Weld Australia has unveiled the recipients of the 2023 South Australia Welding Excellence Awards, which serve as a platform to acknowledge and celebrate the outstanding contributions made by local welders, fabricators, and industry educators within the field.
The awards ceremony, held at the Glenelg Golf Club, recognised BAE Systems Australia with the 2023 Company of the Year Award in the Fabrication category.
As one of Australia’s most versatile defence and security companies, BAE Systems has a rich history spanning 70 years in providing advanced defence technology.
Welding Equipment Sales & Service (W.E.S.S) secured the 2023 Company of the Year Award in the Supplier category.
As the largest independent welding distribution business in South Australia, W.E.S.S is 100 per cent Australian-owned and serves a broad customer base.
Outsource Institute was awarded the 2023 Training and Education – Organisation Award as its training programs meet industry standards, ensuring graduates are well-equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their welding careers.
Meanwhile, Caleb Rozman from Century Engineering received the title of 2023 Young Trades Person of the Year.
With seven years of experience in the metal fabrication industry, Caleb’s impressive journey includes completing his Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade in 2021 while working at Pipe Weld Australia.
Ashley Bell from BAE Systems Australia was awarded the 2023 Welding Professional of the Year – Welding Coordinator.
Bell’s work on the Hunter Class Frigate project for five years has been instrumental from inception to the fabrication of the first Hunter Class blocks.
John Hayman from Mine Tech Engineering earned the 2023 Welding Professional of the Year Award in the Welding Inspector category.
Hayman began his welding career in 2017 and demonstrated an unwavering curiosity to learn and understand welding theory, becoming an integral part of the QA/QC department at Mine Tech’s Edinburgh facility.
Geoff Crittenden, CEO of Weld Australia, expressed his enthusiasm for the 2023 South Australian Welding Excellence Awards, stating, “The 2023 South Australian Welding Excellence shine a spotlight on the remarkable contributions made by our local talent, highlighting the relentless pursuit of excellence within the industry. At Weld Australia, we take immense pride in recognising and honouring those who are setting new standards in welding quality, safety, and innovation.”
Crittenden added, “These winners comprise both businesses and individuals deeply committed to innovative, sustainable solutions that minimise risk and enhance project outcomes. Additionally, they have embarked on initiatives aimed at expanding the pool of skilled labour within the welding sector.”
