The third quarter of 2026 has been a period of continued progress, industry collaboration, and new opportunities for the Australian Institute of Engineering (AIE). From July to September, we strengthened our commitment to delivering high-quality, industry-focused education through strategic partnerships, specialised training initiatives, and the development of new learning pathways. Key highlights included our collaboration with Weld Australia to support nationally recognised welding certification, continued engagement with the Marina Industries Association in delivering specialised Straddle Carrier Operations and Maintenance training, and initiatives aimed at improving access to training and recognition of existing skills. Throughout the quarter, we also continued to focus on training quality, innovation, and student success. As we enter the final quarter of 2026, AIE remains dedicated to empowering learners, supporting employers, and working closely with industry to develop a skilled, confident, and future-ready Australian workforce.
Bringing Industry Together to Advance Skills, Technology and Innovation
The Australian Institute of Engineering (AIE), in collaboration with Composites Australia, successfully hosted the Industry Trade Show 2026 on 9 October at AIE's Broadmeadows campus, bringing together manufacturers, employers, suppliers, industry specialists and educators for a day dedicated to innovation, knowledge sharing and industry collaboration.
With a strong focus on addressing skills shortages in advanced manufacturing, the event provided a valuable platform for industry professionals to explore emerging technologies, exchange technical knowledge and discuss the evolving skills required across Australia's composites and manufacturing sectors.
Showcasing Innovation Through Live Demonstrations
One of the highlights of the Trade Show was the live resin infusion demonstration presented by Larry Gray from MTI Hose Australia and Scott Compson from AIE. The demonstration showcased practical applications of resin infusion technology, providing attendees with an opportunity to gain insights into composite manufacturing processes and the techniques used in modern production environments.
The event also featured a series of informative presentations delivered by industry experts, covering several important developments and challenges within advanced manufacturing.
Paul Harris from PRP Corp delivered a session on chemical safety, addressing common industry questions and misconceptions surrounding the safe handling and use of chemicals.
Scott Burch from Scottify Designs explored 3D scanning technology and its industrial applications, highlighting how digital tools are contributing to precision, efficiency and innovation in manufacturing.
Derrin Hadfield from AES Sensing Safety presented on preparing for new workplace exposure limits, discussing workplace exposure monitoring, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), styrene testing and the importance of maintaining safe working environments.
Nick Bernard from Sykes Advanced Manufacturing delivered a presentation on additive manufacturing, showcasing technological capabilities and innovative applications relevant to the composites industry.
Together, these sessions offered attendees valuable insights into emerging technologies, workplace safety requirements and the practical challenges shaping the future of manufacturing.
Connecting Businesses, Suppliers and Industry Professionals
Beyond the technical presentations, the Trade Show provided opportunities for networking and engagement between manufacturers, suppliers, educators and industry representatives.
Exhibitors, including Tenacious Tapes, PRP Corp, United Chemicals Composites & Colour (UCCC), allnex, Aeroblast, Milwaukee, MTI Hose Australia and CEAS, contributed to the event by showcasing industry products, equipment and solutions.
The exhibition displays and networking sessions encouraged meaningful discussions, knowledge exchange and opportunities for future collaboration, strengthening connections across the advanced manufacturing community.
Addressing Skills Shortages Through Industry Collaboration
A key objective of the event was to highlight the importance of workforce development in supporting Australia's growing advanced manufacturing sector.
As manufacturing processes become increasingly sophisticated, industry demand continues to evolve for workers equipped with practical technical knowledge, digital capabilities and an understanding of modern safety requirements.
Through this event, AIE reinforced the importance of collaboration between training providers and industry organisations in identifying emerging skills needs and supporting relevant workforce development.
By bringing industry experts, technology providers and employers together at its campus, AIE demonstrated its commitment to connecting vocational education with real-world industry developments and encouraging the exchange of ideas that can help shape future training opportunities.
A Successful Event Made Possible Through Collaboration
The success of the Industry Trade Show 2026 reflects the collective efforts of AIE, Composites Australia, industry presenters, exhibitors and everyone who contributed to organising and delivering the event.
AIE extends its sincere appreciation to Composites Australia for its collaboration, the guest speakers for sharing their expertise, the exhibitors for showcasing innovative products and technologies, and all attendees for their participation and engagement.
Events such as this demonstrate the value of bringing education and industry together to promote innovation, strengthen professional networks and support the continued development of Australia's skilled manufacturing workforce.
AIE looks forward to building on the connections established through the Trade Show and continuing to create opportunities for industry engagement, technical learning and workforce development.
The Australian Institute of Engineering continues to strengthen its connection with Australia's welding industry through its collaboration with Weld Australia.
AIE has been recognised by Weld Australia as an authorised training and examining body for AS 1796 Certificates 1–9.
This collaboration represents an important development in AIE's commitment to supporting welding professionals through industry-aligned training and examination pathways.
AS 1796 is a significant Australian Standard relating to the certification of welders and welding supervisors. Its certification pathways support the demonstration of welding knowledge and technical capability across applicable processes and requirements.
Through this collaboration, AIE is working to develop training and examination resources that reflect industry expectations, relevant Australian Standards and practical workplace applications.
The initiative also strengthens the connection between vocational training and recognised industry certification pathways.
Why it matters: Australia's manufacturing, construction, maintenance and engineering industries depend on skilled welding professionals. Opportunities to develop and demonstrate recognised welding capabilities remain important for supporting a competent and adaptable workforce.
AIE's collaboration with the Marina Industries Association (MIA) continues to support specialised skills development within Australia's marina industry.
An important focus of this collaboration is Straddle Carrier Operations and Maintenance (SCOM) training, which addresses practical skills associated with the operation, inspection and maintenance of equipment used for vessel handling.
Straddle carriers play an essential role in many marina and boatyard environments, enabling the safe handling and movement of vessels.
Training in this specialised area contributes to developing operational awareness, safe work practices and an understanding of equipment requirements.
During the quarter, AIE and MIA continued coordinating training and enrolment activities, including supporting participants in accessing the relevant learning and administrative resources.
This collaboration reflects AIE's commitment to working with industry organisations to address specialised workforce needs.
The Australian Institute of Engineering (AIE) proudly congratulates East Coast Boats on winning the Regional Development Victoria Business Achievement Award at the 2026 7NEWS Victorian Community Achievement Awards.
Based in Bairnsdale, East Gippsland, this family-owned boatbuilding business has been recognised for its contributions to regional manufacturing, innovation, employment and economic development.
AIE is particularly proud of its connection with East Coast Boats through the training of their apprentices, supporting the development of skilled tradespeople and the future of Australia's boatbuilding industry.
Congratulations Daniel Leonti, Hannah and the entire East Coast Boats team on this well-deserved recognition! We look forward to continuing to support their apprentices and celebrating their future achievements.
The Australian Institute of Engineering (AIE) proudly congratulates Oscar Forbes from JPM Shipwrights P/L on being named the 2026 Boat Building Apprentice of the Year!
As an AIE apprentice, Oscar's achievement reflects his dedication, hard work and commitment to developing his skills in the marine and boatbuilding industry. His success is a proud moment for AIE and JPM Shipwrights, highlighting the importance of quality training, workplace experience and industry mentorship in shaping the next generation of skilled tradespeople.
AIE was also proud to sponsor the Boat Building award category, reinforcing our commitment to recognising emerging talent and supporting the future of Australia's marine industry.
Congratulations to Oscar and the entire JPM Shipwrights team on this outstanding achievement! AIE looks forward to supporting Oscar's continued development and celebrating his future success.
From the Classroom to Career Success: Celebrating Our Graduates
At the Australian Institute of Engineering (AIE), the success of our students extends far beyond graduation. Our alumni continue to make meaningful contributions across Australia's engineering, welding and fabrication industries, demonstrating how practical training, determination and industry-relevant skills can support long-term professional and personal growth.
In this edition, we proudly feature AIE alumnus Atul Krishna, whose journey from welding graduate to industry educator highlights the opportunities that practical skills and continuous learning can create.
Atul Krishna – From Welding Graduate to Industry Educator
With a background in mechanical engineering, Atul Krishna completed his Fabrication and Welding qualification at AIE to strengthen his practical capabilities. Although he had previously studied welding overseas, he credits his training at AIE with deepening his hands-on knowledge, improving his confidence and strengthening his understanding of industry standards.
Atul has built a career as a Structural Steel Fabricator, gaining almost five years of industry experience. One of his proudest achievements was subsequently obtaining a Training and Assessment (TAE) qualification, which enabled him to teach welding and fabrication skills to international students at a college in North Melbourne.
For Atul, becoming an educator has been particularly rewarding, allowing him to share his workplace experiences, guide aspiring tradespeople and help students develop confidence in their practical abilities.
“Being able to help students build confidence and avoid the mistakes I made has been incredibly rewarding.” — Atul Krishna
Atul's journey demonstrates how technical expertise, industry experience and a passion for sharing knowledge can open opportunities beyond the workshop.
AIE congratulates Atul on his achievements and wishes him continued success as he inspires the next generation of skilled tradespeople.
No Shortcuts. Real Evidence. Real Assessment.
Experience gained through years of practical work can provide valuable skills and knowledge.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) offers experienced individuals an opportunity to have their existing competencies formally assessed against the requirements of a nationally recognised qualification.
At AIE, RPL is an assessment-based process. Applicants must provide sufficient evidence to demonstrate that they meet the relevant competency requirements.
Depending on the qualification and individual circumstances, evidence may include workplace records, completed projects, photographs, professional documentation, third-party reports and practical demonstrations.
RPL is not about obtaining a qualification without assessment. It is about recognising existing capabilities through an appropriate and evidence-based process.
For experienced tradespeople, RPL may provide a pathway to formal recognition of skills developed throughout their careers.
Learn more: www.auie.edu.au
Meet Jose Paulo Sacay – Trainer & Assessor at AIE
Inspiring Confidence, Developing Skills and Supporting Future Tradespeople
At the Australian Institute of Engineering (AIE), our trainers play an essential role in helping students develop practical skills, build confidence and prepare for successful careers. In this edition of AIE Bulletin 6, we shine the spotlight on Jose Paulo Sacay, whose passion for welding, hands-on training and student development makes a meaningful contribution to the AIE community.
Paulo began his journey at AIE as a Workshop Supervisor before progressing into his role as a Trainer and Assessor. His responsibilities include delivering classes, supervising workshop activities, guiding students through practical tasks and ensuring they develop safe and effective working practices when using tools and machinery.
For Paulo, one of the most rewarding aspects of his role is witnessing students' progress and pride in their achievements.
He particularly enjoys supporting students who visit the workshop to practise welding before undertaking employment-related weld tests. By providing practical advice on welding settings, techniques and areas for improvement, Paulo helps students strengthen their skills and approach these assessments with greater confidence.
One of his proudest moments is hearing from former students who have successfully passed their weld tests and secured employment.
Beyond student achievements, Paulo values the positive and supportive working environment at AIE.
He appreciates being part of a team that encourages collaboration, shares ideas and supports one another. He also believes that learning is a two-way experience, where trainers and students can continually learn from each other.
Looking ahead, Paulo is excited about the ongoing evolution of welding and engineering technologies. With new tools, techniques and industry practices emerging, he looks forward to continuing his own professional development while preparing students for the changing demands of the workforce.
A Fun Fact About Jose!
Although Paulo is naturally left-handed, he welds with his right hand! It's a unique combination that often surprises people, but for Jose, it's simply what feels most comfortable.
In Paulo's Words:
“It's a really good feeling when they come back and tell me they got the job after passing the test.”
Through his dedication, practical experience and genuine enthusiasm for teaching, Paulo continues to make a positive impact on students and their career journeys. AIE proudly recognises Jose Paulo Sacay for his contribution to developing the next generation of skilled tradespeople.
