Standards Australia backs prison welding program to address national skills shortage

Standards Australia has partnered with Weld Australia and Corrections Victoria to help address Australia’s welding skills shortage by supporting vocational training for people in prison.

GALLERY  

The sponsorship supports a welding intensive training program delivered across eight correctional facilities, providing participants with industry-recognised qualifications and a pathway to employment upon release. The program is designed to increase the number of qualified welders nationwide while improving reintegration and long-term job outcomes.

Participants receive training aligned with Australian Standards, with Standards Australia supplying hard copies of essential welding standards to correctional facilities to ensure national safety and quality requirements are met.

Weld Australia has warned Australia will need an additional 70,000 welders over the next decade to meet manufacturing demand, including for defence, infrastructure and renewable energy projects.

Weld Australia chief executive Geoff Crittenden says welding skills were highly transferable and urgently needed across multiple sectors.

“Welding is a highly transferable, in-demand skill. Programs like this one are essential if we are to build the sovereign capability required for defence, infrastructure and renewable energy projects,” he says.

“By providing high-quality training and access to Australian Standards, we are equipping participants with the real-world skills industry needs right now. Weld Australia is proud to be part of an initiative that not only strengthens our manufacturing workforce but also delivers genuine social impact.”

The partners say the program directly targets workforce shortages while supporting safer training outcomes and stronger employment pathways for participants.

Image courtesy of Rob Lambert, Unsplash.

The new Sydney Fish Market has officially opened its doors, marking a significant milestone in the transformation of ...

Le Belvédère is a new 200-seat restaurant set near Crillon-Le-Brave in Provence, offering sweeping views across the surrounding ...

A $135 million redevelopment of the Adelaide Aquatic Centre is expected to play a significant role in driving ...

Plissade has been named Textile Design of the Year at the Dezeen Awards 2025, with the jury recognising ...

Studio Tate has completed a lavish redesign of the 17th floor of a distinctive hexagonal building in Melbourne, ...