December 3rd 2024.
Australia is facing a pressing issue that could potentially hinder the completion of important infrastructure and defence projects. According to industry body Weld Australia, there is a looming shortage of 70,000 welders, which could have a significant impact on the building of AUKUS nuclear-powered submarines, South Australia's Torrens to Darlington road project, and shipbuilding programs.
One of the main reasons for this shortage is the fact that larger companies are snatching up qualified welders, leaving smaller businesses struggling to find skilled workers. This has led to a dearth of welders in the industry, causing concern for the completion of these crucial projects.
The current apprenticeship model in the industry is essential for producing skilled welders, but it can take up to four years to complete. In order to address this crisis, Weld Australia is launching a streamlined training program. This program is specifically designed to rapidly train job-ready, certified welders in just 12 weeks, meeting industry standards and certifying students to perform specific welding tasks in as little as three months.
Weld Australia's chief executive, Geoff Crittenden, believes that this new training program will help fill the skill gaps in businesses. He stated that "rather than competing with traditional apprenticeship programs, our micro-credential approach fills the gaps and enhances the offering. It allows students to start contributing to the workforce quickly, while still keeping the door open for further, long-term training."
One of the key objectives of this program is to encourage underrepresented groups, such as Indigenous people, women, and the long-term unemployed, to join the welding industry. This initiative not only provides job opportunities but also promotes diversity and inclusivity in the workforce.
In other news, the federal government is taking steps to address the housing crisis by adding builders and other tradies to Australia's skilled migration list, according to The Australian Financial Review. This move aims to alleviate the shortage of skilled workers in the construction industry and help with the demand for new housing.
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