TasTAFE is a winner at the 2025 Welding Excellence Awards

Left: Simon Bailey (holding certificate), TasTAFE Acting Head of Centre – Trades, receiving the 2025 Tasmanian Training and Education Award for an Organisation at the 2025 Victoria and Tasmania Welding Excellence Awards. Right: Rick Timmermann (holding certificate), TasTAFE Metals teacher, receiving the 2025 Tasmanian Training and Education – Individual Teacher Award.

TasTAFE is thrilled to have won 2 awards at the 2025 Victoria and Tasmania Welding Excellence Awards, held in Melbourne on 12 November.

Hosted by Weld Australia, the peak body representing the welding industry in Australia, the Excellence Awards recognise the people and projects setting new benchmarks for quality and capability in manufacturing.

Geoff Crittenden, CEO of Weld Australia, said, “Our winners are not only delivering outstanding technical outcomes, but they’re also fostering growth, sustainability and a culture of continuous improvement. Their work demonstrates that the future of welding in Australia is bright, adaptive and globally competitive.

“The calibre of nominees this year reflects a sector that’s embracing change while staying true to the principles of skill, safety and precision. These Awards celebrate more than achievement. They recognise the people shaping the next generation of Australia’s manufacturing excellence,” Mr Crittenden said

TasTAFE won the 2025 Tasmanian Training and Education Award for an Organisation. We were recognised for our commitment to excellence, equipping learners with advanced practical and theoretical skills using cutting-edge equipment; and for our deep partnerships with industry, ensuring training remains responsive and relevant.

Simon Bailey, TasTAFE Acting Head of Centre – Trades, was in Melbourne to receive the award.

“This award is a fantastic recognition of the dedication and expertise within our Metals team,” Simon said. “It validates the hard work our teachers put into delivering high-quality, industry-aligned training and their commitment to supporting learners to succeed in a rapidly evolving trade. It’s a proud moment that reinforces the team’s reputation as leaders in welding education in Tasmania.

“Winning this award positions TasTAFE as a benchmark for excellence in vocational training, not just in Tasmania but nationally,” Simon continued. “It demonstrates that our programs meet the highest industry standards and that we’re playing a critical role in addressing skills shortages in key sectors like advanced manufacturing and infrastructure. It also strengthens our credibility with employers and industry partners across Australia.

“For our learners, these awards are a clear signal that they’re receiving training of the highest quality. It means they graduate with skills that are in demand, backed by industry confidence in TasTAFE’s programs. Ultimately, this translates into better job prospects, career progression, and the ability to contribute to Tasmania’s growing advanced manufacturing sector,” Simon said.

TasTAFE Metals teacher, Rick Timmerman, took home the 2025 Tasmanian Training and Education – Individual Teacher Award. Rick has taught at TasTAFE for 21 years after working as a boilermaker/welder in Western Australia, Queensland and elsewhere in Tasmania.

Rick was recognised as a calm, patient and highly skilled educator who inspires confidence and excellence in his students. His precise practical demonstrations and ability to create a respectful and inclusive classroom culture were also highlighted – taking the time to understand each learner’s needs and fostering resilience and pride in their achievements.

With typical modesty, Rick said that he sees the win as very much a team award: “I enjoy working in a strong and supportive team,” he said – adding that what he enjoys most about his teaching role is “seeing learners progress and succeed in their chosen trades. I also aim to show them that there is more to the role than simply being an apprentice or tradesperson.”

Congratulations to Simon, Rick and the TasTAFE Metals and Manufacturing team on the Weld Australia awards – you are worthy winners.