Augmented reality welding stations will give Federation University TAFE students a hot start to their new careers.
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A $650,000 Advanced Welding Centre will be created at the site featuring six augmented reality training stations that will improve the skills of new welders.
A skills shortage in welding across the western Victorian region prompted FedUni TAFE to instigate the new project to attract more welding students and improve the skills of existing welders.
"These augmented reality welders are like a standard welder but instead of touching the stick to metal, you touch it to plastic which contains a sensor. As a student you get feedback through the handpiece whether you are close enough or travelling at the right speed," said FedUni TAFE spokesman Bill Mundy.
"It allows them to practice, repeatedly, in a very safe environment and build muscle memory before they actually go in to a real welding environment."
Jarrod Sutcliffe, who started a welding course last month, said the new technology would help hone basic skills and confidence when learning to weld.
Mr Mundy said the introduction of new technolgy to any course was likely to attract new students, and the augmented reality welders would also have a cost-saving benefit with less metal and welding materials needed for students to perfect basic skills.
"It does have a cost saving benefit but the key benefit is being able to provide skills for students going in to the industry and workplaces," he said.
"Welding as a skill across the entire region is something we are seeing strong demand for. There's growth in the advanced sector and with local industry looking to export more and and expansion in defence it will continue to grow."
Buninyong MP Michaela Settle said the Advanced Welding Centre would service the whole of western Victoria.
"This will help give kids our region the right skills for the jobs that are there," she said.
Ms Settle said skilled welders would play an increasingly important role in priority sectors such as defence and advanced manufacturing industries, as well as major rail and infrastructure projects.
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