Newcastle Students Gear Up For Careers in Welding With Augmented Reality Technology
The Minns Labor Government is addressing a critical shortage of skilled welders through an innovative program for public high schools involving students across Newcastle. Newcastle High School is among the 73 schools across the state that has purchased a $35,000 state-of-the-art Augmented Reality (AR) welding machine.
Tim Crakanthorp MP, State Member for Newcastle, highlighted the significance of the program, saying, “This is a fantastic program; our students will gain hands-on experience in a safe and accessible environment.”
He further emphasized the broader impact of this initiative, noting, “Combining AR technology with skills-based training will undoubtedly create more inclusive pathways for young Novocastrians wanting to go into manufacturing and engineering.”
This cutting-edge technology provides public school students in Years 10-12 with safe, engaging, gamified learning experiences that build real-world welding skills without the hazards of traditional welding. In partnership with Weld Australia, teachers have received training to use the AR welding simulators, allowing them to integrate this innovative equipment into their Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses.
With an estimated national shortfall of 70,000 welders by 2030 — including 12,500 in NSW alone — introducing AR welding simulators in classrooms is a crucial step in addressing the growing demand for skilled workers. These future welders will be needed to deliver critical skills in areas such as manufacturing, power generation (coal and renewables), rail rolling stock, defence, mining, shipbuilding, and road and rail infrastructure.
Geoff Crittenden, Weld Australia Chief Executive Officer, commented, “Industry is calling out for students with a practical bent to go into the trades. We need parents and carers to understand that a career as a tradesperson is full of potential and offers a whole raft of exciting employment opportunities. This program is helping to do exactly this. It is helping to reverse the mindset that the only path for students' post-high school is university.”
Augmented Reality (AR) simulators offer a huge range of benefits for training purposes. There are no safety issues, its gamified approach appeals to a wide range of students, including young women who might not otherwise be exposed to the industry, and offers substantial cost benefits over traditional teaching techniques.
This is just one way that the Minns Labor Government is committed to ensuring the NSW workforce has the skills needed to address the critical shortages the state faces.
