The Minns Labor Government is addressing a critical shortage of skilled welders through an innovative program for public high schools involving students across the Electorate of Cessnock.
Kurri Kurri High School, Mount View High School and West Wallsend High School are among the 73 schools across the state that has purchased a $35,000 state of the art Augmented Reality (AR) welding machine.
This cutting-edge technology provides public school students in Years 10-12 with safe, engaging, gamified learning experiences that build real-world welding skills without the hazards of traditional welding.
In partnership with Weld Australia, teachers have received training to use the AR welding simulators, allowing them to integrate this innovative equipment into their Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses.
With an estimated national shortfall of 70,000 welders by 2030 — including 12,500 in NSW alone — introducing AR welding simulators in classrooms is a crucial step in addressing the growing demand for skilled workers.
These future welders will be needed to deliver critical skills in areas such as manufacturing, power generation (coal and renewables), rail rolling stock, defence, mining, shipbuilding and road and rail infrastructure.
Augmented Reality (AR) simulators offer a huge range of benefits for training purposes. There are no safety issues, its gamified approach appeals to a wide range of students, including young women who might not otherwise be exposed to the industry, and offers substantial cost benefits over traditional teaching techniques.
This is just one way that the Minns Labor Government is committed to ensuring the NSW workforce has the skills needed to address the critical shortages the state faces.
State Member for the Electorate of Cessnock, Clayton Barr said:
“I am pleased to see some of our local high schools in Kurri Kurri, Cessnock and West Wallsend part of this innovative program addressing critical shortages in our trades.”
“The purchase of these AR welding simulators will allow local students to develop their skills and create opportunities in multiple areas including manufacturing, mining and infrastructure.”
Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan said:
“These AR welding simulators provide a hands-on, industry-standard experience that is safe and engaging, helping students build the skills they need for a rewarding career in manufacturing and engineering.
“It’s especially encouraging to see how AR welding simulators are creating inclusive opportunities, inviting more young women into fields where they’ve historically been underrepresented.
“It’s a win-win: students gain valuable experience, and our key industries benefit from a new generation of trained professionals.”
Weld Australia Chief Executive Officer Geoff Crittenden said:
“Industry is calling out for students with a practical bent to go into the trades. We need parents and carers to understand that a career as a tradesperson is full of potential and offers a whole raft of exciting employment opportunities.
“This program is helping to do exactly this. It is helping to reverse the mindset that the only path for students’ post-high school is university.”