Skilled welders are in demand according to a recent engineering-related business survey.
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The survey, conducted by the Bendigo Manufacturing Group, was initially for six central Victorian businesses.
BMG chairman Mark Brennan said the survey was expanded following some interesting results.
“We saw an issue come up from the six businesses that first responded where 62 fabricators – mostly welders – were required. That piqued our interest,” he said.
“From a broader survey, where 15 more business responded, we saw a trend that in the last 18 months, (local companies) had hired 80 welders and there was a projection of another 80 required in the future.”
Strategies to address the existing and projected demand for skilled welders will be discussed at a forum on July 31.
The forum includes the Bendigo Manufacturing Group, City of Greater Bendigo and Bendigo TAFE and aims to provide short, intermediate and long term solutions to the need for welders.
Mr Brennan said the challenge in Bendigo was ensure more skilled tradespeople were being provided in the region.
“It is really encouraging to see businesses win projects and provide opportunities to hire more staff,” he said.
“A challenge now is to ensure the region has sufficient skilled labour to continue to provide and produce high quality services and products to maximise growth opportunities.”
A challenge now is to ensure the region has sufficient skilled labour to continue to provide and produce high quality services and products to maximise growth opportunities.
- Bendigo Manufacturing Group chairman Mark Brennan
Mr Brennan said more than 105 businesses had been invited to the forum.
“We have liased with number of organisations at state and federal level as well as Bendigo TAFE and believe there is an opportunity to establish to new courses in welding and fabrication,” he said.
“Targeting and bringing people in or upskilling people who may be in that sector is (a possible solution).”
The Business Forum will be held at Bendigo TAFE’s Conference Room at the Charleston Road Campus from 5.15pm on Tuesday, July 31.