Case study: Partnership drives defence industry skills

One of the major challenges facing the production of military vehicles in Australia is the ability to recruit suitably qualified local welders with certifications that meet required international standards.

To overcome this challenge and to help deliver highly skilled defence manufacturing jobs for Queensland, TAFE Queensland is partnering with the largest supplier of military vehicles, Rheinmetall Defence Australia, to bridge the international welding certification gap. The partnership is vital to supporting the building of Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles in South East Queensland.

Without ISO9606 qualified welders, Queensland engineering and manufacturing businesses need to engage overseas workers to compete for this work.

TAFE Queensland Chief Executive Officer Mary Campbell said the fusion welding program enables local engineering and advanced manufacturing businesses to upskill existing workers and transitional welders to the international welding standard providing them the opportunity to become part of the defence industry supply chain.

Emily Giezen, a trained welder and former engineering apprentice, is one Queenslander making the most of the partnership which has helped her secure a role as an armoured steel welder with Rheinmetall Defence Australia.

TAFE Queensland's Course in Fusion Welding to ISO9606 for Experienced Welders helped Emily perfect her skills using the latest augmented reality welding simulators to supplement live arc welding bay practices.

Emily said using augmented reality welders was initially a challenge after years of welding a specific way throughout her career. "Even if you think you're the world's best welder, it's definitely a tool that you can use to critique and improve your skills," Emily said.