Weld Australia has called for federal funding to establish a national network of Indigenous Welding Schools to unlock more skilled jobs for Indigenous Australians.
The announcement follows a recent Productivity Commission report, which revealed that governments are not adequately delivering on their commitment to the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.
Aside from enhancing education, employment, and community development for Indigenous Australians, Weld Australia CEO Geoff Crittenden argued that the Indigenous Welding Schools initiative could also offer a solution to bridging the skilled labour gap in the welding industry.
“For the past five years, Weld Australia has approached every government in a bid to secure funding to create a national network of Indigenous Welding Schools that use the latest augmented reality and advanced welding systems. We have been largely rebuffed by governments of all persuasions.”
“However, we know that the Albanese Government is genuinely committed to closing the gap for Indigenous Australians. Weld Australia has written to the Albanese Government, urging it recognise the value and necessity of the Indigenous Welding Schools concept. It represents a strategic investment in the future of industry and the empowerment of Indigenous communities, promising real skills for real jobs,” said Crittenden.
In a media release, Weld Australia said Indigenous educators and tradespeople would run the Indigenous Welding Schools program to mesh the practical demands of the welding trade with a culturally appropriate curriculum, pastoral support, and employment pathways.
Under this program, students would graduate qualified and certified to the internationally recognised welding competency standard ISO 9606.
The model and technology used in the program would be identical to that deployed by Weld Australia and its successful programs: the VET Centre of Excellence in seven Corrections Victoria prisons, and the NSW Advanced Manufacturing Schools Outreach Program, implemented in over 65 schools.
Furthermore, Weld Australia noted that a national network of Indigenous Welding Schools could also help progress three of the 19 national socio-economic targets outlined in Closing the Gap:
- Students reach their full potential through further education pathways;
- Youth are engaging in employment or education, and
- Strong economic participation and development of people and their communities.
