Weld Australia and Manufacturing Skills Queensland launch 50% subsidised welder training program across Queensland
Weld Australia
Weld Australia has announced a new major statewide training initiative in partnership with Manufacturing Skills Queensland (MSQ), delivering Welding Supervisor training (AS 1796 Certificate 10 and AS 2214) and ISO 9606 welder certification across Queensland throughout 2026.
The program will see MSQ subsidise 50% of training costs for eligible participants, providing a significant opportunity to strengthen workforce capability and lift welding compliance outcomes across the Queensland manufacturing sector.
The initiative responds to ongoing industry demand, with employers consistently reporting shortages of certified welders and welding supervisors, particularly in regional manufacturing centres supporting defence, energy, infrastructure and advanced manufacturing supply chains.
Training will be delivered across multiple Queensland locations, including Maryborough, Gladstone, Cairns, Brisbane, Townsville, Mackay and Bundaberg.
Geoff Crittenden, CEO of Weld Australia, said the program is a practical solution to a challenge facing manufacturers across the state. “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.
“This partnership with Manufacturing Skills Queensland to subsidise 50% of training costs will remove a major barrier for employers and workers — especially in regional areas — and help build the skilled workforce Queensland needs for future growth.”
According to Kris McCue, Acting Chief Executive Officer, Manufacturing Skills Queensland, there is a clear, ongoing and growing need for qualified welders and certified welding supervisors.
“Certified welding skills are essential for maintaining safety, quality, and compliance in manufacturing."
“MSQ’s investment in this subsidised training program reflects our commitment to helping manufacturers build a capable and certified workforce that meets today’s demands and tomorrow’s challenges.”
"Partnering with Weld Australia to halve the cost of welding training is a step towards closing critical skills gaps. It’s about empowering Queensland manufacturers with the talent and certifications they need to innovate and lead on a global stage," McCue said.
The program includes training pathways aligned to key industry requirements:
- AS 1796 Certificate 10 Welding Supervisor – for professionals supervising welding on pressure equipment and high-risk applications, where safety, compliance and quality assurance are critical
- AS 2214 Welding Supervisor – for those overseeing welding in structural steel fabrication, supporting compliance with AS/NZS 1554 requirements for steel structures
- ISO 9606 Welder Certification – the internationally recognised standard verifying a welder’s ability to produce consistent, compliant welds to defined procedures, materials and conditions
The MSQ-funded program is available to eligible Queensland manufacturing businesses and participants. Participant eligibility includes being employed by a Queensland manufacturing business, residing in Queensland, and meeting training prerequisites. Business eligibility includes being a Queensland manufacturing business with fewer than 200 employees.
“This is a rare opportunity for both individuals and employers to access high-value welding training and certification at half the cost,” Crittenden said. “We encourage Queensland manufacturers to take advantage of the MSQ funding and secure places early.”
Enrolments are now open.
For further details, visit: https://weldaustralia.com.au/weld-australia-and-manufacturing-skills-queensland-training-program/
About us:
ABOUT WELD AUSTRALIA
Weld Australia represents the welding profession in Australia. Its members are made up of individual welding professionals and companies of all sizes. Weld Australia members are involved almost every facet of Australian industry and make a significant contribution to the nation’s economy. The primary goal of Weld Australia is to ensure that the Australian welding industry remains locally and globally competitive, both now and into the future. Weld Australia is the Australian representative member of the International Institute of Welding (IIW). For more information or to join Weld Australia, please visit: https://weldaustralia.com.au/
ABOUT MANUFACTURING SKILLS QUEENSLAND
Manufacturing Skills Queensland (MSQ) is an independent body supported by the Queensland Government, dedicated to building a sustainably skilled workforce for a future-proofed manufacturing industry in Queensland. Visit msq.org.au for more information.
Contact details:
Sally Wood on 0434 442 687 or [email protected]