Industry Program Sparks a Career in Welding for Long-term Unemployed

INDUSTRY PROGRAM SPARKS A CAREER IN WELDING FOR LONG-TERM UNEMPLOYED

In partnership with Workskil Australia and TAFE SA, Weld Australia recently delivered an innovative new training program that has sparked a career in welding for a group of long-term unemployed people.

With little to no prior welding experience, the students started by using augmented reality welding simulators to learn the skills and techniques needed to perform welds in a safe, stimulating and confidence-building environment. Students then move onto real-world welding machines to hone their skills.

As a result, nine students passed all tests required to qualify to ISO 9606 Qualification testing of welders — Fusion welding for MIG welding. This welding ticket can help the students gain employment.

Joe Sandor (Welding Technology Trainer, Weld Australia) facilitated the training course. He was thrilled to be involved in this exciting new program that has huge potential to make a difference in the lives of long-term unemployed.

“All of the students were really engaged and worked exceptionally hard throughout the training. They really put in 100%. The attendance rate was near perfect, which was fantastic—attendance can be a real challenge for these kinds of programs,” said Sandor.

“All of the students were long-term unemployed. Most were in their early 20s and some have never had the opportunity to work at all. It was great to see their enthusiasm for welding and a possible new career path.”

According to Weld Australia’s Chief Executive Officer, Geoff Crittenden, “With nine students qualified to ISO 9606—the golden standard for welding internationally—the program has clearly sparked an interest in welding in a whole new audience,” said Crittenden.

“The Workskil Australia training program is helping long-term unemployed people to get ahead, linking them to real opportunities in the workforce, and providing them with foundational welding skills on which to build a secure, successful career.”

Brooke Hargrave Pomeray was one of the students who participated in the Workskil Australia course, sat the assessment and was qualified to ISO 9606. According to Joe Sandor (Welding Technology Trainer, Weld Australia), “Brooke did exceptionally well—she worked so hard and never stopped. She really put in 100%. Brooke said she was ‘doing it for the girls’.”