But e-bikes are just the latest example of a much bigger national failure. Australia has developed a dangerous habit of assuming compliance rather than verifying it.

The same risk exists across many consumer products.

Lithium-ion batteries are now embedded in everyday

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Weld Connect | June 2026

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Yet the ACCC also notes there is no mandatory safety standard for lithium-ion batteries or products containing them. Think about that. A product category that is rapidly expanding, increasingly linked to serious fire risks, and used in homes across the country does not have a mandatory safety standard.

Recent recalls of imported water heaters and heat pumps also reveal systemic failures. Independent lab testing has confirmed dangerously low carbon content in the steel used in some imported models – up to 90% lower than equivalent Australian-made units.

When installed, these products have imploded, leaked flammable gases, or failed outright. Every household in Australia has a water heater. These are pressure vessels. If they fail, the consequences can be explosive.

Australia has a proud local manufacturer of water heaters in Dux, a regional manufacturer with over 100 years of history and a proven track record. But despite this capability, imported heat pumps with substandard components are being installed in Australian homes under generous government rebate schemes—without

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any minimum performance standards. The risks associated with this are not hypothetical. We’ve already seen heat pumps implode during operation, with fragments scattered across residential areas. This is not just a consumer issue—it is a public safety issue.

Imported Fabricated Steel These same failures are not limited to consumer products. They exist in the world Weld Australia knows best: welding, fabrication, construction and infrastructure.

Imported fabricated steel has been entering Australian projects for years without consistent, independent verification that it complies with Australian Standards. In some cases, the consequences have been obvious.

At GMHBA Stadium in Geelong, defects delayed the redevelopment of the new northern grandstand, with reports pointing to welding quality problems in imported steel from Qatar.

On Melbourne’s Tullamarine Freeway, a five-by-four metre road sign fell and crushed a car. The final report found weaknesses in quality control in the design and construction process.

At WIN Stadium in Wollongong, a $30 million grandstand used Chinese and Victorian steel, with virtually no BlueScope steel, despite Port Kembla being just two kilometres away.

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life: phones, laptops, power tools, e-bikes, scooters, energy storage systems and more. The ACCC has warned that lithium-ion batteries can be highly flammable and may catch fire, explode or vent toxic gas if incorrectly manufactured, handled, stored or disposed of. It also reported a 92% increase in lithium-ion battery incidents involving swelling, overheating and fires in 2022 compared to 2020.

These examples are not identical, but they point to the same structural problem: too often, Australia rewards the lowest upfront price and assumes compliance will take care of itself. It does not.

Imported structural steelwork may be fabricated to unknown standards, fabricated poorly because of inadequate quality assurance systems, or involve improper substitution of materials and welding consumables. It has also warned that failure to implement proper quality assurance systems may result in catastrophic structural collapse, causing serious or fatal injuries.

That should be the end of the debate.

Fabricated steel is not a discretionary product. It is not a fashion item. It is not a gadget. It sits inside bridges, schools, hospitals, stadiums, gantries, pressure vessels, renewable energy assets, defence facilities and public infrastructure. If it fails, people can die. And yet, in too many cases, our system still relies on declarations rather than verification.

This is like having laws without a police force. A speed limit is useless if nobody enforces it. A building code is useless if nobody checks the building. A welding standard is useless if nobody verifies the weld.

Australia has some of the best standards in the world.

That is not the problem. The problem is that standards without enforcement are aspirations. Weld Australia has been saying this for years. Compliance is not red tape.

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The idea is simple. If fabricated steel is to be used in Australia, it should be independently verified before it is erected, installed or incorporated into a project.

If it complies, it should be welcome. If it does not comply, it should not proceed.

That is not protectionism.

That is common sense.”

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Compliance is public safety. Compliance is productivity.

Compliance is fair competition.

When compliant Australian businesses invest in qualified personnel, welding procedures, inspection regimes, certification systems and quality assurance, they carry real costs. When imported or non-compliant products bypass equivalent scrutiny, those compliant businesses are undercut. The market rewards the lowest price, not the safest or best product. That is not a free market.

That is regulatory failure.

It also creates false economies. A cheap product that must later be repaired, replaced, recalled or investigated is not cheap. A project delayed by defective fabricated steel is not productive. A battery installation that must be rectified is not efficient. An e-bike that injures a child is not an innovation success story. The cost of verification is tiny compared with the cost of failure.

The Australian Fabrication Authority That is why Weld Australia is working with industry partners to establish the Australian Fabrication Authority: an independent, not-for-profit body designed to verify compliance with Australian Standards for fabricated steel, whether made locally or overseas.

The idea is simple. If fabricated steel is to be used in Australia, it should be independently verified before it is erected, installed or incorporated into a project. If it complies, it should be welcome. If it does not comply, it should not proceed. That is not protectionism. That is common sense.

The same principle should apply more broadly to highrisk products. E-bikes, batteries, pressure equipment, water heaters, fabricated steel, renewable energy components and construction products should not rely on self-declaration alone. Where public safety is at stake, independent verification must be part of the system.

Australia does not need more slogans about cutting red tape. We need a mature national conversation about the difference between unnecessary bureaucracy and essential compliance. Red tape slows down good operators. Compliance stops bad products from hurting people. There is a world of difference.

Australia already has the standards. Now we need the courage to enforce them.

Geoff Crit enden

CEO, Weld Australia

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RECENT MEDIA COVERAGE

4BC Radio Live On-Air Interview with Gary Hardgrave on Wednesday 3 June at 4.30pm Lifting productivity through practical reform published by Manufacturers Monthly A snapshot of Australia’s manufacturing industry, published by Manufacturers Monthly Manufacturing compliance concerns raised as Weld Australia warns of broader “tick-andflick” culture following e-bike safety issues, published by Australian Manufacturing

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The e-bike issue has given us a warning. The battery inspection results have reinforced it. The fabricated steel examples have already shown what happens when we ignore it. Now governments have a choice. They can continue to rely on declarations, voluntary pathways and after-the-fact enforcement. Or they can build a system that verifies compliance before products reach our roads, homes, buildings and infrastructure.

Enrolments Now Closed

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Weld Connect | June 2026

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Dates TBC

WANT TO DISCOVER HOW WELD AUSTRALIA CAN SUPPORT YOU THROUGH MEMBERSHIP?

WELD AUSTRALIA WOULD LIKE TO WELCOME ALL OUR NEW MEMBERS WHO HAVE JOINED RECENTLY.

Questions? Queries? Wondering how Weld Australia can help support your business, staff or career progression?

CORPORATE MEMBERS

Contact our Membership team to set up a 20 minute Zoom chat. We will take you through the ways that Weld Australia can add value to your professional career or your business.

Touch base with Steve Rogers on s.rogers@weldaustralia.com.au (for Western Australia, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania) and Allan Aurelius on a.aurelius@ weldaustralia.com.au (if you’re in Queensland or New South Wales).

A reminder that your Weld Australia membership should have been renewed before 31 March in order to remain active. So, if you haven’t already renewed yours for this year, it is now overdue.

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If you’re not sure if you have renewed for this year, or you want to renew now, log into the Member Portal or contact us on membership@weldaustralia.com.au

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Hitec Welding: hitechwelding.com.au Jim Livingstone Fabrications: jimlivingstonefabrications.com.au Studweld International: studweldinginternational.com.au INDUSTRY SUPPLIER MEMBERS SFE Group France: sfe-brands.com

CORPORATE MEMBERS

SILVER ASC Blue Tongue Skills HRL Technology Group Main Roads Western Australia Micron Manufacturing Outsource Institute (Aust) Process & Pipeline Services SRG Global Asset Care Uneek Bending BRONZE 3Way Solutions ACT Steelworks A.F. Gason Allweld Manufacturing Ancon Building Products Apave Australia APS Industrial Services ARL Laboratory Services ArcStructural BAE Systems Maritime Australia Baker & Provan Barker Hume Homes Bisalloy Steels Bossong Engineering Callidus Welding Solutions Camco Engineering Catten Industries CCR Group Century Engineering Consep Core Inspection Services Coslee Australia

Crisp Bros Haywards Cullen Steel Fabrications D&L Engineering DGH Engineering Direct Force Diverse Welding Services Dux Hot Water DVR Engineering Edcon Steel EMH Industries Empire Industrial Engineering Engineering Industries Australia Epiroc FIELD Engineers Fifteen54 Fluid Engineering Foxheat Fredericks Fabrication Fremantle Steel Group Frontline Manufacturing Furphy Engineering Global Manufacturing Group GM Poles Griffin Marine Services GVP Fabricators Halliday Engineering Hanlon Industries Haulmark Trailers (Australia) Hilton Manufacturing Hitec Welding HVAC Australia IKAD Engineering Incat Tasmania Ingal EPS iQ Solutions Queensland iScope4Repair Jake’s Steel & Welding Jayben Group JB Specialised Engineering JGF Engineering WA KAW Engineering KOTZUR KS Metal Fabrications LAI Switchboards Laser 3D

INDUSTRY SUPPLIER MEMBERS GOLD BlueScope Steel BOC Coregas Elliotts Australia Kemppi SFE Group SPW Welding Industries of Australia (WIA) SILVER Air Liquide Apex Welding Solutions (AWS) Diverseco Lorch BRONZE Gentronics and Onegas

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Nederman Weldclass W.E.S.S. SUPPLIER Alphaweld Supply Group Applied Ultrasonics International Bulgin Group CIGWELD Colbotic Automation Industrial Laser Solutions Lincoln Electric OLP Robotics Robotic Automation Group Smenco Ulbrec Products Welding Guns of Australia (Unimig)

Lead College Lighthouse Engineering Linkforce Procurement Lucky Strike Welding Macfab Engineering Marand Precision Engineering MC Quality Control Midway Metals Monadelphous Group MRT Fabrication Munster Services Group NEACH NEPEAN Engineering & Innovations OPIE Group Precision Metal Group Precision Oxycut Prince Engineering Queensland Transport & Main Roads QSM Fabrication Ralsto Steel Services RCR Mining Technologies Red Earth NDT RJB Industries Rockpress Roddy Engineering RUD Australia Santos ServiceStream Maintenance Shadbolt Group Steel Mains Structural Integrity Engineering Studweld International SWA Water Australia TEi Services Telwater TMH Welding & Fabrication TTM Engineering UGL United Pacific Engineering Veolia Ventia Victoria State Emergency Service Victorian Testing & Inspection Services Water Corporation Williams Metal Fabrications WPF Duratec

KEEN TO WORK WITH A WELD AUSTRALIA MEMBER? If you’re seeking a trusted supplier, contractor or specialist, we can help connect you with the right organisation for your needs.

To request an introduction to one of our members, contact us via membership@weldaustralia.com.au

Our team is happy to assist.

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GOLD AML3D APA Delta Electricity (Vales Point) Energy Australia Loy Yang B Power Station Millmerran Operating Company NRG Gladstone Operating Service Stanwell Corporation Limited TRIGONOMICS

FREE ACCESS TO MEM TRAINING RESOURCES FOR WELD AUSTRALIA MEMBERS Weld Australia Corporate and Industry Supplier Members have access to a valuable suite of online training resources—at no additional cost as part of their membership.

Designed and created by Weld Australia, these resources support the delivery of 12 welding and fabrication units of competency in the Manufacturing and Engineering (MEM) Training Package. They can be used to help onboard new starters, support apprentices and trainees, refresh existing workers’ knowledge, and build practical skills across welding and fabrication teams.

Whether your organisation is looking to strengthen internal training, support supervisors and mentors, or provide employees with flexible learning opportunities, these resources offer a practical way to invest in workforce development.

The resources help simplify the learning process for students, teachers and training institutes; and place the student at the centre of the learning process.

Online, Accessible & Engaging The 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. In our units, you can expect: • Theory Presentations • Practical Demonstrations • Written Resources, including student and safety notes complete with hot tips, QR codes to access videos, and review questions • Online Review Quizzes, which are fuelled by a bank of multiple choice, short answer and interactive questions.

A Purpose Built Platform The online platform that houses all the MEM resources is called Weldpool. Weldpool is Weld Australia’s purpose-designed Moodle platform that integrates easily with your own Moodle, or a blackboard website.

The purpose of Weldpool is to provide a simple user interface where students can find the resources they need as quickly as possible.

Weldpool helps ensure that the MEM resources are as flexible as possible. Students can use Weldpool to watch demonstrations before they get to class, or instructors can use the demonstrations as teaching aids during classes.

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FURTHER INFORMATION Keen to learn more? Or fancy a FREE login to trial the MEM resources yourself?

Contact Nigel Jervis (Digital Education Manager, Weld Australia) on 0493 027 436 or n.jervis@weldaustralia.com.au

WATCH THE VIDEO TO LEARN MORE ABOUT MEM RESOURCES

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MEM RESOURCES AVAILABLE UNITS Perform Routine Gas Metal Arc Welding

MEM05050

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Perform Routine Manual Metal Arc Welding

MEM05012

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Perform Routine Gas Tungsten Arc Welding

MEM05049

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Perform Routine Flux Core Arc Welding

MEM05056

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Weld Using Gas Metal Arc Welding Process

MEM05091

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Weld Using Manual Metal Arc Welding Process

MEM05090

40

Weld Using Gas Tungsten Arc Welding Process

MEM05092

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Weld Using Flux Core Arc Welding Process

MEM05096

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Perform Advanced Gas Metal Arc Welding

MEM05073

40

Perform Advanced Manual Metal Arc Welding

MEM05072

40

Perform Advanced Flux Core Arc Welding

MEM05084

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Perform Advanced Gas Tungsten Arc Welding

MEM05074

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Apply Safe Welding Practices

MEM05052

40

Work Safely & Effectively In Manufacturing & Engineering

MEM13015

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Undertake Manual Handling

MEM11011

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Organise And Communicate Information

MEM16006

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Use Hand Tools

MEM18001

20

Use Power Tools/Handheld Operations

MEM18002

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Perform Computations*

MEM12024

30

Perform Engineering Measurements*

MEM12023

50

Interpret Technical Drawing*

MEM09002

40

Carry Out Mechanical Cutting*

MEM05005

20

Perform Manual Heating And Thermal Cutting*

MEM05007

20

Plan Work Activities*

MEM14006

40

*available from late 2026

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NOMINAL HOURS

DON’T LEAVE YOUR MEMBERSHIP VALUE ON THE TABLE: HOW TO USE YOUR CORPORATE CREDIT VOUCHER One of the most valuable inclusions in Weld Australia’s new Corporate Membership packages is the annual credit voucher available to Gold, Silver and Bronze Corporate Members.

These vouchers are designed to deliver immediate, practical value to your business. They can be used towards Weld Australia’s engineering services and training programs, helping you strengthen capability, reduce risk, improve compliance, and upskill your workforce.

The annual credit voucher values are: • Gold Corporate Members: $3,000 • Silver Corporate Members: $2,000 • Bronze Corporate Members: $750 The credit is flexible and simple to use. It is valid for one year and expires at the end of the calendar year (31 December 2026). So, members are encouraged to plan early and make the most of their voucher during their membership period.

What Can the Voucher Be Used For? Your voucher can be applied to Weld Australia’s expert engineering and advisory services, giving your business access to some of Australia’s most experienced welding engineers and materials specialists.

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These services can support everything from compliance and quality assurance through to complex technical problem solving. Weld Australia’s engineering

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team works across sectors including manufacturing, construction, defence, infrastructure, mining, power generation, rail and rolling stock.

Examples of engineering support include: • Welding procedure development and review • Welding inspection and supervision • Weld failure investigation • Review of fabrication specifications • Design and qualification of welded connections • Supply chain assessment and development • Weld maps and quality documentation • Technical reviews and compliance advice • Maintenance optimisation and risk mitigation For many businesses, even a small amount of targeted engineering support can prevent costly rework, reduce production delays, or help ensure a project is delivered to the required standard the first time.

Your voucher can also be used towards Weld Australia’s training programs. These include welding inspection courses, supervision and coordination courses, welder certification theory, welding appreciation courses, and tailored in-house training for teams.

Weld Australia delivers training across face-to-face, online and blended formats, with internationally recognised qualifications available through its role as an International Institute of Welding Authorised National Body and Authorised Training Body.

How to Make the Most of Your Voucher The best way to use your voucher is to identify one practical business challenge you want to solve this year.

That might be a compliance issue, a recurring weld defect, a gap in your welding procedures, a need to upskill supervisors, or preparation for a major tender or certification process. Once you have identified the priority, Weld Australia can help direct the credit towards the right service.

For example, a Bronze Member may use their $750 voucher to offset the cost of targeted technical advice, procedure review, or training for a key staff member. A Silver Member may choose to apply their $2,000 voucher towards a broader engineering review, inspection support, or multiple training places. A Gold Member may use their $3,000 voucher to support in-house training, more detailed engineering assistance, or strategic compliance support across a project or team.

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Why It Matters The voucher is not just a discount. It is a practical tool to help your business improve quality, productivity and capability. Used well, it can help you: • Reduce rework and avoid costly mistakes • Strengthen compliance with Australian and international standards • Build technical knowledge across your workforce • Improve project delivery and quality outcomes • Support certification readiness • Increase confidence with clients, asset owners and project partners Weld Australia’s Corporate Membership packages are designed to provide measurable value. Your credit voucher is one of the clearest examples of that value in action.

To get the best return, don’t wait until the end of your membership year. Consider your upcoming projects, workforce needs, compliance requirements and technical challenges now, and speak with Weld Australia about how your voucher can support your business. * Please note: Credit vouchers cannot be applied to Examinations.

To apply your voucher to training contact training@weldaustralia.com.au.

To apply your voucher to engineering contact engineering@weldaustralia.com.au.

Not a Weld Australia member? Join today.

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Training options include: • IIW International Welding Inspector – Basic and Standard • IIW International Welding Engineer, Technologist and Specialist • Welding Supervisor – AS 1796 Certificate 10 and 11 • Welding Supervisor – AS 2214 • AS 1796 Certificates 1–9 Theory • Welding Fundamentals • Tailored in-house training • Technical seminars

ENTRIES ARE NOW OPEN FOR THE 2026 WELDING EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Weld Australia’s Excellence Awards are the most prestigious event on the welding industry calendar. The Awards embody and promote the highest standards of craftsmanship, quality and professionalism. Entries must be submitted via the specific online form for each category by midnight on 4 September 2026. These forms can be found on the Weld Australia website. Before starting your entry, it is download the Award Criteria: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Company of the Year – Fabrication Company of the Year – Supplier Pipe Fabricator of the Year Indigenous Company of the Year Indigenous Contribution to Welding Award Health & Safety in Welding Esther Porter Women in Welding Award Project of the Year Welding Professional of the Year Apprentice of the Year (under 25 years of age) Apprentice of the Year (over 25 years of age) Trades Person of the Year (over 25 years of age) Young Indigenous Trades Person of the Year VET in Schools Student of the Year Training and Education Award – Organisation Training and Education Award – Individual Teacher Ken Trevena Award – South Australia Only Mick Cudmore Award – Western Australia Only

ENTER THE AWARDS NOW

ATTEND THE AWARDS We welcome everyone to the awards so bring you partner, family and your colleagues and celebrate a night of industry. Many of last year’s events sold out, so be sure to register early to avoid disappointment.

Ticket sales will open later in the year, but be sure to save the date for now: • Queensland and Northern Territory: Thursday 1 October • South Australia: Thursday 15 October • Victoria and Tasmania: Thursday 29 October • Western Australia: Thursday 12 November • New South Wales and ACT: Thursday 26 November All tickets include a two course meal and drinks throughout the evening.

WITH THANKS TO OUR AWARDS SPONSORS

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Adelaide company Century Engineering has become the latest Australian business to secure export contracts into the United States naval nuclear supply chain, placing Australian industry inside the AUKUS industrial base for the first time.

According to Century Engineering Managing Director David Heaslip, “This is a rewarding acknowledgement of our evolution from simple component manufacturer to supplying advanced manufacturing capability to US naval nuclear platforms.”

The development comes as South Australia’s growing defence industry hits a new milestone, generating a record $2.015 billion in economic activity, and leading all states in both defence economic activity and employment on a per capita basis.

The contracts entered into by Century Engineering with HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding venture in Virginia will see the Adelaide company producing precisionengineered cranks for use in US aircraft carriers, which are among the world’s most complex and highly regulated defence platforms. Production of the components will begin within weeks.

Century employs more than 190 skilled personnel at its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Edinburgh North, where the company have earned a solid reputation as a trusted manufacturer of critical equipment and components.

Century’s success follows its qualification to US naval nuclear standards through the Australian Submarine Supplier Qualification (AUSSQ) Program, delivered

by H&B Defence on behalf of HII and the Australian Submarine Agency.

This achievement demonstrates that Australian industry can meet the highest global standards for quality, safety and assurance, and validates AUSSQ as a critical enabler of sovereign capability development. It also reinforces Australia’s ability to contribute meaningfully to trilateral defence industrial capacity.

Century entered the AUKUS ecosystem through a pilot initiative jointly funded by HII and the South Australian Government, with targeted state grants accelerating its progression to nuclear standards. This milestone highlights the impact of coordinated investment in industrial capability, workforce skills and quality systems to unlock global defence opportunities.

Premier of South Australia Peter Malinauskas makes the announcement at Century Engineering

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INDUSTRY NEWS

ADELAIDE’S CENTURY ENGINEERING WINS WORK ON US NAVY AIRCRAFT CARRIERS

JC BUTKO ENGINEERING MARKS 50 YEARS AND STRENGTHENS COMMITMENT TO QUALITY, SAFETY AND SUSTAINABILITY Weld Australia congratulates JC Butko Engineering. For five decades, this family-run business has stood for quality, continuous improvement, and a deep commitment to customers, employees, and the wider industry.

Based in Wodonga on the New South Wales - Victorian border, with an additional workshop in Albury, NSW, the business has grown from humble beginnings into one of the region’s leading general engineering firms. Founded in 1976 by John and Carolyn Butko, JC Butko Engineering has built a strong reputation for delivering complex engineering, fabrication, and installation projects across a diverse range of sectors.

Today, the company offers a comprehensive suite of services, including tanks and pressure vessels, pressure pipework, general fabrication, site installation and works, project management, design, conveyors and material handling, and infrastructure works. Its capabilities span mild steel, aluminium, stainless steel, super duplex stainless steel, low temperature carbon steel, high pressure applications, Bisalloy and Alloy 800H, demonstrating the breadth and technical depth of the business. The company’s structural expertise includes pedestrian bridges

and bridge components, lookout towers, and platforms; projects that showcase its precision and reliability.

The company’s manufacturing capabilities include advanced laser cutting and water jet cutting, enabling precise, efficient processing of materials from thin gauge through to heavy plate. Its workshops include extensive fabrication and machining capability, from intricate machine parts through to large structures, tanks, silos, and major project components.

The JC Butko Engineering team includes boilermakers, welders, pipe fitters, pressure welders, fitter‑machinists, sheet metal workers, apprentices, engineers, estimators, project managers, supervisors, drafting personnel, and quality and safety specialists.

INDUSTRY NEWS

This depth of expertise has enabled the business to support customers across food and beverage, mining, infrastructure, water, manufacturing, processing, materials handling, transport, and government structural projects.

Its project experience includes large‑scale structural, mechanical, piping, fabrication, installation, and commissioning works for major clients across Australia.

JC Butko Engineering holds ISO 9001 and ISO 45001 safety and quality accreditations, as well as AS/NZS ISO 3834.2. The company has successfully achieved its CC3 AS/NZS 5131 accreditation and has recently begun working towards ISO 14001 (environmental management).

Reaching 50 years in business is a significant achievement for any Australian manufacturer or engineering company. For JC Butko Engineering, it is also a testament to the strength of its people, the loyalty of its customers, and the vision of its founders. From small workshops in Wodonga and Albury to a major regional engineering business with a national project footprint, JC Butko Engineering’s story is one of hard work, resilience, and long‑term investment in capability.

For further information, visit: butko.com.au

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CALL FOR ENTRIES

KEMPPI ART OF WELDING COMPETITION 2026 Welcome to the Kemppi Art of Welding Competition 2026. The competition is open to anybody involved with the “art of welding” including welders, apprentices, welding teachers, researchers, students, hobbyists and artists working with metals.

This year’s competition will again include a dedicated Amateur Prize for the best amateur entry. If an amateur wins 1st, 2nd or 3rd prize in the competition, then the Amateur Prize will go to the next best amateur entry.

To enter all you need to do is send us a photo of a piece of “Welding Art” which you have created. What is welding art? It could be a welded sculpture, a pattern design, a motif, an object - which must have been created by welding. The welding can be done manually or using more advanced techniques such as robotics, lasers, or friction welding.

How to Enter

1. Take a digital photo of your “welding art” 2. Go to: KemppiArtOfWeldingCompetiton2026 and complete the electronic Kemppi Art of Welding Competition 2026 Entry Form, attach your digital photo and forward both to Kemppi Australia.

The competiton opens from Monday 4th May and will close at 1600hrs AEST on Wednesday 30th September 2026. Any queries: email skettos@skettos.com.au

Judging

The competition will be judged by a panel of 4 members of the Kemppi organisation. The successful entrants will be notified by Wednesday 14th of October 2026 and their names published on Kemppi Australia’s social media channels. Only the successful entrants and any ‘honourable mention’s’ will be notified. Any entries found to be the work of people other than the entrant will be voided.

Prizes

The winning entrant will receive a Kemppi Minarc M 223A welding package, a Beta e90A welding helmet, a Kemppi welding jacket and premium gloves.

The runner up will receive a Kemppi Minarc EVO 180 welding package, a Beta e90A welding helmet, a Kemppi welding jacket and premium gloves.

3rd place will receive a Kemppi Minarc EVO 140 welding package, a Kemppi welding jacket and premium gloves.

The dedicated Amateur Prize is a Beta e90A welding helmet, a Kemppi t-shirt and premium gloves.

Terms & Conditions

To enter this competition you must be over the age of 18, and reside in Australia or New Zealand. Only one entry and one piece of artwork is permitted per person. No prize can be exchanged into cash in whole or in part. The judges decision is final and will not be open to discussion. The organiser of the competition reserves the right to exclude individuals who have broken the rules or who can be suspected of using unfair methods to participate. Personal data provided in connection with the competition shall be handled in accordance with the currently applicable Privacy Act. Kemppi Australia Pty Ltd is not responsible for any possible problems associated with data connections (e.g. outages) while participating in the competition or for any resulting lost submissions. Kemppi Australia is not liable for damages or expenses resulting from participating in the competition or from redeeming and using the prize. Kemppi Australia is not obligated to pay compensation if the winners cannot use the prizes themselves.

www.kemppi.com

EQUIPPING STUDENTS WITH ESSENTIAL SKILLS FOR RURAL AUSTRALIA They may be hundreds of kilometres from the regional properties they call home, but at TAFE Queensland’s Ashmore campus, a group of boarding school students are developing practical skills to take back to their families and the land they work on.

Students from The Southport School (TSS) are halfway through an Introduction to Welding (NONAC03024), a bespoke course now in its fourth year run by TAFE Queensland, to equip students with foundational welding skills commonly used in agricultural and farming environments.

“We’re proud to be working with The Southport School to develop a course that equips students studying here on the Gold Coast with practical skills that directly meet the needs of the rural communities they come from,” said TAFE Queensland’s General Manager of the Gold Coast region, Robert Petherbridge.

“Over the eight weeks, students develop a strong foundation in practical trade skills, from workplace safety and workshop procedures through to hands-on experience in stick, MIG and TIG welding, which they can take straight home and put into practice.”

Year 11 student, Walter Webster lives on a 14,000-acre cattle property an hour west of Goondiwindi. He enrolled in the course to be able to help his family.

INDUSTRY NEWS

“My parents and I both thought it would be a great idea to help out on the farm. A couple of our workers are

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always busy, and it’d be really handy for me to have the experience to go and do some more jobs,” said Water.

“Just last holidays we were welding together some gates just because some of the fences were getting quite old.”

“A fair bit of welding for me these holidays!”

Year 12 student, Will Box also hails from a large cattle property, with 2000 head of steer. “We’re pretty busy on the holidays. It’s always good to go back and get some work done - help out Dad,” said Will.

When he finishes school, Will’s hoping to take his new welding skills into employment. “I’m hoping to go up north, just work on a cattle station. These skills will definitely help me get up there, definitely looks good on the resume,” he said.

Twelve students are taking part in the evening course, with all of them hailing from regional Australia.

“Supporting regional and remote communities is part of TAFE Queensland’s DNA. Programs like this give students the opportunity to learn valuable practical skills here on the Gold Coast and take that knowledge back to their local communities and properties,” said Petherbridge.

TAFE Queensland partners with 60 schools across the Gold Coast, with approximately 1,800 students undertaking courses and gaining practical skills in areas ranging from hospitality and beauty to maritime studies.

With the ability to tailor bespoke programs for employers and schools alike, anyone interested is encouraged to visit tafeqld.edu.au for more information.

MEMBER PROFILE: ELLIOTTS AUSTRALIA For more than five decades, Elliotts Australia has played an important role in helping protect workers across welding, fabrication, manufacturing, electrical, emergency services and other high-risk industries.

Based in Queensland, Elliotts manufactures and supplies specialist personal protective clothing and equipment designed for demanding industrial environments. Its comprehensive range includes welding gloves and apparel, safety gloves, flameresistant workwear, arc flash and switching clothing, furnace clothing, firefighting PPE, chemical splash protection, wet weather gear, welding screens, blankets and drapes, and more.

For Weld Australia members, Elliotts is particularly well known for its welding protection range. From welding gloves and jackets through to sleeves, aprons, hoods, spats, blankets and screens, the company’s products are designed to support safety, comfort and performance in the workshop and on site.

Elliotts’ focus is not just on supplying PPE, but on ensuring that workers have access to protection suited to the task at hand. The company invests in product development, materials technology and independent testing to help ensure its products meet relevant Australian and international standards wherever possible.

This commitment to standards and performance is

especially important in welding, where workers can be exposed to heat, spatter, sparks, ultraviolet radiation and other hazards. By offering a broad range of welding PPE options, Elliotts helps businesses select protection that aligns with the risks of different applications, from light fabrication through to heavy-duty welding and boilermaking.

The company’s history dates back to 1966, when it expanded into the manufacture of industrial work gloves for Queensland customers. Since then, Elliotts has grown from a local manufacturer into a trusted national supplier, supported by a distributor network of more than 1,000 across Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia and the Pacific Rim.

As a Weld Australia member, Elliotts brings valuable expertise in specialist PPE, welding protection and industrial safety. Its ongoing investment in product quality, standards compliance and practical worker protection makes it a strong contributor to Australia’s welding and fabrication community.

For further informaiton, visit: elliotts.net

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Throughout this growth, Elliotts has maintained a strong focus on what it describes as “care without compromise”: doing the right thing for customers, partners and industry, while continuing to develop products that help protect workers in tough environments.

UPCOMING EVENTS WELDING FUME MITIGATION AND CONTROL IN ORANGE, NEW SOUTH WALES Join Weld Australia for our Welding Fume Mitigation & Control event — a practical, hands-on demonstration focused on protecting welders from hazardous fumes generated during fabrication and manufacturing.

The session will showcase equipment and systems designed to reduce exposure and improve workplace safety, including: • On-gun fume extraction systems • Hooded capture extraction units • Welding helmets with Powered Air Purifying Respirators

REGISTER NOW >

WESTERN AUSTRALIA INDUSTRY DRINKS

MACKAY INDUSTRY NETWORKING NIGHT

You’re invited to attend Weld Australia’s Western Australia Industry Drinks — an evening of networking, conversation, and connection. If you’re a Weld Australia member, you can register now—for FREE! These events sold out last year, and places are already filling fast.

Join industry peers for an engaging evening focused on building connections, sharing experiences, and discussing the technical challenges and opportunities shaping our industry. This event is open to both members and non-members of Weld Australia. Light finger food and refreshments provided.

Whether you are looking to reconnect with familiar faces, meet new contacts, or keep up with the latest developments, this event is a great opportunity to build relationships and enjoy good conversation with others across the manufacturing and welding community.

EVENTS

EVENT DETAILS: • Date: Thursday 25 June 2026 • Time: 6:00pm to 9:00pm • Venue: TAFE NSW Orange • Address: 109 March Street, Orange NSW 2800 • Cost: Free for all to attend

Keen to sponsor this event? Email: events@weldaustralia.com.au

Key topics for the evening: • An introduction to the Supervisor Training Program being delivered in Mackay this October in partnership with Manufacturing Skills Queensland (MSQ).

• Discover the latest updates to the Weld Australia membership offering and the valuable benefits and opportunities available to members.

EVENT DETAILS: • Date: Thursday 25 June 2026 • Time: 6:00pm to 8:30pm • Venue: Pirate Life Perth – Deadbeat Space • Address: 440 Murray St, Perth • Cost: Free for all to attend

EVENT DETAILS: • Date: Monday 20 July 2026 • Time: 4:30pm to 6:30pm • Location: Red Dog Riverfront • Address: 10D River St, Mackay • Cost: Free for all to attend

REGISTER NOW > 22

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REGISTER NOW >

Weld Connect | June 2026

EVENTS

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VICTORIA INDUSTRY DRINKS NIGHT A fantastic evening of connection, conversation and industry collaboration at Weld Australia’s Victoria Industry Drinks in Melbourne.

Held on Thursday 7 May 2026, the event brought together welding professionals from across Victoria to network with peers, share insights, and strengthen relationships within Australia’s welding and manufacturing community.

It was great to hear from Elliotts’ Barrie Collis and Jason Curmi, alongside Ben Mitchell from Weld Australia, as they discussed the future of the welding industry, evolving safety standards, and the importance of innovation in high-risk environments.

The relaxed atmosphere provided the perfect setting for attendees to reconnect with colleagues, meet new industry contacts, discuss emerging opportunities, and exchange ideas on the challenges and innovations shaping our sector.

Events like these play an important role in fostering collaboration and supporting the continued growth of Australia’s welding industry.

Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to making the evening such a success.

A special thank you to our event sponsor, Elliotts, for their generous support and commitment to bringing the industry together. All attendees went in the draw to win an Elliotts Legend range prize pack.

The winners were: • First prize: Wayne Monk (GasRep Services) • Second prize: Alex Showers (AFS Projects) • Third prize: Latinka Cubitt (Catten Industries)

EVENTS

Elliotts is passionate about taking great care in everything they do, making sure you have the best protection. This shouldn’t come as a surprise, after all, for more than 55 years Elliotts has been in the business of manufacturing and supplying specialised personal protective clothing and equipment.

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L to R: Jason Curmi (Elliotts), Latinka Cubitt (Catten Industries), Ben Mitchell (Weld Australia), Wayne Monk (GasRep Services), Alex Showers (AFS Projects), Barrie Collis (Elliotts).

AUSTRALIAN MANUFACTURING WEEK Australian Manufacturing Week 2026 marked an important milestone for the industry, with the event making its highly anticipated debut in Queensland. Held from 12–14 May at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, the move north was met with strong enthusiasm from across the sector and delivered an energetic, highly engaged exhibition floor from day one.

The numbers tell a compelling story. A total of 6,862 unique visitors attended AMW 2026, generating 8,145 visits across the three days.

This gap between visitors and visits highlights a key trend, a significant proportion of attendees returned for multiple days to continue conversations, revisit exhibits and deepen their engagement with suppliers and technologies.

It is a clear indicator of the event’s value and relevance to decision-makers and practitioners alike.

L to R: Cornelis Van Niekerk, Steve Rogers and Alan Aurelius.

That engagement was evident across the show floor. With 232 exhibitors spread across a 15,000 sqm footprint, AMW 2026 delivered a consistently busy and active environment, supported by six dedicated product zones Weld Australia’s stand at Australian Manufacturing Week proved incredibly popular, with a steady stream of visitors stopping by throughout the three day event.

One of the highlights was the Soldamatic augmented reality welding simulator, which was a particular hit with tour groups of school children. Many were keen to try their hand at virtual welding and experience first-hand how technology is helping shape the future of skills development in the welding industry.

Our stand was popular with the tour groups of school children.

Visitors also showed strong interest in Weld Australia’s welding defects display, which sparked plenty of great conversations about quality, inspection and best practice. Our Welding Defects Handbook was in high demand too, with copies flying off the shelves.

L to R: Ben Mitchell and Guy Brooks.

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EVENTS

A big thank you to everyone who stopped by the stand to say hello, ask questions, try the simulator, or learn more about Weld Australia’s work supporting the future of welding and fabrication in Australia.

FACTORY OF THE FUTURE EVENT SHOWCASES INNOVATION IN ADVANCED MANUFACTURING Weld Australia was pleased to attend the Western Sydney University Factory of the Future Innovation and Advanced Manufacturing event at the Bankstown Campus in May 2026.

Held at Western Sydney University’s Factory of the Future, the event brought together company owners, managers, engineers, fabricators, welders and educators for an insightful evening focused on the latest advances in manufacturing technology and their application across Australia’s welding industry.

Attendees gained first-hand insights into welding automation, robotics, digital twinning, metrology and sensing, additive manufacturing, simulation and visualisation tools, and the future of engineering and welding. The evening highlighted the important role these technologies can play in improving productivity, reducing production costs, strengthening sovereign capability, and helping Australian businesses compete in global markets.

The Factory of the Future provided an ideal setting for the event. As an innovation hub designed to foster collaboration between Western Sydney University and local industry, the facility gives SMEs, startups and larger organisations access to advanced manufacturing technologies, tailored innovation services and concept-to-production demonstration capabilities.

Guests also had the opportunity to interact with and examine robots, industrial 3D printers and other advanced technologies, seeing first-hand how they are being used in modern manufacturing environments.

EVENTS

Weld Australia extends its thanks to Cornelis Van Niekerk (Advanced Manufacturing Manager, Weld Australia) for sharing his expertise on the application of welding cobots. We also thank presenters from Infinite Robotics, Lincoln Electric, Investment NSW and Western Sydney University’s Factory of the Future for their valuable contributions.

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PIPELINE REPAIR, HOT TAPPING & IN-SERVICE WELDING COURSE DELIVERS EXPERT INSIGHTS Weld Australia recently hosted its two-day Pipeline Repair, Hot Tapping & In-Service Welding course in Melbourne, bringing together pipeline engineers, designers, operators and service professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of pipeline modification, repair and in-service welding practices.

Facilitated by internationally recognised pipeline welding expert William (Bill) A. Bruce, Senior Principal Consultant, Welding Technology at DNV, the course provided attendees with an in-depth exploration of the technical, safety and integrity considerations associated with welding on in-service pipelines.

Drawing on more than 40 years of industry experience, Bill shared practical insights into pipeline repair techniques, hot tapping applications, defect assessment, welding processes, code requirements and lessons learned from past pipeline repair incidents.

Participants gained a comprehensive understanding of the factors that influence successful in-service welding and how these can be managed to minimise risk while maintaining pipeline integrity.

operations while undertaking repairs, in-service welding techniques can deliver significant economic and environmental benefits.

The program covered a broad range of topics, including burn-through prevention, hydrogen cracking concerns, full encirclement repair sleeves, hot tap branch connections, weld deposition repairs, nonwelded repair methods, and the selection of appropriate repair strategies for different applications. Attendees also examined code and regulatory requirements, practical welding considerations and alternative welding processes used in pipeline repair.

The interactive format encouraged discussion and knowledge sharing, providing participants with valuable opportunities to learn from both the presenter and their industry peers.

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EVENTS

A key focus of the course was helping participants understand how effective repair and modification strategies can avoid costly shutdowns and service interruptions. By enabling operators to maintain pipeline

TRADE SKILLS AND DRILLS WITH BMA

TRADIES FOR A DAY AT SPINIFEX COLLEGE

Year 10 students at Moranbah and Dysart State High Schools in Queensland have enjoyed intensive trade workshops thanks to BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) and the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA). The Tradies for a Day workshop was designed to give the students an insight into the role of a tradesperson on a mine site and give them a chance to develop their skills under the coaching of experienced BMA tradies.

The recent Tradies for a Day workshop hosted

by Spinifex State College in Queensland was a great success, with 17 students and three industry representatives, focusing on career awareness in the resources sector.

EVENTS

Weld Australia provided the use of a welding simulator as one of the student activities. This cutting-edge machine is a great educational experience for the students and has become a very valued and very popular activity. Congratulations to Oden Ferguson who was the best welder of the day with an impressive top score of 96%.

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Glencore MIM Industry Representatives were on hand to mentor the students through the practical activities and it was evident from the feedback the students learnt a lot from them. In fact, feedback showed 100% of students found the industry representatives engaging and helpful, believed the event increased their awareness of resource sector careers, and saw the connection between school learning and real-world work.

Jen Hoyle, Acting Director – QMEA, said the trade workshops provided a great connection point between local students and industry representatives. “Hearing career stories from people working in the resources industry can have a big impact on the students,” said Hoyle.

Teachers reported the event enhanced their teaching skills and awareness of student pathways in the sector, while industry representatives recommended continued company support.

Participants tried hands-on activities like auto electrics, mechanics and welding, the importance of teamwork, and valued direct interaction with industry professionals as engaging and educational.

Moranbah State High School principal, Anna Osborn, said the Year 10 students were keen to get fresh career insights. “Experiences like this give the students greater clarity about the work opportunities available to them in the Bowen Basin,” said Osborn.

Weld Australia provided an augmented welding simulator for use in the student activities.

Congratulations must go to Jasmyne Graham who was the best welder on the day with an impressive two scores of 92% and 96%.

Dysart State High School

Spinifex State College

Moranbah State High School

Spinifex State College

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EVENTS

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ONE GLOVE DOESN’T FIT ALL

WHAT EVERY WELDING BUSINESS CAN LEARN FROM A RECENT PPE ASSESSMENT

By Joseph Genrich, Senior Welding Technologist, Weld Australia

When it comes to welding PPE, many businesses focus on compliance, durability and cost. But one recent Weld Australia assessment highlighted an important lesson: the safest glove isn’t always the best glove for every welding task.

Following a series of minor wrist burn incidents, a member company engaged Weld Australia to conduct an on-site review of their welding gloves and PPE practices. What emerged was a valuable reminder for the entire industry: selecting welding gloves should be based on the specific task being performed—not a one-size-fits-all approach.

THE CHALLENGE Like many fabrication businesses, the member company performs a wide variety of welding activities. These range from tack welding and short weld runs in confined spaces through to extended GMAW welds at higher amperages and voltages.

Historically, welders used standard rigger gloves.

While comfortable and familiar, the gloves offered limited wrist protection, leaving sections of the inner wrist exposed to radiant heat and weld spatter. This contributed to a number of minor burn injuries.

WHY GLOVE SELECTION MATTERS Welding gloves are required to protect workers from multiple burn hazards, including: • Radiant heat from the welding arc • Molten metal spatter • Heat transfer through workpieces and glove materials • Contact with hot surfaces However, the level of exposure to these hazards changes dramatically depending on the task being performed. A welder completing a short fillet weld in a confined location faces very different challenges to a welder performing long production welds on large structural components.

This means glove selection should balance three critical factors: 1. Thermal protection 2. Dexterity and control 3. Durability Focusing on only one of these factors can create unintended safety or productivity issues.

ENGINEERING ENGINEERING

In response, the company moved to MIG and TIG gloves for all welding activities. While this reduced burn risks, it created a new challenge.

MIG gloves provided excellent thermal protection but reduced dexterity and restricted visibility in tight access areas. TIG gloves offered the flexibility welders preferred, but they wore out quickly and were not designed for the heat input and spatter associated with the site’s GMAW welding operations.

The result? Neither glove was ideal for every task.

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Basic riggers gloves

TIG gloves

Common welding gloves

MIG gloves

THE HIDDEN COST OF OVER-PROTECTING One of the most interesting findings from the assessment was that providing the highest level of protection isn’t always the most practical solution.

Where rigger gloves are used, welding sleeves that overlap the glove cuff can significantly reduce this risk.

It’s a low-cost solution that can prevent a surprising number of minor injuries.

In several restricted-access welding locations, welders reported that bulky MIG gloves reduced their ability to see the weld pool and manipulate the torch accurately. This made welding more difficult and increased operator frustration.

Involve Your Welders Perhaps the most important lesson from this project is that glove selection should never happen solely from a catalogue.

While the gloves provided superior protection, they were not necessarily the best option for every application.

Welders understand the realities of the work better than anyone. Their feedback on comfort, fit, dexterity, durability and usability is critical to selecting PPE that will actually be worn correctly and consistently.

Similarly, TIG gloves delivered the dexterity welders wanted, but their reduced durability meant more frequent replacement and higher long-term costs when used outside their intended application.

Weld Australia recommends trialling multiple glove options, monitoring performance across different tasks, and incorporating welder feedback before standardising PPE requirements.

The key takeaway is simple: PPE must support both safety and task performance.

KEY TAKEAWAY FOR MEMBERS If your business currently issues a single glove type for all welding activities, it may be worth asking whether that approach is delivering the best safety and productivity outcomes.

A TASK-BASED APPROACH TO GLOVE SELECTION Following the site assessment, Weld Australia recommended a task-specific glove selection strategy rather than a single glove type for all activities.

Tack Welding and Light Fabrication Where heat exposure is limited, compliant rigger gloves may remain suitable, provided additional wrist protection such as welding sleeves is used to eliminate exposed skin.

The most effective PPE programs are built around risk-based task assessments, not blanket rules.

By matching glove selection to the welding activity, ensuring adequate wrist protection, and involving welders in the decision-making process, businesses can reduce injuries, improve comfort, and achieve better long-term value from their PPE investment.

Short Weld Runs in Restricted Access Areas TIG gloves or compliant lightweight welding gloves can provide the dexterity required to safely complete difficult welds while maintaining adequate protection.

Extended Welding at Higher Heat Inputs Long weld runs conducted at higher amperages and voltages require heavier-duty MIG gloves capable of protecting against increased radiant heat and spatter exposure.

DON’T FORGET THE WRIST One of the simplest yet most effective recommendations from the assessment involved wrist protection.

Many welding burns occur not on the hands, but on exposed skin between the glove cuff and clothing.

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EN 388 & EN 407 compliant riggers gloves

Welding Sleeve

Examples of recommended gloves and sleeves

NEED ENGINEERING SUPPORT? With diverse expertise in industries like defence, manufacturing, construction, rolling stock, infrastructure, power generation and mining, Weld Australia has the unique capability and experience to solve your welding problems. Our engineering services can help substantially increase the operational life of your plant and equipment, and reduce your maintenance and repair overheads.

Simply email: engineering@weldaustralia.com.au

ENGINEERING

General Production Welding For routine welding in open-access locations, MIG gloves provide a better balance of thermal protection and durability.

SUCCESSFUL CERTIFICATION AUDITS AROUND THE COUNTRY Weld Australia’s team of experts carried out several successful audits over the last month. Achieving certification is a mark of excellence, demonstrating that companies not only meet the highest technical and safety requirements, but also deliver consistent, compliant, and reliable outcomes for clients.

COMPANY CERTIFICATION

Century Engineering - Surveillance audits for AS/NZS ISO 3834.2 and AS/NZS 5131 (upgraded from CC2 to CC3) Century Engineering has been delivering complex and technical engineering solutions for over 75 years. With its 32,000m2 manufacturing ecosystem and highly skilled team, it is the engineering and equipment partner of choice to many of Australia’s leading organisations in the mining, power, defence, and water industries. Century employs over 150 skilled personnel at its state-of-theart manufacturing facility in Edinburgh North, in South Australia, where they have earned a solid reputation as a trusted manufacturer of critical equipment and components.

Lto R: Gokhan Sacli and Jake Adie (Weld Australia), with the Fredericks Fabrications team members David Cameron, Benjamin Haustorfer, and Charles Ly.

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Lto R: Gokhan Sacli (Weld Australia), with the Century Engineering team Thomas Wong, Iman Farshadi, Andrew Solomon, David Heaslip, Nathan McElroy, Cooper Medlyn and Abhilash Antony.

EDMS Australia - Certification audit for AS/NZS ISO 3834.2 and AS/NZS 5131 CC3 Established in 2005, EDMS Australia is an Australianowned business specialising in professional engineering, fabrication, construction and industrial lagging and cladding. With proven success, they deliver projects

Fredericks Fabrications - Surveillance audit for AS/NZS ISO 3834.2 Fredericks Fabrications is a family owned steel construction business that started operation in 1997.

Fredericks Fabrications specialises in large scale projects and bespoke fabrication work, whether it be in the workshop or on site. Their team has carpenters, crane drivers, riggers, dogmen, trade assistants and labourers available to ensure a complete one stop solution to your next project. Their employees are some of the most experienced tradesman in their field, with Fredericks facilitating continuous improvement training to ensure all of their trades and services are cutting edge, and leverage the latest technology and equipment.

Griffin Marine Services WA - Surveillance audit for AS/NZS ISO 3834.2; Certification audit for EN 15085 Griffin Marine delivers expert support to over a hundred clients across Australia and the Pacific. Their trusted partnerships include prime defence contractors such as Austal, Babcock, BAE, Navantia, Norsta, and Thales.

They also provide extensive commercial marine services to leading operators including Bhagwan Marine, Birdon Marine, MSC, Sea Swift, Ventia, and Svitzer, both in port and through riding gangs. As a proud member of the Griffin Industrial Group, they offer clients the strength of

Gokhan Sacli (Weld Australia) with the Lee Group team

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a broader network, shared expertise, and integrated industrial capabilities. This affiliation enhances their ability to deliver scalable, reliable, and high-quality marine services with unmatched responsiveness.

Lee Group - Certification audit for AS/NZS ISO 3834.2 and AS/NZS 5131 CC3 Lee Group is a proud family-owned business founded in 1948. Initially operating as a small local domestic timber fencing yard in Melbourne, the company now delivers adaptable solutions to commercial and infrastructure projects such as sound walls along freeways, solutions for diverse rail projects, high security and within correctional facilities. With a team of professional and qualified experts, the company is now a leader in Victoria’s construction sector, catering to diverse project needs. Operating from their main site in Preston, they manufacture bespoke solutions in compliance with Australian Standards. Their staff are dedicated to their in-house reduce, re-use, and recycle program, minimising wastage and contributing to environmental sustainability.

MFE Chinchilla and Toowoomba Facilities Certification audit for AS/NZS ISO 3834.2 MFE is more than a fabrication, maintenance and project management provider, they’re a trusted partner. They pride themselves on putting people first, delivering practical solutions, and building lasting relationships. From urgent breakdowns to complex projects and large-scale works, their team is ready.

With three Surat Basin locations, they provide 24/7 support, so help is always close when it matters most.

Being local means MFE is invested in their community, supporting jobs, families and regional growth. For MFE, success is about delivering real value for their clients and the region they call home.

COMPANY CERTIFICATION

to the defence, sugar, renewable energy, mining, resources and industrial sectors. Their facilities are in Cairns and Townsville, and are equipped with sophisticated technologies, including 3D Terrestrial scanning, additive manufacturing, laser cutting and laser welding, extending our capabilities Australia wide and internationally. EDMS Australia has four divisions, Engineering, Fabrication, Construction and Industrial Lagging and Cladding.

NEWLY QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS Weld Australia would like to congratulate everyone who qualified in May.

INDIVIDUAL QUALIFICTION & CERTIFICATION

IIW INTERNATIONAL WELDING INSPECTOR STANDARD (IWI-S) • Aaron Hicks • Amir Mehdi Torkaman • Brent Stark • Darren Ritchie • Elliot Tebb • Francois Kotze • Lolito B. Orongan JR. • Luke Beveridge • Michael Cale • Michael Knowles • Neil Clarkson • Ravin Wijeyaratna IIW INTERNATIONAL WELDING INSPECTOR BASIC (IWI-B) • Aidan Fitzpatrick • Angus Dunning • Chris Bassett • Daniel Stansfield • Eddie Reyes Garcia • Ian Thorne • Inderjeet Singh • Isabella VeritayRichards • Jimwell Laguardia • Kim Tran • Michael McFarlane • Mitchell Harding • Nick Argent • Rodney Dickinson • Ryan Newell • Thomas Casson • Thomas McBride • Thomas Skinner AS 2214 • Abdullah Chami • Brayden Douglas

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• • • • • • • • • • • • •

Charles Jones Credence D’Sylva Dylan Hayhoe Houman Saghafi Isaac Belton Jamie Hunter Jason Bennett Jason Ferris Joel Baldwin Mark William Green Michael Moylan Sam Freebody Todd Huntly

AS 1796 CERTIFICATE 5 • Anthony Hanna AS 1796 CERTIFICATE 7 • Joseph Lothian • Riley Hammond • Thomas Rochow AS 1796 CERTIFICATE 10 • Anold Musiyiwa • Craig Hausler • Daniel Gillespie • Jason Bugg • Joel Davis • Junaid Adil Khan • Lachlan Hall • Lionel Hagua • Michael Topsfield • Trevor Holley • Uzzal Adhikary AS 1796 CERTIFICATE 11 • Christos Chassapoglou • Elliot Tebb • Michael Knowles • Neil Clarkson

WELD AUSTRALIA’S EXAM CALENDAR Do you need to book an exam through WeldQ? We’ve made the process even easier, with our new exam calendar, which can be accessed via the WeldQ homepage.

The calendar includes all exam dates for 2026, making planning ahead as simple as possible.

Upcoming exam dates include: • • • • • • • • • •

Friday 12 June: IWE / IWT - EA2.1 and TA2.1 Exam Friday 19 June: PE-B and WIE-B Wednesday 24 June: Re-sit Online Exams Wednesday 1 July: WTE-B and WTE-S Online Exam Friday 10 July: IWS SA2 Exam Wednesday 22 July: National Welding Supervisor Exam - Paper A Wednesday 29 July: Re-sit Online Exams Wednesday 5 August: WTE-B/WTE-S Online Exam Wednesday 26 August: Re-sit Online Exams Wednesday 2 September: WTE-B/WTE-S Online Exam

FURTHER INFORMATION For further information about exams and qualifications, simply email our team via: qnc@weldaustralia.com.au

WELDING SUPERVISOR IN BRISBANE

ISO 9606 WELDER QUALIFICATION IN BRISBANE

Starts 29 June 2026 This program helps welding personnel enhance their occupational knowledge through structured theoretical training. It enables them to obtain formal qualifications for welds they routinely perform, or to upskill and gain qualifications in additional weld types and positions. It covers equipment, safety, procedures and more.

Starts 20 July 2026 Welding Supervisors understand the sector’s complex theoretical knowledge, and how it applies in practice. By pursuing a career in this area, you will open yourself up to many new professional qualities including skills like leadership, teamwork, communication, responsibility and problem solving.

Starts 24 August 2026 This program is designed to build the technical knowledge of welding personnel through structured, theorybased learning. It provides a pathway for individuals to gain formal recognition for the welds they already perform, while also offering the opportunity to expand their skills across different weld types and positions.

ENROL NOW

ENROL NOW

ENROL NOW

WELDING SUPERVISOR IN TOWNSVILLE

IIW IWI-B FACE-TO-FACE IN TASMANIA

ISO 9606 WELDER QUALIFICATION IN TOWNSVILLE

Starts 31 August 2026 Welding Supervisors understand the sector’s complex theoretical knowledge, and how it applies in practice. By pursuing a career in this area, you will open yourself up to many new professional qualities including skills like leadership, teamwork, communication, responsibility and problem solving.

Starts 14 September 2026 As a Welding Inspector, you will play an important part in ensuring that welded components comply with the appropriate International or Australian Standards, codes and client specifications. You may also be responsible for ensuring that documentation, procedures and welder qualifications are in place.

Starts 28 September 2026 This program is designed to build the technical knowledge of welding personnel through structured, theorybased learning. It provides a pathway for individuals to gain formal recognition for the welds they already perform, while also offering the opportunity to expand their skills across different weld types and positions.

ENROL NOW

ENROL NOW

ENROL NOW

Need help? Contact our Training team via training@weldaustralia.com.au

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TRAINING

ISO 9606 WELDER QUALIFICATION IN CAIRNS

BUILDING CAPABILITY IN CENTRAL QUEENSLAND: AS 2214 TRAINING IN GLADSTONE Joe Sandor (Principal Welding Technology Trainer) and Kobus Beets (Welding Technology Trainer) recently delivered AS 1796 Certificate 10 and AS 2214 Welding Supervisor training in Gladstone, providing local welding professionals with an opportunity to strengthen their skills, enhance their career prospects, and gain a nationally recognised qualification.

Welding Supervisors play a critical role in ensuring quality, productivity and compliance across fabrication and manufacturing operations. They are responsible for understanding the factors that influence welding quality, effectively supervising welding personnel, and helping organisations achieve safe and efficient outcomes.

The AS 1796 Certificate 10 qualification is widely recognised across industry. It meets the requirements for Welding Supervisors under AS 1210 for pressure vessels and satisfies the supervision requirements specified in AS/NZS 1554.1 for the welding of structural steel.

During the course, participants develop a strong foundation in welding theory and technology, including welding safety, welding processes, equipment, inspection and testing, metallurgy, and production practices. The program also provides practical guidance on the application of key Australian Standards used throughout the pressure equipment and structural steel sectors.

For welders and fabrication professionals looking to advance their careers, the qualification offers a valuable pathway into supervisory and leadership roles. It demonstrates a commitment to professional development while providing the technical knowledge required to oversee high-quality welding operations.

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With demand for qualified welding supervisors continuing to grow across Australia’s manufacturing, construction, resources and energy sectors, qualifications such as AS 1796 Certificate 10 and AS 2214 remain an important investment in both individual careers and industry capability.

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Weld Connect | June 2026

Weld Connect | June 2026

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Weld Connect | June 2026