--- title: Welding Industry Advocacy Australia | Weld Australia description: Weld Australia advocates for the welding and fabrication industry across standards compliance, sovereign manufacturing capability, workforce development, apprenticeships, diversity and public safety. --- [Skip to main content](https://www.weldaustralia.dev/advocacy#main-content) [1300 660 660](tel:1300660660) [info@weldaustralia.com.au](mailto:info@weldaustralia.com.au) [Find a member](https://www.weldaustralia.dev/find-a-member/?hsLang=en) - Membership - [Membership overview](https://www.weldaustralia.dev/membership?hsLang=en) - [Individual membership](https://www.weldaustralia.dev/membership#membership-individual) - [Corporate membership](https://www.weldaustralia.dev/membership#membership-corporate) - [Industry supplier membership](https://www.weldaustralia.dev/membership#membership-supplier) - [Membership Options](https://www.weldaustralia.dev/membership?hsLang=en) - Training - [Training overview](https://www.weldaustralia.dev/training?hsLang=en) - 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[Training overview](https://www.weldaustralia.dev/training?hsLang=en) - [Course timetable](https://www.weldaustralia.dev/courses?hsLang=en) - [Welding Inspection](https://www.weldaustralia.dev/courses?category=welding-inspection&hsLang=en#all-courses) - [Welding Supervision](https://www.weldaustralia.dev/courses?category=welding-supervision&hsLang=en#all-courses) - [Welding Coordination](https://www.weldaustralia.dev/courses?category=welding-coordination&hsLang=en#all-courses) - [Short Courses](https://www.weldaustralia.dev/courses?category=short-courses&hsLang=en#all-courses) - [IIW Inspector](https://www.weldaustralia.dev/courses/iwi-s-s12?hsLang=en) - [AS1796 Cert 10](https://www.weldaustralia.dev/courses/as1796-cert-10?hsLang=en) - Certification - [Certification Guidance](https://www.weldaustralia.dev/certification?hsLang=en) - [Welders](https://www.weldaustralia.dev/certification?pathway=welders&hsLang=en) - [Welding Supervisors](https://www.weldaustralia.dev/certification?pathway=welding-supervisor&hsLang=en) - [Welding Inspectors](https://www.weldaustralia.dev/certification?pathway=iwi-s&hsLang=en) - [Welding Coordinators](https://www.weldaustralia.dev/certification?pathway=welding-coordinators&hsLang=en) - [Company Certifications](https://www.weldaustralia.dev/certification?pathway=iso-3834&hsLang=en) - [AICIP](https://aicip.org.au/) - [Engineering](https://www.weldaustralia.dev/engineering?hsLang=en) - Events - [All Events](https://www.weldaustralia.dev/events?hsLang=en) - [National Manufacturing Summit](https://www.weldaustralia.dev/404/?hsLang=en) - [Webinars](https://www.weldaustralia.dev/events?hsLang=en) - [Committee events](https://www.weldaustralia.dev/events?hsLang=en) - Resources - [Technical Resources Hub](https://www.weldaustralia.dev/resources?hsLang=en) - [News](https://www.weldaustralia.dev/news#latest-articles) - [Australian Welding magazine](https://www.weldaustralia.dev/news#magazine-connect) - [Weld Connect newsletter](https://www.weldaustralia.dev/news#magazine-connect) - About - [Advocacy](https://www.weldaustralia.dev/advocacy?hsLang=en) - [About Weld Australia](https://www.weldaustralia.dev/about?hsLang=en) - [Our team](https://www.weldaustralia.dev/about#our-team) - [Contact us](https://www.weldaustralia.dev/contact-us?hsLang=en) [1300 660 660](tel:1300660660) [info@weldaustralia.com.au](mailto:info@weldaustralia.com.au) Industry advocacy # Building a stronger welding industry for all Australians Weld Australia leads advocacy for the welding and fabrication industry - addressing critical issues including standards compliance, skills shortages, sovereign manufacturing capability, and public safety. We work with government and industry to drive policy reform and strengthen Australia's industrial future. [Our priorities](https://www.weldaustralia.dev/advocacy#sovereign) [Read our submissions](https://www.weldaustralia.dev/news/?hsLang=en) ![Weld Australia](https://441838610.fs1.hubspotusercontent-ap1.net/hub/441838610/hubfs/Screenshot-2026-07-31.webp?width=1851&height=1012&name=Screenshot-2026-07-31.webp) Member survey ## What our members told us 88% see welding as a long-term career, demonstrating strong commitment to the profession. 71% have experienced imported fabricated products failing to meet Australian Standards at least sometimes. 50% of business leaders are optimistic about rising demand for Australian manufacturing. 89% say Australia does not have enough qualified welders to meet upcoming infrastructure and Defence demand. 50% of businesses increased investment in technology 43% are increasing investment in training. 62% support pre-apprenticeship programs to help recruit and retain more apprentices. 61% support improved training programs to strengthen apprentice recruitment and retention. Our mission ## Securing the long-term future of Australia's welding sector We work closely with government, industry, education providers, and key stakeholders to influence policy, drive reform, and champion initiatives that deliver real outcomes. From strengthening onshore manufacturing and improving quality and safety, through to advancing training, supporting apprenticeships, and promoting diversity and wellbeing - our advocacy spans the full breadth of the industry. Priority area 02 ## Welding standards, quality, compliance and public safety Australia has some of the highest-quality welding standards in the world, but too often, compliance with these standards is voluntary rather than enforced. This creates a critical gap, allowing non-compliant products - particularly imported fabricated steel - to enter the market at the expense of quality, safety, and long-term performance. Weld Australia advocates for stronger regulatory frameworks that require all fabricated steel - whether produced locally or overseas - to meet Australian Standards. Ensuring compliance is not just an industry issue; it is a public safety imperative. **Compliance gap** In many international markets, certification to recognised standards is mandatory. In Australia, it remains largely voluntary - creating an uneven playing field and genuine public safety risks. ![Welding standards compliance inspection](https://441838610.fs1.hubspotusercontent-ap1.net/hub/441838610/hubfs/placeholders/Stocked%20Images/iStock-2188581107%20(2).jpg?width=1192&height=795&name=iStock-2188581107%20(2).jpg) Priority area 02 ## Welding standards, quality, compliance and public safety Australia's sovereign manufacturing capability is under increasing pressure, with decades of offshoring eroding local industry capacity, jobs, and expertise. Once contributing around 28% of GDP, manufacturing now accounts for just 5% - a decline driven by procurement decisions that prioritise lowest upfront cost over quality, safety, and long-term value. Weld Australia advocates for stronger local content policies and smarter procurement practices that recognise the importance of investing in Australian industry. Building sovereign capability ensures safety, resilience, and a sustainable future.   **Compliance gap** In many international markets, certification to recognised standards is mandatory. In Australia, it remains largely voluntary - creating an uneven playing field and genuine public safety risks. ![Welding standards compliance inspection](https://441838610.fs1.hubspotusercontent-ap1.net/hub/441838610/hubfs/placeholders/Stocked%20Images/iStock-2188581107%20(2).jpg?width=1192&height=795&name=iStock-2188581107%20(2).jpg) Priority area 03 ## Welders Australia will be short of by 2030 70,000 welders Australia will be short of by 2030 Australia is facing a critical shortage of skilled welders threatening the delivery of major infrastructure, energy, defence, and manufacturing projects. Many businesses are already operating at just 30-50% capacity due to a lack of qualified personnel. This challenge is compounded by a declining workforce, an ageing demographic, and a global shortage of welding talent - meaning international recruitment alone cannot solve the problem. 2030 Projected critical shortage year 30-50% Capacity some businesses are operating at Ageing Workforce under increasing demographic pressure Global Shortage cannot be solved by recruitment alone Priority area 04 ## Women in welding \<1% of Australia's welding and fabrication workforce is female This imbalance is not just an equity issue - it is a missed opportunity to address critical skills shortages, boost productivity, and drive innovation. As demand for skilled welders continues to grow, increasing female participation is one of the most effective ways to expand the talent pool. Weld Australia advocates for targeted initiatives that encourage more women into welding - including improved access to training, stronger career pathways, and measurable diversity targets. Creating a more diverse workforce is essential to the long-term sustainability of the industry.   ![iStock-879813818](https://441838610.fs1.hubspotusercontent-ap1.net/hub/441838610/hubfs/iStock-879813818.webp?width=1192&height=671&name=iStock-879813818.webp) Priority area 05 ## Welding apprentices and TAFE training Australia's future welding capability depends on a strong pipeline of skilled tradespeople. Yet apprenticeships have declined significantly while demand for qualified welders grows. An ageing workforce and increasing reliance on university pathways have left critical gaps in vocational skills. TAFEs remain a strategic national asset. Weld Australia advocates for renewed investment in TAFEs and a revitalised apprenticeship system - including future-focused curricula, stronger industry alignment, and clear pathways from training into employment. ![iStock-1266644220 (2)](https://441838610.fs1.hubspotusercontent-ap1.net/hub/441838610/hubfs/placeholders/Stocked%20Images/iStock-1266644220%20(2).jpg?width=976&height=651&name=iStock-1266644220%20(2).jpg) What we're calling for Renewed TAFE investment Hands-on technical training as a strategic national asset Revitalised apprenticeships Clear pathways from training into long-term employment Priority area 06 ## VET rehabilitation programs for prisoners Australia's growing prison population presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Many inmates - particularly younger individuals and repeat offenders - have low levels of education and limited access to meaningful employment pathways, contributing to high rates of reoffending. Weld Australia advocates for targeted VET rehabilitation programs within correctional facilities as a practical solution - addressing skills shortages while creating real pathways to employment and reducing recidivism. **Job-ready skills** Welding training to ISO 9606 standards through VET Centre of Excellence programs is already demonstrating strong results - equipping participants with industry-aligned skills. > Training gave me a real skill, a real job, and a future I could build towards. This program changed everything. Program participant - VET Welding Centre of Excellence Latest articles ## Industry news & updates 0 articles [View all announcements](https://www.weldaustralia.dev/news/?hsLang=en) [All](https://www.weldaustralia.dev/news?hsLang=en) Search news and publications ### No articles found There are no posts available for this topic yet. Please check back soon. ## Stand with us. Advocate for Australia's future. Join Weld Australia and add your voice to the advocacy work shaping Australia's industrial future. 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