Maitland welders will soon have access to national and international welding accreditation in Rutherford, opening the way for more high-end contracts.
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Hunter Valley Training Company will provide any necessary tuition and the Welding Technology Institute of Australia will sign off on the welder’s skills.
“From an organisation’s perspective it means they can get their qualifications here and demonstrate their abilities for more high-end contracts,” HVTC registered training organisation manager Michael Murray said.
Some welders in the region will already have the necessary skills to achieve the national and international standards and will only require certification.
The facility will also enable tradesman to improve to reach those higher standards and enable them to apply for higher-paid positions.
“A lot of trades that might have been laid off from the mines can retrain and undertake speciality welding work too,” Mr Murray said.
Structural welding and pipe-pressure type welding for gas pipelines require these higher standards.
The partnership will make Maitland a centre of excellence in welding.
“Australian quality standards are exceptionally high,” WTIA CEO Geoff Crittenden said.
“Attaining further international qualifications improves overall quality management and helps local industry fight off competition from overseas.”
WTIA will take-up offices at HVTC and will have a small staff based in Maitland.
HVTC is also expected to employ one or two people with suitable expertise to help bridge the gap between traditional trades-standard certification and these higher standards.
From mid-March WTIA will deliver these courses.
WTIA will also conduct a five-day-certification for International Welding Inspector, basic-level.
Previously people from Maitland had to go to Sydney for this training.
HVTC CEO Sharon Smith said the new skills centre was ideally located to support heavy industries in Maitland, Muswellbrook and Singleton.
“HVTC is thrilled to partner with WTIA and provide specialised workshops that can deliver such high level training programs that will enable welders and companies to become nationally and internationally recognised,” Ms Smith said.
