How to Get a Welding Licence in Australia

If you’re looking to start a career as a welder in Australia, obtaining the right qualifications and licences is your first step toward a high-demand trade with excellent earning potential.

Whether you aim to work as a welding technician or run your own business, this guide explains everything you need to know about becoming a licensed welder. 

From state-specific requirements to the benefits of certification, we’ll help you navigate the process with ease.

What is a Welding Licence and Why Do U Need It?

A welding licence is a legal document which shows that a welder possesses appropriate knowledge as well as experience to perform welding operations compliant to universally accepted standards and legal requirements. In Australia, obtaining a welding licence is essential for several reasons:

  • Safety Compliance: There are numerous risky activities, which are inherent to welding, and if a worker does not conduct them in a proper manner, the result might be an accident. A welding licence means that the holder has been trained to comprehend the precautions which should be taken in order to avoid harms to one or many people in a workplace.

  • Skill Validation: The licence shows you possess knowledge and know-how of the broad range of welding processes including the MIG, TIG, and the stick weld. This validation is so important especially for employers who require assurance that you are capable of delivering excellent work.

  • Regulatory Requirements: As stated earlier, considerable variation exists in the legal requirements toward welding operations in different states and territories of Australia. A welding licence helps meet these laws and may entail licences in the type of construction, and manufacturing or repair work to be accomplished.

  • Increased Employment Opportunities: Welding licence can help you gain better employment opportunities as it will certify a person to perform throughout quite proficiently. It's common for many employers to prefer or demand licensed welders in order to minimise their risk and ensure a minimum standard is met by the welder.

  • Higher Earning Potential: Once you acquire a certification, there are improvements on job procurement and improved wage policies. A licensed welder is believed to have better opportunities of being called upon to perform hard welder jobs as compared to the unlicensed welder.

  • Professional Development: Some of the training include refresher courses which help the licence welders to update themselves with new technologies and practices in the market. This can lead to an opportunity of career progression and division in such fields as maritime, structural or pipeline welder.

Government Resources and Links

For more information about welding licences in Australia, you can refer to the following government resources:

Steps to Getting Your Welding Licence

Step 1: Get the Right Paperwork

If you are planning your initial steps into welding, you are going to require fundamental certifications. The Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade is a crucial qualification that covers:

  • Welding fundamentals: Knowledge of numerous kinds of welding processes and types.

  • Workplace safety: Acquiring knowledge about certain behaviour in order to reduce risks.

  • Advanced techniques: Acquiring knowledge in different types of welds.

Step 2: Complete an Apprenticeship

A formal training is needed for numerous professions; experience matters and an apprenticeship is obligatory. Typically lasting three to four years, you will work under the guidance of a qualified welder, which helps you:

  • Apply theories taught in the practical field situations.

  • Get knowledge about higher method and current trends.

  • Get a real-life exposure of the type of safety measures adopted at the workplace and related legal rules.

You can get apprenticeships via TAFE’s, a private training provider or by approaching welding companies in your area. It is necessary to listen to your learning goals and future plans with your supervisor.

Step 3: Acquire Additional Qualifications when required (if necessary)

Depending on your career goals or specific welding jobs you wish to pursue, you might need additional certifications, such as:

  • Certificate IV in Engineering (Welding and Fabrication): It also sharpens your skills and qualifications for better job openings in the established company.

  • Specialty certifications: For different type of welding such as underwater welding, pipe welding etc., certain requirements may be required.

Step 4: Apply for Your Licence

After you have qualified your certification and completing your apprenticeship; applying for welding license is the next process. This involves:

  • It is important that you check with your state or territory as it will vary from state to state.

  • Collection of requirement documents that include certified training, apprentice completion, and ID.

Step 5: Be ready for an Assessment or a Test

Prescriptively, depending on the requirements of your jurisdiction, you may be expected to pass practical and theoretical tests of your proficiency. These assessments could include:

  • Highly qualified practical assessment of implementations in different kinds of welding methods.

  • Multiple choice questions on safeties and welding theories and practical assessments.

  • Welding examination tests that relate to the codes which apply to your area of specialisation.

  • Learn all you can about the questions and the possible answers that may be asked of you during the assessment.

Step 6: Start Your Career or Business

With your licence secured, you can pursue various career paths:

Employment: Focus positions could be sought within construction, manufacturing or fabrication industries. Developing a good resume with information about your training and experience are important in clinching the job.

Own a Business: When planning to start your own welding business think of the following:

  • Business Insurance: Obtain necessary insurance cover for your business and personnel risk covers such as public liability, workers compensation.

  • Understand Regulations: You need to have a basic knowledge of the laws governing business operations such as permits, and taxation.

  • Payment Methods: Organize proper means of paying and receiving your client’s invoices and receipts.

Step 7: Continue Professional Development

Quite understandably, welding is not an stagnant field and therefore maintaining the knowledge update is very important. You should:

  • Take time to watch workshops, seminars or even refresher courses for purposes of updating on the current feature in the industry.

  • Maybe, after gaining some experience, it is useful to receive some additional professional certifications both to increase a portfolio and improve a position on the labor market.

For more details on how to apply for a welder licence for different state refer to the links below:

Application Submission: Submit your completed application with relevant documentation to the state-specific licensing body.

  • NSW: For more information on welder License NSW click HERE. 

  • Victoria: For more information on welder License Victoria click HERE. 

  • Queensland: For more information on welder welder License QLD click HERE.

  • South Australia:  For more information on welder License SA click HERE.

  • Tasmania:  For more information on welder License TAS click HERE.

  • Western Australia: For more information on welder License WA click HERE.

  • Northern Territory and ACT: For more information on welder License NT & ACT click HERE.

Kinds of Welding Licenses that exist in Australia

To start a career in welding, much emphasis has to be put on getting the correct welder licence. There are general licences, Craft licences, Occupational licences and Training Organisation licences. Here's an overview of the primary types of welder licences in Australia:

1. Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade

This is the common entry requirement for new welders in the market and industry. Also, including details on very fundamental aspects of welding as well as complex methods of welding and techniques of handling different types of welds and procedures of safe fabrication. Although this is not a ‘licence’ per se, this certificate is usually required to get other speciality welder certificates as well as trade licences.

2. Structural Welding Licences

Structural welding requires application on undertaking such as bridges, buildings and large steel structure frames. There may be specialty licences or certification needed for structural applications to do welding activities while conforming to Australian safety standards.

3. Pressure Welding Licences

Pressure welding on the other hand consists of joining almost all structures for pipes and tanks that possesses high pressure fluids or gases. Some welding done in this field requires the welders to be trained and licensed because of the high risks involved in that process.

4. AS 1796 Welding Certificates

AS security 1796 Certificates of Competency are very specific and accredited all over the country. These certificates include:

  • Certificate 1-9: Including fundaments of general welding and pressure welding.

  • Certificate 10: Special to the welding supervisors and inspectors.

5. Offshore and Underwater Welding Certifications

A welder will need special certifications in case they will be required to work on marine environment or offshore constructions. These certification guarantee competency in so many procedures such as the wet weld and the dry underwater weld.

6. Other certifications that a welder may achieve include Welding Inspector.

This licence enables one to become a welding supervisor and oversee welding conformity to the code and standard. It is especially suitable for welders who need to move into management positions upon some time.

8. Trade Business Licence

As for the requirements for independent business, more requirements have to be fulfilled by the welders, for example, trade business license has to be obtained. This is useful for the organization in that it complies with laws of the country in which business operates, for example insurance and taxation procedures.

Automatic Mutual Recognition (AMR) for Welders in Australia

Another important measure with which the Australian federal government has supported the simplification of the mechanism for the recognition of licenses of professionals, including welders, is the Automatic Mutual Recognition (AMR) scheme. This scheme is one of the set ones used in the effort to facilitate workforce portability as well as lessen complicating factors in the employment of licensees.

Key Features of the AMR Scheme:

  • Interstate Mobility: AMR enables welders and other licenseholders to work in another state or territory with a current license they possess. This is especially helpful in an industry, which can experience a vast geographical release of skilled labour demands.

  • Streamlined Processes: It is not necessary for the worker to apply for a new licence under the AMR scheme, if s/he is working in a different state. However, they are allowed to practice in their licensed occupation provided they conform to the legal requirements of that state. This makes it easier and less cumbersome to any workers who handle these types of licenses as well as the licensing authorities.

  • Consistency of Standards: AMR is only applicable when the licensing needs of the worker’s state of residence are reciprocated by the state of intended work. This serves the interest of professionalism and protection across the geographical areas.

  • Duration of Work: In general, the AMR enables a holder of a license to practice in another state for a certain period, which usually is one year. However, where a longer stay is contemplated, workers may require further licensing, or meet other conditions stipulated by the various states.

  • Exclusions: Although AMR makes moving from one company to another more manageable for most licensed occupations, it may not include all forms of work or particular industries that may attract special permits or license.

Steps to Utilize the AMR Scheme:

  • Confirm Your Eligibility: Before considering a migration to another state for work, check and determine whether your current welding license qualifies to be under the AMR scheme. You can obtain this information from your local licensing authority.

  • Understand Local Regulations: While AMR saves you from acquiring any other license to operate, it is wise to check state laws and necessities in the state you are relocating to. Such as safety code, management practices, and client’s requirements much to the company’s dismay.

  • Check the Duration: If you plan to work in another state for more than 12 months, verify what processes may need to be followed to continue working legally.

How We Can Help You Launch Your Welding Career

Obtaining a welding licence in Australia is a multi-step process, but the rewards in terms of career opportunities are significant. At Building Institute, we are dedicated to supporting you on this journey with nationally recognized training programs designed to help you achieve your professional goals.

Our Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade is the perfect starting point for aspiring welders. This comprehensive program equips you with the essential skills and knowledge needed to excel in the welding industry. From practical techniques to safety regulations, our curriculum is tailored to prepare you for a successful career.

If you’re ready to launch your welding career, don’t hesitate to reach out! Contact us today to enroll in our certification programs and gain the skills you need to succeed.

Visit our website to learn more about our offerings:

Take the first step towards a rewarding career in welding with Building Institute!

FAQ

  1. What are the fees of acquiring a welding licence?

Answer: Tuition fees differ according to the training courses, certification, and states application fee either annual or one-time fee. The training can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000.

  1. Do I get more paid with a welding license?

Answer: Yes, because several welders get paid up to twenty-five percent more than the non-licensed ones because of their compliance.

  1. What are the safety requirements for becoming a licensed welder?

Answer: Safety training, PPE usage, and knowledge of workplace safety regulations are integral to welding certifications.

  1. Can one get to specialize on a certain type of welding after he has acquired a basic welding licence?

Answer: Of course, you can continue to go for other certifications such as Offshore Welding Certification, Certification for Welding Inspection or for Structural Welding Certification.

  1. Where does licensed welder stand in relation to demand in Australia?

Answer: Demand is high, especially for welders in companies in the construction, mining and petroleum sectors which offer well paid welding careers.

  1. Does this mean I can obtain a welding licence without doing my apprenticeship?

Answer: It is unusual, because most licensing authorities demand not only formal education (certificates) but also practical experience obtained during an apprenticeship.