Overview
- Through stakeholder consultation, TasTAFE identified demand for polymer welding and processing training in Tasmania’s advanced manufacturing sector.
- Working in partnership with Mitchell Plastic Welding (MPW), TasTAFE developed and delivered skills training to staff at MPW and Sentinel Boats.
- The training enabled employees to gain skills directly relevant to their workplaces, providing career development and meeting current and future industry workforce demands.
The customers
Mitchell Plastic Welding is a Tasmanian company providing plastic manufacturing for the aquaculture, industrial, mining and agricultural sectors. MPW specialises in High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) products, including welding, rotomoulding, fabrication and construction.
Sentinel Boats has been building boats for over 30 years – a Tasmanian success story. Sentinel combines specialised naval architecture and HDPE to create boats that support a wide range of customers, including rescue services, government agencies, defence forces, law-enforcement organisations and commercial maritime businesses.
The opportunity
Through consultation with key industry stakeholders, TasTAFE identified demand for polymer welding and processing training across the advanced manufacturing sector in Tasmania.
Working in strategic partnership with MPW, TasTAFE developed a training model for these bespoke skills, which is now being engaged by a number of other industry partners – including Sentinel Boats, who previously engaged a Queensland-based RTO to deliver such training.
This training aligns with the Tasmanian Government’s Advanced Manufacturing Action Plan 2024, speaking to the need for developing a highly skilled workforce and improving opportunities for quality trade training.
This approach to industry also aligns with the Tasmanian Government’s Industry Skills Compact with the advanced manufacturing sector.
The training
Delivered by TasTAFE teachers at both MPW and Sentinel Boats workplaces, the training covered joining polyethylene pipelines using butt and electrofusion welding, and welding plastic using extrusion techniques.
For Sentinel staff, this was followed by a 2-day Miller Training program at TasTAFE’s Bender Drive Campus, covering the safe usage of millers on aluminium and plastic.
Participants gained certification in the following units:
- PMBWELD301E Join polyethylene plastic pipelines using butt welding
- PMBWELD302E Join polyethylene plastic pipelines using electrofusion welding
- PMBWELD309E Weld plastic using extrusion techniques; and
- Statement of Attainment: Miller Training – safe usage of millers on aluminium and plastic.
The outcomes
The training provided the opportunity for employees at both Sentinel Boats and MPW to have their current skills formally recognised, and for others to gain skills directly relevant to their company’s manufacturing processes and products – providing a framework for career development.
This is a clear example of TasTAFE listening to industry, recognising opportunities to collaborate, and developing training programs that align with current and future demand, of benefit to both learners and industry.
The partnership delivers against TasTAFE’s 10 Year Strategic Plan in actively engaging with industry and delivering solutions that align with growth sectors.
The future
Contacts
If you’d like further information regarding this training, please contact industryengagement@tastafe.tas.edu.au.