Victoria’s next generation of welders will be some of the best trained in the world after the opening of Australia’s first welding training centre using augmented reality technology.
Supported by a $1 million funding boost from the Andrews Labor Government, the Advanced Augmented Welding Training Centre will enable more Victorian welders to be trained to international welding standards required for working on complex jobs in the defence, aerospace and other high-value manufacturing sectors.
Developed as a partnership between Weld Australia, Box Hill Institute, the Victorian Skills Commissioner and industry, the new centre will initially train 100 welders, who will be able to practice their welding skills with real 3D objects using virtual computer images.
Using the latest augmented reality training technology will significantly reduce the cost of training welders, while also completely eliminating gas emissions and the risk of injury to students as they master complex and often dangerous welding skills.
The Centre received a funding boost from the Labor Government’s Regional and Specialist Training Fund, which will also support two new welding courses in Fusion Welding for Transition Workers and Fusion Welding for Experienced Workers.
The Victorian Budget 2018/19 is investing an additional $644 million to strengthen TAFE, address skills shortages and ensure all Victorians can access the training they need to get a good job.
To make it easier to access training, the Government is investing $172 million to make 30 priority TAFE courses and 20 pre-apprenticeship courses that lead to jobs that are most in demand from Victorian employers tuition free.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney
“This project ensures we have enough highly skilled welders for our state’s defence and advanced manufacturing industries, as well as major rail and infrastructure projects.”
“We want to make sure TAFEs are supported to deliver the skills industry needs and give all Victorians the training they need to get a job.”
“After years of devastating cuts to under the previous Liberal government this project is another example of how our record investments are putting TAFE back at the heart of training in Victoria.”
Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Metropolitan Shaun Leane
“Welding students at Box Hill Institute will now have access to one of the most advanced training facilities in Australia – this is a great outcome for TAFE students and the local community.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020