Over the next three years, Precision Metal Group (PMG) will be skilling Years 9 to 12 students at Parramatta Marist High School on vital technologies required to work in the lucrative manufacturing industry.
PMG chief executive, Jason Elias said students, including those preparing to enter university, who are keen to try a trade will be trained in welding metal and other materials, drafting, automation and areas of engineering needed in the industry.
This is part of their study on human resources and the latest Workplace Health and Safety practices.
“We aim to expose our students to Australian as well as international manufacturing standards so that they are ready where there is current skills and talents shortage,” Mr Elias said.
“We need talents for defence industry manufacturing, in building infrastructure which is taking off everywhere, in automation, and coding and that is why we need to get our students into early training and taking on apprenticeships that will become part of their future solid career path.”
John Phillips, Parramatta Marist STEM coordinator, said the school-based program was implemented to align with Year 10 curriculum focus on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) classes.
The program introduces students to world-class welding, STEM competitions such as F1 in schools and the chance learn from PMG engineers on how to do CAD drawing and documentation skills.
“The welding program has grown in popularity, especially among STEM students who have one eye on engineering,” Mr Phillips said.
"PMG's generosity and expertise have allowed learning to extend well beyond the walls of the classroom. Our boys absolutely love having Jason and his team here."
Mr Elias said they teach engineering technology so students get the idea that “it is no longer the old, dungeon style dirty welding but the new technology is clean and safe.”
PMG engineers are specialists in training future welders who will come out of the workshop capable to work in manufacturing, infrastructure, mining, and defence industries once training has been completed.
Mr Elias said there is a “huge need for quality trained tradesmen for industries with special requirements.”
The demand for skilled welders is increasing particularly for construction projects such as the new airport in Badgerys Creek, freeways and roads being built across NSW and nationally.
“Given a huge demand for manufacturing since the pandemic, we have to innovate and be creative to fill the gaps and meet shortfalls in the market,” Mr Elias said.
“Having specialist welders will enable Australia to produce our own welded materials without having to rely on imports, and even produce our own materials for export.”
Mr Elias said they will be watching out for promising talents, including female students in other schools, who display an aptitude in engineering because the industry is recruiting anyone keen to learn, work and earn.
