Growing the steel framing skilled workforce
New training pathways are helping build workforce capability for the light gauge steel framing industry
A skilled workforce is essential to supporting the continued growth of light gauge steel (LGS) framing across Australia's residential construction sector.
Like many areas of the building industry, steel framing businesses are operating in a challenging labour market, with ongoing shortages of skilled tradespeople affecting workforce availability and project delivery. Building workforce capacity and capability has therefore become an important priority for the industry.
Recognising this need, BlueScope has been working alongside the National Association of Steel-Framed Housing (NASH), training organisations and vocational education stakeholders for a number of years to develop new training opportunities and career pathways that help build the skilled workforce needed for the future.
Building skills through vocational training
A key focus has been on increasing the presence of steel framing within Australia's Vocational Education and Training (VET) system.
One significant milestone was the inclusion of light gauge steel framing content within the Certificate III Carpentry qualification, helping more apprentices gain experience with LGS framing during their trade training. Building on this achievement, a case for change has recently been lodged with BuildSkills Australia to explore opportunities to further strengthen steel framing content within the qualification.
BlueScope has also worked with a number of Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) to introduce steel frame installation activities into Certificate I and Certificate II construction programs. These initiatives have provided students with practical exposure to steel framing while helping employers identify future talent entering the industry.
Watch this short video that follows students as they move from hands-on LGS framing training into on-site apprenticeships, demonstrating the value these programs can deliver for both future workers and employers.
National LGS installation short course enters pilot phase
Another significant industry milestone is the upcoming pilot delivery of NASH’s nationally accredited short course in LGS framing installation.
With support from BlueScope and vocational education experts, course resources have been developed, with RTOs in Queensland, South Australia and the ACT looking to pilot the course over the coming months.
The course has been designed to provide steel framing installation training in a format that can be readily adopted by education providers around the country. It offers the flexibility to be able to be delivered alongside existing Certificate I and II pathways or as a stand-alone skill set.
By creating additional shorter pathways for people to develop practical, job-ready steel framing installation skills, the course will help support workforce growth and strengthen capability across the industry.
If you'd like to learn more about the pilot courses, express your interest in participating, nominate potential participants or enquire about recruiting graduates, please contact team@truecore.com.au.
Strengthening capability in LGS frame detailing
Work is also underway to strengthen technical capability within the industry through a pilot LGS frame detailing course currently being delivered by TAFE NSW.
The course is being delivered virtually through the Newcastle campus and has attracted participants from a range of backgrounds.
BlueScope and NASH have supported enrolments and delivery of the course and are working with TAFE NSW to gather feedback from students and educators to help inform future course delivery and development.
Supporting ongoing learning through Frameworks
To support ongoing skills development, the NASH Frameworks website, developed with support from BlueScope, provides a growing library of practical installation videos, technical resources and best practice guidance. The resources help installers, carpenters, builders, plumbers, electricians and apprentices build their knowledge and skills whenever they need them.
Supporting the future of the LGS framing industry
Together, these initiatives are helping create more pathways into the steel framing industry, supporting new entrants, existing tradespeople and career changers to develop the skills needed for LGS frame installation and detailing.
For builders, fabricators and installers, increasing the availability of trained steel framing personnel will help build workforce capability and provide greater capacity to meet the anticipated future demand.
Through continued collaboration with NASH, training providers and the VET sector, BlueScope is helping develop the skills and career pathways needed to support the long-term growth of the light gauge steel framing industry.
