A new subsidised welder training initiative aimed at strengthening Queensland’s manufacturing workforce has been launched by Weld Australia in partnership with Manufacturing Skills Queensland.
Announced by Weld Australia, the statewide program will deliver Welding Supervisor training, including AS 1796 Certificate 10 and AS 2214, as well as ISO 9606 welder certification, with courses scheduled to run throughout 2026.
Under the initiative, Manufacturing Skills Queensland will subsidise 50 per cent of training costs for eligible participants, with the aim of improving skills, compliance and workforce availability across the manufacturing sector.
According to Weld Australia, the program responds to ongoing demand from manufacturers reporting shortages of certified welders and welding supervisors, particularly in regional manufacturing hubs supporting defence, energy, infrastructure and advanced manufacturing supply chains.
Training will be delivered in locations including Maryborough, Gladstone, Cairns, Brisbane, Townsville, Mackay and Bundaberg.
Weld Australia chief executive officer Geoff Crittenden said manufacturers across the state were consistently raising concerns about access to skilled labour and recognised certification.
“Queensland manufacturers are telling us the same thing again and again: they need more qualified welders and welding supervisors, and they need better access to nationally and internationally recognised certification pathways,” Crittenden said.
He said the 50 per cent subsidy would “remove a major barrier for employers and workers — especially in regional areas — and help build the skilled workforce Queensland needs for future growth”.
Manufacturing Skills Queensland acting chief executive officer Kris McCue said certified welding skills played a critical role in maintaining standards across manufacturing.
“Certified welding skills are essential for maintaining safety, quality, and compliance in manufacturing,” McCue said. He said MSQ’s investment reflected a commitment to supporting manufacturers to meet current and future workforce needs, adding that partnering with Weld Australia was “a step towards closing critical skills gaps”.
The MSQ-funded program is available to eligible Queensland manufacturing businesses with fewer than 200 employees, as well as workers employed within the sector who meet residency and training requirements. Enrolments are now open.
