A welding course in Sydney, Australia?

[scott brunsdon]

Gidday,
Yep, I know this is a US site, but there may be some Australian members lurking. I can't imagine there are many welding forums out there - you have to admit it's pretty bizarre.
Anyway, here's my quandry. I've been stick welding for years - repairs around the house, shelving, racks etc. I taught myself through trial and error (lots of error).
I want to make a staircase and a balcony, so I thought it was about time I learnt to weld properly. (I also enjoy welding and would like to learn more about it.)
Does anybody happen to know of any evening courses in Sydney? Tafe (that will only mean something to Australian readers) run some but there have been a few courses cancelled of late.
Scott

[JDH]

Hey Scott,
One lurking Aussie here!
There are a couple of other welding sites, but this is by far the best. Most of the info is relevant to this end of the world (except voltage).

Doing a course is a good idea, you can read and research forever, but it helps to have someone point out what you're doing wrong.
I did one years ago at a technical college in London (no I'm not a pom, I just lived there for a while) and it improved my welding skills dramatically. And the bits I fixed up during the course were worth more than the tuition fee.

I have also been looking for some evening courses, and TAFE seems to be the only way to go. I'm down in Melbourne, so I don't know if Sydney would be the same.
Most of them have web sites, so find one near you and let them know you're interested. There does seem to be a problem with cancellation due to limited numbers though, so you might have to be patient.

Only other suggestion I have is to speak to the guys down at the local welding supplier, like BOC. If you're lucky like me you'll find an old bloke there who just enjoys sharing his expertise. Most shop assistants these days don't seem to know much, this guy certainly does.
I went in there for some rods and spent two hours learning about welding aluminium. He even got his textbooks out and started photocopying stuff for me!

Let me know if there is anything I can help you with.

[scott brunsdon]

A lurking Aussie!

I hadn't thought of talking to equipment suppliers. Great idea.

Tafe are pretty hopeless.

Thanks for the reply JDX.

[Robin Hood]

I do have some Friends from over the Big Pond via the net.... :D USA has nothing to do with Helping a fellow welder out..... :laugh: Just ask.......someboby knows the answer!!!!

Don't get Mad if you stick a few Rods....just keep up the practice.....burn one, throw one, burn one, throw one, you will get it, if you want too...

[scott brunsdon]

Thanks Robin Hood.
I've been stick welding for some years, but I'm self taught. Most of the things I have done have been non-structural i.e. nobody is going to walk on them.
I don't do trailers or things like that either because I hate the thought of one of my welds failing while someone is driving down the highway.
I want to start doing more challenging jobs (like a balcony and staircase at home) so it's time to learn how to do things properly.
In the US where you have 270 million people, I bet there are loads of welding courses. Our total population is 20 million and we're spread mostly around the edges of a pretty big island (it's that one below Asia).
I'm in Australia's biggest city (Sydney), but there don't seem to be any courses that I can find. It's a case of supply and demand - not enough people want to weld.
Interestingly, Australia is facing a shortage of tradespeople so I'd say there will be more government funded training enterprises down the track.
Scott

[Robin Hood]

Scott, you are more than Welcome.
Iv'e done a few Spiral Staircases, and some plain ones, so if I can be of some help just ask. Start a new Tread, and Im sure you will get all kinds of help.

[scott brunsdon]

Just noticed your pun, Robin Hood. Very good.

[Robin Hood]

Hey Scott,

What is "Pun"? If it's what I think it is...Theres No Pun Intended.. :laugh:

[scott brunsdon]

A pun is a 'play on words'. In reference to stairs, you suggested I start a new 'tread', as opposed to a 'thread'. Made me chuckle.

[Robin Hood]

:laugh: Dang I just saw that too...never said I was the best spelling guy, only the welder...