ADVANCED MANUFACTURING SCHOOL OUTREACH PROGRAM

Last year, Weld Australia proposed an Advanced Manufacturing School Outreach Program to the New South Wales (NSW) Government. The Program received their support, with funding provided through the Department of Education’s Vocational Education and Training Program for Secondary Students.

As a result, in June 2020, 32 augmented reality welding simulators were deployed in a pilot program in 16 schools across the state. The schools ranged from the Wagga Wagga, Lake Illawarra and Dapto high schools in southern New South Wales, to the Gorokan and Kurri Kurri High Schools in the Lower Hunter region.

The first pilot commenced at the beginning of Term 1 in 2021. The simulators were used to teach welding to students in Years 10-12 studying Manufacturing and Engineering, and Industrial Technology. This engaging, exciting learning technology provides a very safe and efficient way to teach students skills in a profession where there is high demand.

Based on the success of the first pilot program, the NSW Department of Education ordered a further 20 simulators for another 10 high schools in regional areas. The first tranche of the program was rolled out in the Bathurst region in January. The second tranche of training took place in late February for high schools in Temora, West Wyalong, James Fallon, Shepherds Park and Junee.

In April, Weld Australia commissioned another two Soldamatics for each of Cobar High School, Bourke High Scool and Willyama High School in Broken Hill. We also rolled out teacher training for the machines.

Teachers learn how to use the Soldamatics at Temora High School. Teachers at Cobar High School learn how to use the Soldamatics.

Teachers at Cobar High School learn how to use the Soldamatics.

Teachers at Cobar High School learn how to use the Soldamatics.