WELDING ACADEMY OPENS DOORS
In a move to upskill people and fill a trades shortfall the Fabinox Welding Academy has opened its doors in Riverstone.
The Academy will offer Certificate III in engineering – Fabrication Trade and will also offer a range of short courses, such as construction white card.
David Lortan CEO of D&L Engineering T/A Fabinox Steel and Pipe said the drive to open the training academy stemmed from a shortage of qualified trainees and to ensure local residents had access to employment and re-skilling opportunities.
A spokesperson for the Academy said according to AusGov Dept of Education & Skills and Employment, continued demand for welders will require an additional 30,000 welders to be trained as tradespeople from 2020 to 2027.
The Academy was officially opened on Tuesday (September 8). Kevin Conolly, State Member for Riverstone said he was delighted that the “cutting edge facility“ was now open. “We have a huge demand for jobs. There is an absolute need for trainees who come from places like this.”
Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale congratulated CEO David Lortan for having the “vision” to open the academy.
“It’s an amazing opportunity to go forward. At Blacktown City Council we believe a little bit of training is all you need to set people on the right path. Fabinox will be part of our future. It will help us to provide the skills going forward.
Hills Shire Mayor Dr Michelle Byrne said residents needed skills and pathways to employment and congratulated Fabinox for providing that.
The facility has 13 training bays with the latest high-tech welding machines and fume extraction units and also offers the latest in virtual reality training.
“Our trainers and assessors are highly qualified and have a wealth of extensive experience,” said Mr Lortan who founded D&L Engineering over 15 years ago.
The company’s fabrication shop is next door to the academy offering work placement opportunities during the course.
For more information visit www.fabinoxweldingacademy.com.au or call 9627 6237.
