WELD CONNECT WELD AUSTRALIA’S MONTHLY ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER
FEBRUARY 2021
IN THIS ISSUE WELD AUSTRALIA’S NEWEST TEAM MEMBERS | PAGE 6 EN 15085 CERTIFICATION GAINING POPULARITY |
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CIT INTRODUCES AUGMENTED REALITY TO WELDER TRAINING | PAGE 10 WELD CONNECT | FEBRUARY 2021
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WELD AUSTRALIA CONTACTS NATIONAL OFFICE Building 3, Level 3, Suite 5 20 Bridge Street Pymble, NSW 2073 (PO Box 197, Macquarie Park BC NSW 1670) 02 8748 0100 info@weldaustralia.com.au Geoff Crittenden Chief Executive Officer 02 8748 0100 g.crittenden@weldaustralia.com.au
A Message from Our CEO
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New Members
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Membership Matters
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Events
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Weld Australia’s Newest Team Members
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AS/NZS ISO 3834 Industry Workshop in Queensland
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Shotton Group Certified to AS/NZS ISO 3834
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Steelstruct Certified to AS/NZS ISO 3834
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EN 15085 Certification Gaining Popularity
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GMG Certified to AS/NZS ISO 3834 & EN 15085
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Improvements to the Online Exam System
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Structural Bolting eCourse
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In-House Course for Woodside Energy
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NSW Pilot Advanced Manufacturing Outreach Program
TRAINING Guy Brooks Training Manager 0488 743 322 g.brooks@weldaustralia.com.au MARKETING Donna South National Manager Membership & Marketing 0409 609 031 d.south@weldaustralia.com.au MEMBERSHIP Eva Chun Membership Manager 0417 878 104 e.chun@weldaustralia.com.au
NEW SOUTH WALES & NORTHERN TERRITORY Paolo Corronca National Manager Engineering 0438 012 099 p.corronca@weldaustralia.com.au VICTORIA, TASMANIA & SOUTH AUSTRALIA Victor Blain Engineering Team Manager 0409 823 991 v.blain@weldaustralia.com.au QUEENSLAND Adam Coorey Welding Engineer 0417 149 435 a.coorey@weldaustralia.com.au WESTERN AUSTRALIA Mehdi Tajfar Welding Engineer 0417 044 370 m.tajfar@weldaustralia.com.au
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CIT Introduces Augmented Reality to Welder Training
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Fusion Welding Courses
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ENGINEERING Victor Blain Engineering Team Manager 0409 823 991 v.blain@weldaustralia.com.au
QUALIFICATION & CERTIFICATION Arya Sharifian Qualification and Certification Team Manager 0419 414 901 a.sharifian@weldaustralia.com.au
STAY CONNECTED: NEVER MISS ANOTHER UPDATE
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Welcome to the first edition of Weld Connect for 2021. After a tough, stressful 2020, there seems to be less uncertainty in the market. Over the next 12 months, there should be a steadying of the economy and pipelines of work across the various market sectors. There is a definite positive attitude across all levels of governments and a focus on promoting the Australian industry and local content. For instance, the Western Australia Government has invested $5.7 billion invested in METRONET projects across Perth, creating thousands of local jobs and providing opportunities for local businesses. Similarly, for the first time in nearly a decade, Queenslanders will again build Queensland trains. Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has promised a $1 billion railcar construction pipeline for the regional city of Maryborough.
Weld Australia would like to welcome the following new members who have joined over the last few months. CORPORATE MEMBERS • •
Direct Solutions Australia: directsolutions.net.au Ensitech: ensitech.com.au
INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS
That is why, in 2021, one of Weld Australia’s key objectives will be to drive investment in advanced manufacturing—both technology and skills. All levels of government must invest in advanced manufacturing to help reinvigorate the welding and fabrication industry in Australia.
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QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT GRANT FOR TRAINING
JOIN TODAY
We believe that it is extremely important that all governments continue to focus on manufacturing as a key contributor to Australia’s post-COVID recovery. Australia’s COVID-19 economic recovery cannot be resource-led. It must be manufacturing led. We cannot continue to dig mineral resources like iron ore out of the ground and export them overseas. We must be a country that makes complex products—that adds value and is readily able to respond to any type of crisis. Australian manufacturers are among the best in the world. We may be small, but we are innovative and clever.
In September last year, Weld Australia received a $250,000 grant from the Queensland Government that enabled us to subsidise welder training. The subsidy applied to training courses for qualifications such as the IWT, IWE, IWS, IWI-B, IWI-S, AS 1796 Certificates 1-9 and 10 and AS 2214.
WELD CONNECT | FEBRUARY 2021
Anibal Da Fonseca Anthony Murphy O’Connor Charlie Tamanui Graham Granshaw Graham Van Damme Haydn Jones Huong Pham James Michaud Jody Whitson Jordan Cleary Karle Vogt M. Ansar Lamat Matthew Knopp Maximo Tubay Navarro Morgan Francis-Roberts Nathan Priestly Nestor Mangalindan Paul Gillespie Peter Wilson Richard Ayton Roeloff-H Christie Venkatachalam Govindan Zoran Matev
To join Weld Australia visit weldaustralia.com.au or contact membership@ weldaustralia.com.au
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I am pleased to report that allocated all funding by the end of 2020. The rapid uptake of this funding illustrates just how effective this initiative is, and how beneficial it is for the entire Queensland welding industry. As such, I have applied to the Queensland Government for another grant. In establishing this training subsidy, I approached all state governments nationally. So far, Queensland is the only state government that has pledged its support. I will continue lobbying the other state governments for their support. STAFF CHANGES Over the last couple of months, we’ve had some changes to our team. Victor Blain has taken on the role of Engineering Team Manager and Arya Sharifian is now the Qualification and Certification Team Manager. Both Victor and Arya are still reporting to Paolo Corronca, who remains our National Manager Engineer. We’ve also welcomed three new team members: Michele Boatswain has taken on the role of Education and Training Coordinator; Joseph Sandor has taken on the role of Welding Technology Trainer; and Laya Pourabdi is now our Qualification and Certification Coordinator. Finally, I’d like to thank Anabel Cantero, our outgoing Qualification and Certification Coordinator, who is retiring after 30 years of dedicated service. We wish Anabel all the very best in her retirement. AUGMENTED REALITY WELDER TRAINING Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) is the latest TAFE to introduce augmented reality simulators in the delivery of welder training. The technology will be used to support student learning in customised training programs and in the delivery of national curriculum. For details, see the article on page 11. South Metropolitan TAFE in Western Australia is also set to introduce augmented reality into their
WELD CONNECT | FEBRUARY 2021
welding curriculum. 16 Soldamatic simulators have just been delivered to the TAFE, with Weld Australia set to roll out training to their teachers, in both ISO 9606 and the use of the simulators, over the next few weeks. WORKSKIL WELDER TRAINING PROGRAM Together with TAFE SA and Workskil, we’re working on a training program to upskill unemployed people, giving them the opportunity to gain employment as a welder. Pending COVID-19 restrictions, the first program should commence within the next few weeks. During the course, students will learn the fundamentals of welding and oxy fuel gas cutting, and, if successful, gain an ISO 9606 welder certificate. This exciting program has huge potential to make a real difference in the lives of long-term unemployed. Workskil Australia is a national not-for-profit that provides a range of employment, work experience, disability, youth, Indigenous and community services. XIRIS AUTOMATION WELD CAMERAS Interest in the Xiris Automation weld camera is gaining momentum, with several orders placed with Weld Australia recently. The cameras can be mounted onto a robot to monitor and record welding processes from a quality perspective. This year we’ve already had multiple units purchased by: a cutting-edge NSW-based fabrication company looking to improve quality control; a major Melbourne university that plans to conduct a research project using the technology; and an advanced manufacturer investigating the use of cobots.
Geoff Crit enden
CEO, Weld Australia
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HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR MEMBERSHIP Here are the top hot tips on how to get the absolute best value out of your Weld Australia membership: • • • • •
Get involved to give your career a well-deserved boost. Take one of our training courses, or gain a qualification or certification—all at discounted member-only rates. Attend our free member networking events, which are a great way to make invaluable industry contacts. Leverage the technical support of Weld Australia’s team of experienced engineers, including our free-for-members technical support hotline. Stay up-to-date on the latest industry news and technical developments via our publications: Weld Connect (monthly newsletter) and Australian Welding (quarterly magazine). Use all the resources available via the Weld Australia member portal, like our brand new Job Board. Just remember to have your username and password handy so that you can login. Your username will be the email address associated with your membership.
Questions? Queries? Need a hand? Call us on 02 8748 0135 or email membership@weldaustralia.com.au.
TECHNICAL EVENTS We’re set to launch a new calendar of events for 2021, from technical seminars and workshops, to member networking events. Be sure to keep an eye on the Events Schedule in the Weld Australia member portal. STANDARDS ROADSHOW With a number of recent changes to the AS/NZS and ISO Standards that cover welding, Weld Australia is planning a national roadshow for members. To be advised when dates and details are confirmed, register your interest here. TOWN HALL MEETINGS Our virtual Town Hall meetings were very well received in 2020. So, we plan to run these events again in 2021. If there’s a topic you’d like discussed, we’d love to hear your suggestions.
MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS A friendly reminder that Weld Australia membership renewals are now past due. Log into the member portal and renew today. If you’d like to discuss your membership, please reach out—we’re happy to help.
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Weld Australia would like to welcome it’s three newest team members: Michele Boatswain has taken on the role of Education and Training Coordinator; Joseph Sandor has taken on the role of Welding Technology Trainer; and Laya Pourabdi is now our Qualification and Certification Coordinator. We would also like to thank Anabel Cantero, our outgoing Qualification and Certification Coordinator, who is retiring after 30 years of dedicated service. We wish you all the very best in your retirement. MICHELE BOATSWAIN, EDUCATION & TRAINING COORDINATOR Michele is a highly competent and multi-skilled administrator with over 30 experience across several different sectors. Prior to joining Weld Australia, Michele held various administration positions at the University of Wollongong, most recently in the National Institute for Applied Statistics Research Australia. Her positions have included responsibilities such as organising and advertising events, short courses, and workshops; assisting staff and students with research; arranging travel; and coordinating grant applications and new contracts. Michele holds a Bachelor of Psychology. With her depth of experience, and top-notch administrative skills, Michele is a welcome addition to our training team. LAYA POURABD, QUALIFICATION & CERTIFICATION COORDINATOR Laya has ten years of experience in an administrative and coordinator roles within the education and training sector. She has held administrator roles at organisations such as Central Innovation, and Registered Training Organisations (RTO) like BCA National Training Group and National College Australia. Laya holds Bachelor’s Degree in Educational and Instructional Technology. With strong customer service skills and a high level of energy and attention to detail, Laya is proving to be a great help to the qualification and certification team.
JOSEPH SANDOR, WELDING TECHNOLOGY TRAINER With 44 years experience, Joseph has a strong passion for welding. Prior to joining Weld Australia, Joseph was a metal fabrication and welding teacher for TAFE NSW. His other positions have included leading hand at Joy Mining where was involved in the manufacturing of a prototype mining machine; and Welding Supervisor for many years with Able Engineering. Over the years, Joseph has worked on rail stock, mining equipment, pressure vessels, truck bodies for the RMS, and light and heavy steel structures. Joseph has been a judge on numerous occasions in the regional competitions for WorldSkills in the Illawarra, and holds a Cert IV in training and assessment, a diploma in welding, all tickets in AS 1796 including Certificate 10, and AS 2214 Welding Supervisor certification.
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AS/NZS ISO 3834 INDUSTRY WORKSHOP IN QUEENSLAND In conjunction with the Rockhampton Manufacturing Hub, Weld Australia recently facilitated an industry workshop on AS/NZS ISO 3834 certification. The session provided attended with an overview of the standard and its requirements for the manufacturing industry, as well as the opportunities it can afford in defence, rail, and the general manufacturing sector. Paolo Corronca (Weld Australia’s National Manager, Engineering) explained the certification process, and how to link the Australian framework (and local qualifications) with the broader international network (and clients specifying international qualifications). The event was very well received by all who attended.
SHOTTON GROUP CERTIFIED TO AS/NZS ISO 3834
Weld Australia would like to congratulate Shotton Group for their recent certification to AS/NZS ISO 3834. A family-owned business, Shotton Group was established in Dandenong, Melbourne in 1977. Today, the company employs a team of over 90 people at their 7,000m2 facility. With a focus on lean principles and solutions-based engineering, Shotton Group works across a diverse range of industries, from rail, bus and aviation, to architectural, hospital, forensics and general infrastructure works. Their services extend to design, laser cutting, CNC folding, machining, fabrication, finishing and assembly.
Some of the Rockhampton Manufacturing Hub team. (L to R): Mick Elliott; Stacey Holmes; Mick Allen; Wade Leslie (Kuka Robotics).
For further information, visit: shottongroup.com.au
STEELSTRUCT CERTIFIED TO AS/NZS ISO 3834
Weld Australia would like to congratulate Steelstruct for their recent certification to AS/NZS ISO 3834. Headquartered in Henderson, Western Australia, Steelstruct was established in 1979. Steelstruct operates from their four modern, fully equipped workshops, which are strategically located at Henderson, Maddington and Yarloop in Western Australia, as well as in Rayong (Thailand) totalling 13,400m2 under roof. Steelstruct has delivered a range of services to some of Australia’s largest mining, mineral processing and equipment providers for forty years. Their fabrication capabilities extend to platework, structural steel, pipe spooling, storage tanks, pressure vessels, conveyors, and offshore and subsea structures. For further information, visit: steelstruct.com.au WELD CONNECT | FEBRUARY 2021
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EN 15085 WELDING OF RAILWAY VEHICLES AND COMPONENTS CERTIFICATION GAINING POPULARITY Certification to EN 15085 Railway applications – Welding of railway vehicles and components is becoming popular. Weld Australia is currently undertaking audits of three companies. Working with railway vehicles, components and sub-assemblies requires certification to EN 15085 to ensure quality and safety. EN 15085 is often expressly required by manufacturers or specified in tenders and contracts, particularly government departments. As a globally recognised standard of railway industry welding certification, it gives you the opportunity to participate in large, profitable international supply chains, increasing your order book. For further information, contact: Paolo Corronca (National Manager Engineering) on p.corronca@weldaustralia.com.au
IMPROVEMENTS TO THE ONLINE EXAM SYSTEM
GLOBAL MANUFACTURING GROUP (GMG) CERTIFIED TO AS/NZS ISO 3834.2 AND EN 15085
Weld Australia has rolled out a range of improvements to our online exam system: WeldQ. All improvements are designed to make exams more accessible (particuarly for students in remote or regional areas), while maintaining the rigour of a strict exam environment.
Weld Australia would like to congratulate Global Manufacturing Group (GMG) in Mayborough, Queensland for their recent certifications to both AS/NZS ISO 3834 and EN 15085. Established in 1982, GMG is a metal manufacturing company dedicated to customer service, exceptional and consistent quality, and advancements in technology, equipment and infrastructure. GMG operates from two sites—one in Maryborough and the other in Gladstone, Queensland—over a shared 7,000m2 of workshop space.
To facilitate this, Weld Australia has launched its own remote invigilation system after extensive trials and feedback. During online exams, the candidate’s screen and microphone are recorded. This means that candidates now sit examinations at home or their workplace, rather than having to travel to a central location. Candidates can attempt a trial examination to make themselves familiar with the interface.There is also a step-by-step walkthrough of the trial examination at the beginning of the exam. Plus, once an exam is finished, candidates are able to send Weld Australia comments and feedback regarding their exam. WELD CONNECT | FEBRUARY 2021
GMG offers a complete turn-key operation, employing a range of skilled and highly trained personnel who operate on a rotating 24 hour roster capacity. Their services cover the entire lifecycle of metal manufacturing. This is the second of GMG’s facilities to achieve certification to AS/NZS ISO 3834.2; their Gladstone workshop was certified in early 2020. For further information, visit: gmqld.com.au
GMG staff hard at work.
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IN-HOUSE COURSE FOR WOODSIDE ENERGY Weld Australia recently facilitated an in-house training course for Woodside Energy in Western Australia on the topic Welding Technology for Engineers. Weld Australia’s Senior Welding Engineer, Louise Petrick, delivered the course one day per week, over a four week period, allowing for additional time to cover specific topics in more detail.
STRUCTURAL BOLTING eCOURSE In conjunction with HERA and the Australian Steel Institute, Weld Australia recently facilitate an eCourse on Structural Bolting. The event proved popular, with 81 people registering for the course and 22 people sitting the exam. Participants indicated how much they enjoyed it and how helpful it was for their continuing professional development. Robert E. Shaw Jr (President, Steel Structures Technology Center) hosted the five-part eCourse that addressed all aspects that structural engineers, supervisors and inspectors should know when it comes to bolting, including information on AS 4100, NZS 3404.1, AS/NZS 5100.6, AS/NZS 1252 and EN 14399-X as applicable to Australian and New Zealand steel construction. Robert not only reviewed existing Standards, but also introduced new and innovative methods that save time, reduce cost, and improve the efficiency and quality of bolted connections. The eCourse will also delved into the numerous problems encountered in bolted connections and address the ‘hot topic’ of the conformance of steel materials for structural bolting applications.
The course covered a wide variety of topics, including: • Welding processes • Welding metallurgy and material science • Considerations in weld design for different applications, such as brittle failure, creep and corrosion service • Welding quality control and quality assurance • Welding standards, codes and specifications • Welding health and safety If your company is interested in a similar a similar course for employees, contact Weld Australia today. We’re happy to tailor a course suited to the needs of your company and employees.
FREE VICTORIAN OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY ESSENTIALS PROGRAM For those members based in Victoria, WorkSafe Victoria is currently offering a free Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) Essentials Program. Get free, confidential and personalised safety advice from an expert in your industry. Over 12 months, you will work closely with an independent health and safety consultant over three consultations to: understand your obligations as an employer during coronavirus (COVID-19); and set out a practical plan to improve workplace safety in your business. For further information, visit: worksafe.vic.gov.au/ohs-essentials-program
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NEW SOUTH WALES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION PILOT ADVANCED MANUFACTURING OUTREACH PROGRAM
Teacher training at Lake Illawarra High School for the Southern Region
Weld Australia is committed to ensuring that Australia develops and maintains a world-class, modern welding workforce. To facilitate this, greater engagement in STEM skills and emerging technologies by our high school students is essential. As such, Weld Australia proposed the establishment of an Advanced Manufacturing School Outreach Program to the New South Wales State Government. The Program received support from the New South Wales Government, with funding provided through the Department of Education’s Vocational Education and Training Program for Secondary Students. Phase one of the Program has funded teacher training for 16 schools across the state. Weld Australia is rolling out this training at the moment, covering welding technology, standards, quality and career paths. It also includes practical, hands-on training covering inspection of welds, weld defects and the use of the Soldamatic augmented reality welding simulators. CANBERRA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY INTRODUCES AUGMENTED REALITY INTO WELDER TRAINING Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) is the latest TAFE to introduce augmented reality simulators in the delivery of welder training. CIT offers a range of welder training programs, from entry level through to trade qualifications. The technology will be used to support student learning in customised training programs and in the delivery of the national curriculum. CIT sees the benefits of this technology for both inexperienced and very experienced learners wishing to develop their skills. Augmented reality training systems are student-focused, allowing individuals to progress at their own pace. Welding apprentices learn and understand welding procedures and techniques through a more interactive training method, gaining hands on experience in a controlled, safe environment. Augmented reality transforms training from boring theory and text books into high-quality interactive experiences that capture the imagination.
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ENROL IN A FUSION WELDING COURSE TODAY Enrol in a Fusion Welding course through any Advanced Welder Training Centre below. Queensland TAFE Queensland Caboolture tafeqld.edu.au Tallon Street, Caboolture, Queensland There are two fusion welding courses that adhere to ISO 9606 Qualification test of welders on Training.gov.au. This is the authoritative source of nationally recognised training and Registered Training Organisations (RTOs). These two courses were developed in Victoria in 2018 and 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
TAFE Queensland SkillsTech tafeqld.edu.au 247 Bradman Street, Acacia Ridge, Queensland South Australia TAFE SA Regency Campus tafesa.edu.au 137 Days Road, Regency Park, South Australia Tasmania Tasmanian Minerals and Energy Council tasminerals.com.au 13 Wellington Street, Burnie, Tasmania Victoria Box Hill Institute boxhill.edu.au 465 Elgar Road, Box Hill, Melbourne, Victoria Bendigo TAFE bendigotafe.edu.au 23 Mundy Street, Bendigo, Victoria Federation University federation.edu.au Lydiard Street South, Ballarat, Victoria
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 FURTHER INFORMATION For further information, contact: training@weldaustralia.com.au WELD CONNECT | FEBRUARY 2021
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For further information, contact Donna South on 02 8748 0130 or d.south@weldaustralia.com.au
