Driving impact: Standards Australia sponsors welding program to help build Australia’s workforce

Standards Australia has partnered with Weld Australia and Corrections Victoria to help boost Australia’s welding workforce and tackle a critical skills shortage.

The sponsorship supports vocational training for people in prison interest in exploring a career in welding, giving them industry-recognised qualifications. The welding intensive training program, delivered at eight locations, is designed to boost the number of qualified welders in Australia and address a critical skills shortage.

Participants receive training with access to Australian Standards, improving their employment prospects and ensuring a pathway to reintegration and long-term employment.

“This partnership is a powerful example of how collaboration between industry, government, and standards bodies builds trust and delivers impact. By equipping people in prison with recognised qualifications, we are not only addressing Australia’s skills gap but creating meaningful opportunities that strengthen our manufacturing sector,” said Rod Balding, CEO of Standards Australia.

Weld Australia reports that the nation will need 70,000 additional welders over the next decade to meet manufacturing demands, a challenge this program directly addresses.

“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. 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. It’s good for industry, good for communities, and good for Australia,” said Geoff Crittenden, CEO of Weld Australia.

Under the sponsorship agreement, Standards Australia supplies hard copies of essential welding standards to the correction facilities to help ensure student’s training aligns with national safety and quality requirements.