The Minns Labor Government is addressing a critical shortage of skilled welders through an innovative program for public high schools involving students across Mount Druitt .

Chifley College Senior Campus is among the 73 schools across the state that has purchased a $ 35,000 state of the art Augmented Reality ( AR ) welding machine .

This cutting-edge technology provides public school students in Years 10-12 with safe , engaging , gamified learning experiences that build realworld 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 .

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 .

NSW Minister for Skills , TAFE and Tertiary Education , Steve Whan said : “ These AR welding simulators provide a hands-on , industry-standard experience that is safe and engaging , helping students build the skills they need for a rewarding career in manufacturing and engineering .

“ It ’ s especially encouraging to see how AR welding simulators are creating inclusive opportunities , inviting more young women into fields where they ’ ve historically been underrepresented .

“ It ’ s a win-win : students gain valuable experience , and our key industries benefit from a new generation of trained professionals ”

Weld Australia Chief Executive Officer Geoff Crittenden said : “ 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 .”

Local MP for Mount Druitt , Edmond Atalla said : “ AR welding simulators are a game-changer for education and industry alike . They provide students

with safe , hands-on training in critical manufacturing and engineering skills while promoting diversity by opening doors for young women in traditionally male-dominated fields .

This initiative not only equips students with valuable , real-world experience but also addresses the growing demand for skilled tradespeople . Programs like this are vital in shifting perceptions , showing that trades offer exciting and rewarding career paths .”