Taking TasTAFE training to the regions in support of Tasmania’s manufacturing industry
Published on: 06 Oct 2025
Bluestone workers completing the nationally accredited Polywelding Skill Set at one of the mine’s West Coast workshops.
TasTAFE has delivered nationally accredited Polywelding skill sets and a Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Course to Bluestone Mining staff on Tasmania’s West Coast, as part of our focus to increase and improve access to training for Tasmanians living and working in regional and remote areas of the state.
The 3-day Polywelding program was delivered at Bluestone Mines’ workshops using the mines’ existing equipment, and new welding guns – part of a $50,000 TasTAFE investment into new, state-of-the-art polywelding equipment. The 3 skill sets delivered include:
Butt Fusion welding – The process of heating 2 pipe ends before pressing them together hydraulically and holding them in place until the join cools, then welding the 2 ends together.
Electrofusion welding – The method of joining plastic pipes using special fittings that have built-in electric heating elements which are used to weld the joint together.
Extrusion welding –Extrusion welding is done with a hand tool, known as an extrusion welder.An extrusion welder has a nozzle for hot air and an extruder that pushes filler material out. The process involves heating the 2 joining surfaces and adding a material filler (extrudate).The extrudate is applied using pressure and then allowed to cool, welding the surfaces together.
“Several Bluestone mining workers successfully completed the training and are now accredited to perform safe and compliant welding of polyethylene pipelines in line with industry standards,” said Matt Dance, TasTAFE’s Senior Manager, Industry Engagement.
“The workers have formalised their skills, increased their job capability, and helped the mine reduce reliance on external contractors. They are capable of meeting project demands as their skills are directly transferrable to the workplace.”
Matt said accredited instructors also delivered a 2-day, face-to-face training package to equip Bluestone staff with the skills to recognise and respond to mental health challenges in the workplace. This course focused on early intervention, crisis support, and pathways to professional help, using evidence-based tools tailored to workplace settings.
“This program is designed for workplaces and community organisations committed to fostering wellbeing and resilience amongst staff. Participants gained nationally accredited MHFA accreditation that equips them to recognise the signs of mental health challenges and provide effective initial support.”
Bluestone Mine has been invited to provide TasTAFE with evaluation of the training provided to ensure course relevance and industry alignment to meet future regional and manufacturing industry needs.
Bluestone workers are now accredited to perform safe and compliant welding of polyethylene pipelines in line with industry standards.
