A new generation of welders, many likely to work Australia's new navy frigates and submarines, will come out of Adelaide following the opening of South Australia's first advanced training centre.
The new Advanced Welder Training Centre (AWTC), which opened at TAFE SA's northern suburbs campus on Tuesday, includes a reality lab with advanced welding simulators.
Almost half of the anticipated 2600 tradespeople needed for Australia's naval shipbuilding program, from 2020 to 2027, will be welders.
SA Industry Minister David Pisoni said welding techniques required for shipbuilding were of a high standard and the state-of-the-art equipment allowed students to practice.
"There are enormous naval shipbuilding opportunities on the horizon," Mr Pisoni said.
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"The government is ensuring we provide the right resources to fill these jobs through appropriate skills and training."
Weld Australia's chief executive Geoff Crittenden said the technology was three times faster, cheaper and more effective than traditional training methods.
"By using this technology, TAFE SA will not only be able to upskill existing welders, but also train transitional workers and apprentices to be part of the defence program," he said.
"It will raise the standard of welder education in Australia, putting our welder training on par with the best in Europe and America," Mr Crittenden said."
