weldaustralia.com.au | office@weldaustralia.com.au | +61 (0)2 8748 0100 | 20 Bridge Street, Pymble NSW
Weld Connect August 2020
Contents 03 05 08 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
A Message from the CEO Membership Matters Online Workshop: AS 3992:2020 Training News Online Workshop: EN 15085 Qualification & Certification News New South Wales News Victoria News South Australia News Queensland News Western Australia News Northern Territory News Tasmania News Advanced Welder Training Courses
Our Office is Closed, but We’re Still Working
Following developments in Australia’s COVID-19 response, we have decided to close our Pymble office until further notice. The safety and wellbeing of our staff and their families along with our members, clients and communities is our first priority. The office is closed, but we will continue to work tirelessly to support the welding industry in Australia. Now more than ever our community spirit is vital, and we encourage you to reach out to one of us if you have any questions or an area where you are needing support, or even if you just need a chat. Our staff are working remotely and will be available through their mobile numbers and email addresses. You can still contact Weld Australia on office@weldaustralia.com.au
Weld Australia Contact Information National Office Building 3, Level 3, Suite 5 Pymble Corporate Centre 20 Bridge Street Pymble, NSW 2073 (PO Box 197 Macquarie Park BC NSW 1670) T: +61 (0)2 8748 0100 E: info@weldaustralia.com.au Chief Executive Officer Geoff Crittenden T: +61 (0)2 8748 0100 E: g.crittenden@weldaustralia.com.au
National Manager Engineering Paolo Corronca T: +61 (0)438 012 099 E: p.corronca@weldaustralia.com.au
Membership Manager Eva Chun T: +61 (0)417 878 104 E: e.chun@weldaustralia.com.au
Training Manager Guy Brooks T: +61 (0)488 743 322 E: g.brooks@weldaustralia.com.au
Editorial Content Sally Wood T: +61 (0)434 442 687 E: sally@wordly.com.au
Marketing & Communications Manager Donna South T: +61 (0)409 609 031 E: d.south@weldaustralia.com.au
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A Message from the CEO Stage Four COVID-19 Restrictions in Melbourne As everyone would be aware, Stage Four COVID-19 Restrictions are now in full effect in Melbourne. This is creating a great deal of uncertainty. You may have already had to stand down staff, or been stood down yourself. All of us are worried about what the future holds. If you need help, advice, or just reassurance, then get in touch with us. If we can't help, then we should be able to put you in touch with someone who can. Equally, if you have something worth sharing, which would help your fellow Weld Australia members, let us know. Participate in our LinkedIn Group, share your ideas, talk to one another about the challenges and issues you're facing, and work with us to help the entire industry. We have included additional information for companies operating in Melbourne on our COVID-19 Hub, which is available via our website. I will be phoning corporate members in Victoria over the next few weeks to catch up and offer our support. 7.30 Report We recently filmed an interview with the ABC's 7.30 Report on welder training, apprenticeships
and the latest version of the Manufacturing and Engineering training package (MEM 2.0). MEM 2.0 differs very little from the previous versions (released in 1998 and 2005). In fact, many of the units and much of the content remains identical to the 1998 version. Not surprisingly then, MEM 2.0 bears no relation to what is actually required by industry. It ignores the huge technological advancements and changes that will continue to occur in Australia’s engineering and manufacturing industries. The course still devotes significant time and energy to oxy-acetylene welding, which is rarely used today. The future of Australian industry in a post-COVID-19 world cannot rely on regurgitating a curriculum that is 20 years old. Be sure to keep an eye out for the upcoming story on the 7.30 Report. Welder Training in Queensland I am pleased to announce that Weld Australia has received a grant from the Queensland Government that will enable us to subsidise welder training. The subsidy will apply to training such as IWT, IWE, IWS, IWI-B, IWI-S, AS 1796 Certificate 10 and AS 2214. This is a great initiative and one for which I am pleased to have the support of the Queensland Government.
Geoff Crittenden (CEO, Weld Australia).
Whilst on the subject of welder training in Queensland, I'd also like to congratulate TAFE Queensland and Rheinmetall who have been shortlisted in the 2020 Queensland Training Awards, for the Premier's Industry Collaboration Award. This Award recognises outstanding collaboration in the provision of exemplary skills development between an employer and a training organisation. With hundreds of entries received for the award, the TAFE Queensland and Rheinmetall collaboration has been shortlisted in final three. Weld Australia wishes TAFE Queensland and Rheinmetall all the best.
Join the Conversation Weld Australia's existing LinkedIn Group is now focused on the challenges facing the industry due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This is an open platform for the welding industry to collaborate and support one another, to discuss particular struggles and the measures being taken within different businesses to continue operations and ensure the health and safety of employees.
Click Here to Join the Weld Australia LinkedIn Group
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A Message from the CEO Weld Australia Webinars We recently facilitated a webinar on Welding Electrical Safety, which was very interesting. David Hisey (Welding Health and Safety Advisor, Canadian Welding Bureau) spoke about the dangers of welding in wet and humid environments. Hisey shared the details from 24 welding fatalities across Australia, New Zealand, Canada, China and the United States. The study discovered that 22 of the 24 deaths occurred under hot and wet conditions, in which the humidity was high. With Summer on its way, I urge all members to be careful welding in humid environments; it simply isn't worth the risk. Our other recent webinar delved into the topic Process Safety: The Start of the Journey. Process safety is utilised to manage the integrity of operating systems, and handle hazardous substances through the application of safer design principles, engineering and operating practices. Its core objective is to prevent and manage incidents with the potential for a loss of control of a hazardous material, which leads to a loss of life, property or environmental damage. Five experts from our Power Generation Industry Group discussed the importance of managing safety in highly technical environments. We have several other webinars and virtual workshops on the horizon. I encourage all members to take a look at these events, and attend where possible. The value and level of technical and practical information presented at all these events is of a very high quality. Our upcoming events include: • AS 3993:2020 – An Update on the Changes & Effects of Harmonisation Workshop on Friday 21 August • EN 15085 Workshop on 9, 10 and 11 September
We also have two other events in the pipeline, so be sure to keep an eye on the Events page of our website for dates and further details. These events include an interactive online workshop on AS/NZS ISO 3834 Quality requirements for fusion welding of metallic materials, and another on ISO 15607 to ISO 15614: Qualification of Welding Procedures. australia.com.au) 73rd IIW Annual Assembly The International Institute of Welding (IIW) recently held the 73rd IIW Annual Assembly. It was the first time that the Annual Assembly has been hosted online. The event proved to be very interesting and provided an opportunity to hear from some of the global welding industry's leading experts. Now is the Time to Work Together While we are all facing challenging times in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, I want to remind members that we're all in this together—that is the whole point of being part of a community like Weld Australia. I encourage you to talk to one another, to ask for help, and to offer help if you think someone needs it. As members of the Weld Australia community, we need to work together to help each other and to make the best of the situation that we possibly can. The more we work together, the better the outcome can be for the industry as a whole. Again, I encourage all members to contact Weld Australia if there is any support or assistance that we can provide. Geoff Crittenden CEO, Weld Australia
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New Weld Australia Members: July Weld Australia would like to welcome the following new members who joined in July 2020. Company Members • ISM Manufacturing • South metropolitan TAFE • KAW Engineering • Mudgee Engineering & Fabrications Individual Members • Aaron Dick • Alan Dyer • Brian Smalley • Seyed Asadollah Najibi • Ricky Whybro • Wade Holz • Thomas Maré • Damien Sandry • Jake Herbert • Alap Harendra Mistry • Ethan Hennessey • Briony Beales • Atula Aery • Mehdi Rasulle • Alex Nardi • Antonius Vidot • Hervé Yimgna Mengouo Student Members • Tristan McCallum • Jack Workman • Caleb McGillivery • Jake Petts • Muhammad Rizwan • Mehran Ashouri • Neil Robison To become a Weld Australia member, all you need to do is: • Visit: https://weldaustralia. com.au • Email: membership@ weldaustralia.com.au
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Membership Matters The Importance of Being Part of a Community (Particularly in Tough Times) By Donna South (National Manager Membership & Marketing, Weld Australia) We tend to think of a community as being people divided into geographical areas or regions. Really though, a community is any group of people who are connected to or relate to one another in some way and, well, communicate. A community might be a sporting team, a neighbourhood, an industry sector, a group of members, or fifteen people with an internet connection and a passion for ferret-racing. In challenging times, filled with uncertainty, fear, hardship or just plain rotten luck, being surrounded by a community of likeminded people can feel a little like being thrown a life preserver. The support of a tight-knit community that understands what you’re going through can be that all-important ‘something’ to hold onto when you feel like you’re struggling to keep your head above water. But, how do you stay active and
engaged in your community while dealing with major life-altering disruptions like those posed by the COVID-19 pandemic? Preventative measures, like social distancing, have been critical to Australia’s relative success in fighting the COVID-19 virus. But social distancing and lack of faceto-face contact can take a toll in other ways, leaving many feeling lonely and isolated. It’s important to remember though: staying connected and remaining an active member of your community does not rely on being able to ‘see’ that community face-to-face. In our digitally connected world, a real sense of community is not incompatible with social distancing. In fact, feeling connected and ingrained in a community is even more important now that we’re physically separated. Here’s just a few reasons that being part of a community is worthwhile. Your Opinion Matters Decision makers everywhere want to hear feedback and suggestions. As an active member of your community, you can play a role in the regular exchange
UPCOMING EVENTS
For up-to-date information on Weld Australia's upcoming events, be sure to keep an eye on the Weld Australia website. It is updated each time a new event is scheduled. Remember: our virtual events are open to all members, no matter where you live. Scheduled Events • AS 3993:2020 – An Update on the Changes & Effects of Harmonisation Workshop on Friday 21 August • Surface Engineering Webinar on Tuesday 25 August (in conjunction with SEAM) • EN 15085 Workshop on 9, 10 and 11 September Coming Soon • Interactive Online Workshop on AS/NZS ISO 3834 (The date will be advised soon. Keep an eye on the Events page of the website for details.) • Interactive Online Workshop on ISO 15607 to ISO 15614: Qualification of Welding Procedures (The first session booked out. The date for the second session will be advised soon. To be included on the waiting list, simply email: p.corronca@ weldaustralia.com.au)
REGISTER NOW Can’t see an event on a topic you think is important? Email your suggestions to: membership@ weldaustralia.com.au
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Membership Matters of information between decision makers and stakeholders, to help influence better outcomes. For instance, if your community is a sporting team, you can have a say in what type of jerseys you wear, or what time the team trains. When you’re a part of a community, you have the opportunity to voice your opinion and influence real change. A Broader Perspective Community members generally share a common interest, hobby, profession, or belief. But, every member of your community has had a different life experience and, therefore, has a different perspective. Hearing perspectives that are different to your own challenges your thinking and helps you to see a broader perspective. Being part of a community exposes you to a range of opinions, ideas, and possibilities. Learn New Things We can all learn new things, whether we’re 15 or 105, new to our field, or a well-respected expert. Learning keeps your mind active and opens you up to exciting new opportunities and lines of thinking. When you talk to people within your community, you often learn new things about a subject that’s close to your heart. That Feel-Good Feeling Being part of a community feels
good! We all love to feel like we’re a part of something—that we have a role to play in something larger than ourselves. Having a laugh and talking about shared interests with like-minded people can help you maintain a positive outlook, particularly in challenging times.
love) for welding.
The Weld Australia Community Weld Australia is one such community, and one which many readers of this blog belong to. As a member, your opinions are sought after and appreciated – we really do value member feedback and refer to it regularly in the planning and development of services, programs and events.
With face-to-face events off the cards for a little while yet, we’ve launched virtual ‘town hall’ sessions around the country. These virtual events are helping ensure that the feeling of community isn’t lost, and have been really well received by members. They make our network easily accessible to members, particularly those in regional and rural areas who can’t get to face-to-face events. They have also given Weld Australia the opportunity to meet members who aren’t normally able to engage in this way. In fact, these virtual events have proved so popular that we’re planning to continue with them, even once we can meet in-person again.
Our membership is broad and diverse – just like the Australian welding industry. I firmly believe that diversity is one of Weld Australia’s key strengths. Our members represent a broad school of thought and life experience, enabling all members (and us!) to learn from one another. Many of our members tell us that the network, or community, aspect of membership is one of the key reasons they joined Weld Australia, or renew every year. Membership provides opportunities to meet people from all walks of life – people you would be unlikely to cross paths with otherwise, but all of whom share interest (and even a
2020 has already been a year like no other. Many Weld Australia members have faced challenges that would have been unthinkable just a few short months ago. And, we know it’s not over yet.
Associations are made to support their members during hard times – and this is one of the hardest times many Australian companies have ever faced. Weld Australia is your association – if you need help, or if you think there is something that we should know, or if you think there is some way you can help, please reach out any time. It’s what we’re here for. If you’re not a member but want to learn more about becoming part of the Weld Australia community, you can visit our website.
Further Information For further information about membership packages, or to become a member of Weld Australia today, simply contact:
membership@weldaustralia.com.au
or, you can visit the Weld Australia website.
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Membership Matters SURVEY EXTENDED: Pipeline of Work and Business Confidence The COVID-19 pandemic continues to deliver uncertain economic conditions. Many of you have already had to stand down or lay off staff, are staring down the barrel of a shrinking or dried up pipeline of work, and may be wondering how long your company can withstand the challenges it is facing. Associations are made to support their members during hard times. To ensure we continue to provide practical, useful support, we're asking you spare a few minutes of your time to complete a survey on the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on your pipeline of work and business confidence. We understand this is a
Take the Survey Now
particularly busy time for many of you, so we appreciate you sparing a few minutes for us. If you've already completed the survey, thank you for your time. The survey should only take around 5 minutes to complete, and will be closing on Sunday 15 August. So please be sure to get your responses in before then.
The more responses we receive, the better we understand the challenges facing the Australian welding industry, which in turn informs our programs, initiatives and advocacy activities. As always, Weld Australia is your peak body and we are here to help. If there is something you think we can help you with, please don't hesitate to contact us.Â
Free Surface Engineering Webinar, Tuesday 25 August 2020 at 4pm ARC Training Centre, Surface Engineering for Advanced Materials (SEAM) is hosting a free webinar on Tuesday 25 August on the topic of Surface Engineering. Surface Engineering is a subdiscipline of material science with applications in many industries including mining, oil and gas, steel, agriculture, and automotive. If a material degrades over time, it always starts from the surface as a result of interaction with the environment, causing wear and corrosion. When combined with careful material selection, Surface Engineering can significantly extend the service life of a component, saving resources, time and money.
spraying as coating processes used for wear and corrosion protection in heavy industries. Professor Chris Berndt (Swinburne University) will talk about surface engineering in marine and defence; and additive manufacturing as a multi-layer coating process. Dr Patrick Keil (BASF Coatings GmbH) will present the challenges in coating development for the automotive industry.
Surface Engineering for Advanced Materials (SEAM) is a government funded training centre (ARC ITTC) to train the next generation of engineers. This five-year project aspires to be the model centre that integrates industry-university cooperation for applied training within an industrial setting. Click here for further information or to register for the event.
This free webinar will feature presentations from Dr Thomas Schläfer (LaserBond), an expert in laser cladding and thermal
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Interactive Online Workshop
AS 3992:2020 - An Update on Changes and How Harmonisation Affects Welder, Procedure and Repair Qualifications AS 3992 Pressure equipment - Welding and brazing qualification recently underwent a major update. The 2020 update addresses issues not covered in the 2015 update, and harmonises the Australian standard with international standards (specifically ISO 15614-1 and ASME IX) to reflect the changes in the local pressure equipment industry. This highly interactive online workshop will provide attendees with an update on these changes, highlighting the affect on welder, procedure and repair qualifications. Most pressure equipment is manufactured off-shore to other standards, which impacts their maintenance and repair. The 2020 update of AS 3992 addresses this reality by adopting changes to accommodate the different fabrication routes, particularly with respect to welder and welding procedure qualifications. Weld procedure qualifications have been modified for specific applications, with some testing formalised, and changes were made to clarify welder qualifications. This update also completely revamped Section 8: Procedure qualification for special welds, providing a recommended approach on how to deal with repair welds on service exposed welds. This was inadequately described in the previous editions. Therefore, the 2020 edition of AS 3992 has moved closer to international standards, while addressing the unique challenges that exist in the Australian pressure equipment industry.
Presenter: Louise Petrick
(Senior Welding Engineer, Weld Australia) With over 15 years experience, Louise has extensive experience in the power generation sector, having provided welding and materials support for several power stations throughout her career. Louise holds a Masters of Applied Science in Metallurgy, Welding, Physical Metallurgy, and Corrosion, a Masters of Engineering in Welding, and is an International Welding Engineer (IWE). Louise has extensive experience with Australian Standards, chairing ME-001-15, which is responsible for AS/NZS 3992.
Workshop Details • • • • • •
Date: Friday 21 August 2020 Time: 10.00am in QLD, NSW, ACT, VIC and TAS; 9.30am in SA and NT; and 8.00am in WA The workshop will run for approximately 3 hours. The workshop will be hosted via Zoom, with login details supplied on registration. Note that places are capped to 20 people. Registration Costs: • Weld Australia Members: $150 (inc GST) • Non-Members: $200 (inc GST)
Register Today
This workshop will be limited to 20 participants. So register now, before it’s too late! To register, visit: https://bit.ly/3fg1n8A For further information about the workshop, contact Paolo Corronca (National Manager Engineering, Weld Australia) on 0438 012 099 or p.corronca@weldaustralia.com.au
Supervision, Inspection and Qualification Services
Now Available Remotely In the wake of COVID-19 restrictions, Weld Australia has developed a new procedure to carry out welding inspection and supervision services, as well as qualification of welding procedures and personnel—remotely. The procedure has been developed in accordance with IAF (International Accreditation Forum) guidelines. All services are carried out with the cooperation of a competent person on-site, utilising videoconferencing and video recording for record keeping purposes. If you need help with remote welding inspection, supervision or qualification services—we’re here to help. All you need do is call Paolo Corronca (National Manager Engineering) on 0438 012 099. www.weldaustralia.com.au
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engineering@weldaustralia.com.au
Training News REGISTER NOW: New Intake of Weld Australia's IWS Online Course Weld Australia recently announced the launch of two new online courses: those associated with the International Welding Specialist (IWS) and International Welding Inspector – Basic (IWI-B) qualifications. The first intake of both courses sold out in record time. Another intake of the IWS online course will commence the week beginning Monday 18 August. How the Online Delivery Format Will Work The two new courses include a mixture of pre-recorded material, live online lectures, and a variety of other learning resources. There is also pre- and post-lecture ‘homework’, like quizzes and review questions, all of which will be facilitated via Weld Australia’s Moodle online learning platform. All course entry requirements, content and learning outcomes are exactly the same as those of the face-to-face course format.
The IWS online course includes five modules, each of which runs for five weeks, delivered over a six month period. The course covers: • Welding Processes and Equipment • Materials and their Behaviour During Welding • Construction and Design • Fabrication and Application Engineering
“
The online platform and course content is really interactive and engaging. Cornelis is very knowledgeable, and being in a small group is great. You’re not just a number in a big system—the teacher knows who you are and remembers your name. It’s much more personal.”
Why IWS Qualification? IWS qualification enables suitably experienced foremen, managers, quality supervisors, and lead welders to improve their company’s bottom line. IWS often make valuable contributions to four of the most important metrics in welding operations: quality, cost, productivity and safety.
Thomas Henry (a student who completed the first IWS online course)
Further Information For further information about this courses, or any other training related questions, all you need to do is email: training@ weldaustralia.com.au
Not surprisingly then, this qualification can boost your earning potential and job stability. It is also an advised qualification for Responsible Welding Coordinators as recommended in AS/NZS ISO 3834 and ISO 14731.
Download Your Copy of the Course Guide
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Interactive Online Workshop
EN 15085: Railway applications – Welding of railway vehicles and components This is a must attend event for railway industry personnel. This workshop will deliver insights and practical recommendations on how to implement the requirements of the EN 15085 series of Standards in your workshop, gain certification, and be in a position to partner with companies like Alstom and Bombardier, CAF, Siemens, Hitachi and others playing a role in the various railway projects across the country. EN 15085 was introduced to harmonise the requirements for welding materials during the manufacture and maintenance of railway vehicles, and builds upon the requirements outlined in ISO 3834 Quality requirements for fusion welding of metallic materials. While the international uptake of this certification has grown in recent years, in Australia there are still very few EN 15085 certified manufacturers. Clearly, the potential market share that newly EN 15085 certified Australian manufacturers could capture is huge. The benefits associated with EN 15085 certification are myriad, including: independent confirmation of welding capacity, competence and employee capabilities within a defined scope of activity; and the potential to participate in large, profitable international supply chains, thereby increasing orders and work won. More and more, EN 15085 certification is gaining interest and attention from government departments and railway industry manufacturers as part of the tender assessment process. This workshop is the perfect place to start if you’re considering EN 15085 certification for your business.
Presenter: Victor Blain
(Senior Welding Engineer, Weld Australia)
Victor is a solution oriented engineer with over 10 years’ experience in materials and welding. Prior to joining Weld Australia, Victor worked in manufacturing, at Bombardier Transportation. His main achievements are related to project start-up, welding coordination and suppliers audit and support in multiple countries, including Canada, China, New Zealand, Malaysia and Australia. Victor has in-depth knowledge of the ISO, EN, AS/NZS, CSA and AWS welding standards, and holds a trade qualification in Welding, a degree in Metallurgy, a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering, and is an International Welding Engineer (IWE).
Workshop Details •
• • •
The workshop will include 3 x 3 hour sessions: • Dates: 9, 10 and 11 September 2020 • Time: 10.00am to 1:00pm AEST each day The workshop will be hosted via Zoom, with login details supplied upon registration. Please ensure you have suitable internet access. Note that places are capped to 20 people. Registration Costs: The cost of the workshop will be deducted from the certification costs for companies that apply for EN 15085 certification by the end of 2020. • Weld Australia Members: $440 (inc GST) • Non-Members: $550 (inc GST)
Register Today
This workshop will be limited to 20 participants. So register now, before it’s too late! To register, visit: https://bit.ly/3aeNC92 For further information about the workshop, contact Paolo Corronca (National Manager Engineering, Weld Australia) on 0438 012 099 or p.corronca@weldaustralia.com.au
Qualification & Certification News Changes to IIW Certifications and Qualifications to Help Tackle COVID-19 Conditions Over the last few months, Weld Australia has been working closely with the International Institute of Welding (IIW) on several measures designed to make certification and qualification processes more accessible in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. If, for any reason, you are facing difficulties in completing your certification audit or qualification renewal in the normal way or on time, please contact Weld Australia on: qnc@weldaustralia.com.au In the wake of COVID-19, we understand that not everything is ‘business as usual’. Weld Australia is here to help you, and to work with you. We want to ensure that you retain the certifications and qualifications that you worked so hard to achieve. Remote Auditing for AS/NZS ISO 3834 Certification With a range of travel and social distancing restrictions in place to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, performing site audits for AS/NZS ISO 3834 certification is almost impossible. As such, the IIW has relaxed these site auditing requirements: Weld Australia is able to audit companies remotely. Weld Australia has developed a procedure that exceeds the IIW requirements to ensure that both a rigorous auditing process is maintained, and the integrity of the certification system is upheld. Remote audits will be carried out via desktop activities, and by utilising videoconferencing facilities and video recording for record keeping purposes. Remote Exams for Personal Qualifications The IIW has also relaxed the way
in which exams for personal qualifications are conducted. Weld Australia is now able to fully conduct online examinations, combined with an interview via video conferencing facilities, for several personal qualifications: • International Welding Specialist (IWS) • International Welding Technologist (IWT) • International Welding Engineer (IWE) Weld Australia is still working with the IIW on alternative formats for exams that encompass a practical testing module (such as the International Welding Inspector). Personnel Certification Renewals Extended to Six Months Given the exceptional circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, Weld Australia understands that action is required on personnel certification that have recently expired.
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Weld Australia has implemented a policy to give certified personnel an extension of six months from their certification expiry date in which to submit their renewal applications. Weld Australia certification renewals already have an automatic three months grace period from the date of expiry in which to submit a renewal application. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, personnel whose certification expires between January 2020 and May 2020 are now eligible to apply for an expiry extension of six months from their current expiry due date. The six month extension will not affect the continuous certification expiry date. Further Information For further information about qualification and certification, contact: qnc@weldaustralia.com.au
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New South Wales News Steel Research Hub Wins $28 million Funding Boost The Federal Government recently announced an additional $5 million in new funding for the University of Wollongong-led, ARC Research Hub for Australian Steel Innovation (Steel Research Hub). The Steel Research Hub will be funded for five years (2021-2025) and led by Dr Paul Zulli. Minister for Education, the Hon Dan Tehan, announced the funding as part of the ARC’s Industrial Transformation Research Program, which brings together the best and brightest researchers, scientists and engineers from higher education and industry to drive innovation and improve global competitiveness in key industries. In addition to the ARC funding, the Steel Research Hub’s eight industry partners, BlueScope Steel, Liberty Primary Steel, Infrabuild, ArcelorMittal, Bisalloy, Weld Australia, Australian Steel Institute and Australian Industry Group will contribute another $13.9 million in cash and in-kind support. The University of Wollongong, together with RMIT University,
Australian National University, Swinburne University of Technology, University of Newcastle, Deakin University, University of Sydney, University of New South Wales and Monash University, will contribute a further $9.5 million cash and in-kind. The total funding for the Steel Research Hub is $28.4 million. The overarching goal of the new Hub is to support the transition of Australia’s steel manufacturing industry to a more sustainable, competitive and resilient position, based on the creation of new, higher value-added products and more advanced manufacturing processes. For further information, visit: http://steelresearchhub.uow.edu.au Bisalloy Signs MoU with Australian Defence Contractors Bisalloy has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Axiom Precision Manufacturing and K-TIG to jointly develop a sovereign capability in welding for the Australian Defence Industry. Development of an Australian
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sovereign capability in the welding of specialist defence steels will allow Australian industry to maximise its participation in upcoming Defence procurements, such as the LAND 400 program, that will see the Australian Defence Force’s existing Australian Light Armoured Vehicle and M113 Armoured Personnel Carrier fleets replaced with new vehicles that deliver improved levels of firepower, protection and mobility. Bisalloy Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Greg Albert, said, “Bisalloy have a long history of successfully collaborating with partner companies to develop new and innovative solutions in steels. Our capabilities extend far beyond product supply, it extends to technical and product development assistance. As such, we are committed to offering our customers everything they need for future success.” New South Wales Contact Paolo Corronca National Manager Engineering 0438 012 099 p.corronca@weldaustralia.com.au
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Victoria News Victoria Town Hall Overview Weld Australia recently facilitated the first virtual Town Hall event for Victorian members. The event was well attended, and saw members engaged in lively discussion about the current state of the industry. The meeting was kicked off by Chair of the Victorian Committee, Melissa Odendaal. Melissa expressed how the Town Hall was a great opportunity for members to voice their experiences and concerns, and help Weld Australia continue to support industry. Industry Overview Weld Australia’s CEO, Geoff Crittenden, gave attendees an overview of how different industries have been affected by COVID-19. Work in the mining and defence industries remains strong. Work in the oil and gas industry is more location dependent. For instance, in the Northern Territory, the oil and gas industry is busy, while in other areas of the country, work has slowed down. In the civil construction industry, large road and rail projects that were already underway have continued at pace. However, in industries that are not government-funded, work has slowed considerably, with private companies holding their cash in reserve rather than investing in new projects. Most Weld Australia members have reported that projects underway
when the COVID-19 pandemic broke out have continued, helping them maintain momentum. The real problem is that there is no new work coming down the pipeline. Most members are concerned about what will happen in September when JobKeeper payments cease. Weld Australia Initiatives Geoff touched on several of the programs that Weld Australia has been working on over the last few months, including creating online training courses for the International Welding Specialist (IWS) and International Welding Inspector – Basic (IWI-B) certifications. Online formats of the International Welding Engineer (IWE), International Welding Technologist (IWT) and Welding Inspector AS 1796 Cert 10 are under development. After working closely with the International Institute of Welding (IIW) for a number of weeks, Weld Australia is now able to undertake ISO 3834 surveillance audits remotely, as well as welding inspection and supervision services, and qualification of welding procedures and personnel. Member Discussion Several topics raised by members were then discussed, including the Federal Government’s newly announced JobTrainer skills development program. Geoff expressed concerned about the
Weld Australia Can Help With stage four COVID-19 restrictions introduced in Victoria, Weld Australia knows that this is a tough time for many of its members. So if you need help, advice, or just reassurance, then get in touch with us. If we can't help, then we should be able to put you in touch with someone who can. We also have a range of resources and information available to help with the Stage 4 restrictions available on our COVID-19 Hub. lack of detail around the practical implementation of the JobTrainer program, as well as the fact that the State Governments have to provide dollar-for-dollar funding matching. A more general discussion around the state of welder training in Australia followed. Members touched on the need for an updated welder curriculum in Australia that matches the needs of industry, particularly given how difficult it is to find and recruit welders. David Lake, Weld Australia’s Chair, touched on some of the discussions held during the recent IIW Annual Assembly. Other topics included the current enthusiasm for spending money in Australia and reshoring manufacturing, Weld Australia’s government advocacy work, and the need for tradesmen with wellrounded skills, from welding and boilermaking through to fabrication. Victoria Contact Victor Blain Senior Welding Engineer 0409 823 991 v.blain@weldaustralia.com.au
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South Australia News This month, our news from South Australia includes some exciting developments across industry, from the launch of ASC and Naval Group' inaugural graduate graduate program, through to the commencement of two major projects: the South Eastern Freeway and the new Emergency Services Headquarters. ASC and Naval Group Australia to Train Submarine Engineers of the Future Naval Group and ASC have partnered to launch their inaugural graduate program, aimed at identifying and training the aspiring engineering professionals of tomorrow. Engineering graduates will be provided with the unique chance to gain hands-on experience, training and development on the current Collins Class submarines, before being offered the opportunity to apply their new skills to Australia’s future submarines – the Attack Class, the largest and most complex program in Australia’s history. The graduates will be employed by ASC in Osborne, South Australia, and commence a twoyear program which will leverage the combined resources of ASC and Naval Group Australia, providing graduates access to the brightest and most experienced submarine engineers in Australia. Leveraging ASC’s established and highly regarded graduate program, graduates will receive a tailored rotation plan across several submarine engineering functions and participate in structured learning and development. They will be supervised by highly experienced ASC engineers, and receive
South Australia Contact Victor Blain Senior Welding Engineer 0409 823 991 v.blain@weldaustralia.com.au
regular mentoring and reach back into Naval Group Australia. At the successful completion of the program, the graduates have the opportunity to transition into a permanent engineering role within Naval Group Australia. Works Underway on the South Eastern Freeway Project Major works have officially started on the jointly funded South Eastern Freeway Managed Motorway Measures Project, as part of the State Government’s record $12.9 billion investment in infrastructure. Converting the existing emergency lane into a third full-time travel lane, the project will see an additional lane on the city-bound (Stirling to Crafers) and outbound (Crafers to Stirling) carriageways between Crafers and Stirling to ease bus congestion, reduce travel times and get people home faster and safer. The South Eastern Freeway is the most direct corridor between Adelaide and Melbourne. It provides a vital link in moving freight between eastern and central Australia. Emergency Services Headquarters Construction Commenced Construction has commenced on South Australia’s new $80 million purpose-built emergency services headquarters. Nearly 200 jobs will be created during construction and the use of South Australian materials such as steel and concrete will provide an economic boost for local industries of around $50 million.
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The new headquarters, in the World Park Precinct in Keswick, will enhance the state’s emergency control capabilities and provide a modern, first class facility for emergency services personnel. The new earthquake-resilient building will feature backup power, water and wastewater storage as well as technologyredundancies able to withstand major disasters such as floods and storms.
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Queensland News School Students Try Augmented Reality Welding Simulators at TAFE Queensland School students from Caboolture State High School, Tullawong State High School, St Columban's College, and Horizons College were welcomed to the TAFE Queensland Caboolture campus to try their hand at augmented reality welding. Organised by TAFE Queensland's Manufacturing and Engineering, and Commercial team in collaboration with Weld Australia, the session aimed to engage students in an interactive augmented welding activity whilst informing them about the opportunities that welding careers can offer in the manufacturing industry. Weld Australia Regional Training Coordinator Adam Corey presented at the session along with TAFE Queensland Engineering teacher, Clayton Dunn who provided useful training tips for the students. By the end of the session, many students were achieving highlevel scores, proving the training efficiency augmented reality provides. Local MP for Longman, Terry Young—a strong advocate for creating more training and work opportunities in the region— also joined the group and was impressed with the high levels of enthusiasm and skill the students demonstrated.
Queensland Contact Adam Coorey Welding Engineer 0417 149 435 a.coorey@weldaustralia.com.au
Queensland Town Hall Overview Weld Australia recently facilitated the first virtual Town Hall event for Queensland members. The meeting was kicked off by Chair of the Queensland Committee, Mark Potts. Mark expressed how the Town Hall was a great opportunity for members to voice their experiences and concerns, and help Weld Australia continue to support industry. Mark also spoke about the role of the Committee in acting as a conduit for feedback from local members to Weld Australia. The goals of the Committee over the next 12 months is to create an exciting calendar of events (pending COVID-19 restrictions). Industry Update Weld Australia’s CEO, Geoff Crittenden, then provided an update on the state of play in industry across the nation. According to Geoff, companies in the Northern Territory have been quite busy of late, with oil and gas companies onshoring more of their work. Unfortunately, around the rest of the country, industry is much more inconsistent. Weld Australia Initiatives Geoff then provided an overview of the initiatives that Weld Australia has been working on over the last few months, including creating online training courses for the International Welding
Specialist (IWS) and International Welding Inspector – Basic (IWI-B) certifications. After working closely with the International Institute of Welding (IIW), Weld Australia is now able to undertake ISO 3834 surveillance audits remotely. Geoff touched on two recent major orders of the Soldamatic augmented reality simulators. TAFE Queensland has purchased another 29 simulators, enabling them to open an additional eight Advanced Welder Training Centres. Member Discussion Several topics raised by members were then discussed, including training to AS 1796 Welding Supervisor Certificate 10, and the increased uptake of certification to AS/NZS ISO 3834 Quality requirements for fusion welding of metallic materials and ISO 15085 Railway applications – Welding of railway vehicles and components. Members indicated that there are some concerns about the local procurement practices of some of the international prime contractors that are working on Australia’s major defence projects. There was also some discussion around the need for Australian industry to focus on advanced manufacturing technology and techniques, like robots, co-bots, augmented reality and big data.
School students try augmented reality welding simulators at TAFE Queensland.
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Western Australia News Thousands of Cracks Discovered at Chevron’s Gorgon LNG Plant
Weld Australia Calls on Chevron to Leverage the Skills of the Local Welding Industry to Rectify Imported Components With dangerous cracks discovered in critical components of the US$54 billion Gorgon LNG project off the Pilbara coast, Weld Australia is calling on Chevron to leverage the skills and experience of local Australian welders to rectify the issues. As reported in The West Australia, during a routine shutdown of the train two processing line at Chevron’s Gorgon LNG plant, thousands of cracks—some up to a metre long and 30mm deep—were found in giant heat exchanges and propane kettles. These critical components were originally manufactured offshore in South Korea. With these exchanges and kettles used to store with explosive chemicals, the health and safety risks are enormous. Chevron is now conducting urgent testing of the other heat exchanges and propane kettles, which were manufactured at the same time, by the same South Korean factory. According to Geoff Crittenden (Chief Executive Officer, Weld Australia), “Importing these critical
components from South Korea has clearly been a disaster. As is so often the case, imported fabrication work is of such poor quality that entire components must be completely rebuilt. Together with serious long-term reliability and safety concerns, these quality issues completely negate any possible upfront cost savings.” “In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, with international borders shut to FIFO welders, now is an ideal opportunity to employ Australian welders to rectify the serious issues discovered in train two, and undertake the urgent safety and quality inspections required on trains one and three.” “Multi-national companies like Chevron need to understand that they are part of our community and have a social responsibility to support Australian industry. Australia is home to some of the most experienced welders and fabricators, who routinely produce high quality work, in line with all relevant Australian Standards— there really is no downside to
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supporting local industry,” said Crittenden. “Apart from providing jobs for local Australian fabricators, keeping this type of work in Australia is vital for our economy. According to a recent report by the Industry Capability Network, every $1 million worth of output in the Australian steel industry generates over $700,000 worth of Gross Value Added in industrial support activities and $225,300 in tax revenue. Plus, for every person employed directly by the steel industry, this creates as many as six full-time jobs in related and downstream industries.” “This is the perfect opportunity to bring local welders and fabricators together to collaborate on solving the critical safety issues at Chevron’s nationally strategic asset,” said Crittenden.
Western Australia Contact Mehdi Tajfar, Welding Engineer 0417 044 370 m.tajfar@weldaustralia.com.au
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Northern Territory News Local Jobs Fund Delivering More Jobs for Territorians Territory-based SPEE3D is the latest business to benefit from the Local Jobs Fund, with a $2.75 million investment by the Northern Territory Government. The loan will help SPEE3D establish a Research and Development Headquarters in Darwin and create 24 new local jobs. Economic modelling done by the Department of Trade, Business and Innovation shows this project will directly grow the Territory’s economy through exports by $58 million, with a further flow-on effect to Gross State Product of $55 million over 5 years. SPEE3D is an advanced manufacturer. They have created a world-leading 3D metal printer that can rapidly manufacture components in a variety of different metals and alloys. The Territory Government’s support for SPEE3D’s research and development headquarters will allow for the ability to develop new printing materials, new printing technologies, and better support applications for important customers in the defence, mining and energy industries, both nationally and internationally.
SPEE3D has recently shown how their innovative thinking can be transformational – using their printers to coat metal parts like door handles with antimicrobial copper, to help protect against the spread of COVID-19. The company has also begun trials with their 3D metal printing machines with the Royal Australian Navy and Australian Army. NT Propels into Space The Australian and Northern Territory Governments are teaming up to expand the Top End’s space sector, with a new agreement to maximise the Territory’s natural advantages to create jobs and grow the economy. Federal Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Northern Territory Government and the Australian Space Agency came at an opportune time. “Space is not only a growing sector of its own,
but it develops technologies and know-how that can be applied across a range of industries to help Australia emerge from the COVID-19 crisis stronger than ever,” Minister Andrews said. “This MoU will drive the creation of high-tech jobs in the Northern Territory, but will also see the Top End contributing to the economic growth of the whole nation. “The geographic location of the Northern Territory, including its wide open expanses, makes it a hugely appealing destination for space companies and agencies from around the world. The proximity of the Territory to the equator also means advantages for commercial rocket launch.”
Northern Territory Contact Paolo Corronca National Manager Engineering 0438 012 099 p.corronca@weldaustralia.com.au
As well as creating jobs right now, this investment supports countless jobs in the future – with 40 apprentices at Charles Darwin University receiving exposure to this innovative technology. Darwin is perfectly positioned to be the research and development hub for SPEE3D, due to its proximity to Asian markets, unique opportunities to work with Defence, and the ability to develop new technologies for remote settings.
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Tasmania News This month, Weld Australia brings members news from around Tasmania, from a range of newly released tenders for infrastructure programs, through to the winners of the 2020 Women in Resources Tasmania Awards. Winners Announced: Women in Resources Tasmania Awards 2020 Five outstanding men and women working in Tasmania’s resources, mining and manufacturing sectors have been recognised at the 2020 Women in Resources Tasmania Awards ceremony in Launceston on 30 July. The annual awards are coordinated by the Tasmanian Minerals, Manufacturing and Energy Council (TMEC) in conjunction with the AusIMM Women in Mining Network Tasmania (WIMnet) to create awareness of the inspirational women working in resources, mining and manufacturing and encourage other women to pursue careers in these Tasmanian industries. Congratulations to the 2020 Women in Resources Tasmania Award winners: • Exceptional Woman in Tasmanian Resources: Estrelia Diaz, MMG Rosebery Mine, Chemical Engineer • Exceptional Young Woman in Tasmanian Resources: Sarah Gilmour, GHD, Geochemist
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and Geologist Outstanding Tasmanian Tradeswoman, Operator or Technician: Kim Burton, MMG Rosebery Mine, Underground Shift Electrician Gender Diversity Champion (Male or Female) in Tasmanian Resources: Brett Robins, Bell Bay Aluminium, Crew Leader, Power Supply and Shannon Bakes, Protech, Business Development Manager
Tenders Released for Infrastructure Programs Two tenders have been released for upgrades on the Bass Highway, and a contract awarded for safety upgrades at Boat Harbour Primary School. The Bass Highway projects form part of two strategies – the $100 million Wynyard to Marrawah Corridor Strategy, and the $50 million Bass Highway Cooee to Wynyard Road Upgrades Program. In addition to improving safety and travel time reliability, these upgrades will support growth and provide efficient transport on this key corridor for freight, tourists and local residents.
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Additionally, tenders are now open for a single design and construct contract covering six projects under the Wynyard to Marrawah Corridor Strategy. These include junction improvements and overtaking lanes at various points along this section of the highway. Under the Cooee-Wynyard program, tenders are also open for the realignment of the Bass Highway, west of Somerset. This includes reducing sharp corners and bends, providing overtaking lanes and installing a central median flexible safety barrier. These important upgrades are part of the Australian and Tasmanian Governments’ record $827.3 million investment for road and bridge construction projects over the next two years. For information, visit: http://www. transport.tas.gov.au/road/projects Tasmania Contact Victor Blain Senior Welding Engineer 0409 823 991 v.blain@weldaustralia.com.au
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Advanced Welder Training Courses Fusion Welding Courses There are two ISO 9606 Qualification test of welders — Fusion welding —Part 1: Steels courses listed on Training.gov.au, the National Register of Vocational Education and Training (VET) in Australia. This is the authoritative source of Nationally Recognised Training and Registered Training Organisations (RTOs). These courses were developed in Victoria in 2018. One is intended for inexperienced welders, the other for experienced welders. Both use augmented reality welding simulators as a key component of the training. Transition Workers To be awarded a certificate for the Course in Fusion Welding to AS/NZS ISO 9606 for Transition Workers, you must successfully complete seven units of competency (four core and three elective). Core units: • Simulate fusion welding processes using augmented reality equipment • Identify welding processes, safe welding practices and use of hand and power tools • Interpret and apply AS/NZS ISO 9606 for fusion welding processes • Perform fusion welding procedures to meet the procedures of ISO 9606-1 (Steels – carbon steels) Experienced Welders To be awarded a Statement of Attainment for the Course in Fusion Welding to AS/NZS ISO 9606 for Experienced Welders, you must successfully complete three units of competency (one core and two elective). The core unit is: Interpret and apply AS/NZS ISO 9606 for fusion welding processes. Elective Units Other elective units available include: • Perform fusion welding procedures to meet the procedures of AS/NZS ISO 9606-1 (Steels – stainless steel) • Perform fusion welding procedures to meet the requirements of • AS/NZS ISO 9606-2 (Aluminium and aluminium alloys) • Perform fusion welding procedures to meet the requirements of AS/NZS ISO 9606-3, 4 or 5 (Exotic metals) • Perform routine manual metal arc welding • Perform routine gas metal arc welding • Perform manual heating and thermal cutting • Read and interpret technical drawings and make measurements for a welding procedure
Enrol in a Fusion Welding Course Today
You can enrol in a Fusion Welding course through any of the Advanced Welder Training Centres across Australia. These are all listed below. Queensland TAFE Queensland Caboolture Campus https://tafeqld.edu.au Tallon Street, Caboolture, Queensland TAFE Queensland SkillsTech https://tafeqld.edu.au 247 Bradman Street, Acacia Ridge, Queensland South Australia TAFE SA Regency Campus https://www.tafesa.edu.au 137 Days Road, Regency Park, South Australia Tasmania Tasmanian Minerals and Energy Council https://tasminerals.com.au 13 Wellington Street, Burnie, Tasmania Victoria Box Hill Institute https://www.boxhill.edu.au 465 Elgar Road, Box Hill, Melbourne, Victoria Bendigo TAFE http://www.bendigotafe.edu.au 23 Mundy Street, Bendigo, Victoria Federation University https://federation.edu.au Lydiard Street South, Ballarat, Victoria
Further Information For further information, please contact: training@weldaustralia.com.au or +61 2 8748 0100, or visit www.weldaustralia.com.au.
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