Vietnamese boilermakers and fabricators: could the Australian welding gap suit you?

News · 2026-09-30 · 3 min read

Are you a welder, boilermaker or fabricator in Vietnam? Then this news from Australia may interest you. A 2026 industry survey found that 89.2 per cent of respondents think Australia does not have enough qualified welders. The country is planning large infrastructure, defence and renewable energy projects, and it needs skilled people to build them.

Does Australia really need more welders?

The survey says yes, but the story has two sides. Many workshops are worried about finding enough work. Six in ten respondents had three months or less of confirmed work. One in five had no confirmed projects at all. Almost 60 per cent of fabrication workshops were running below 75 per cent capacity.

So businesses have two problems: not enough projects and not enough skilled staff. The industry says local workshops are able to do the work. They just need more access to it. That is why they are asking governments to prefer local content in public projects. When big projects do start, skilled people will be needed.

Why do standards matter to you?

The survey shows that compliance is a big worry. About 71.4 per cent of respondents said imported fabricated products at least sometimes fail to meet Australian standards. And 53.6 per cent said this happens often or very often.

This is good to know. Australian employers want workers who understand Australian welding and fabrication standards. Your certificates and written proof of your work can help show this.

Are employers still investing?

Yes, many are. Costs are high. 82.1 per cent of respondents reported higher energy prices, and 78.5 per cent reported higher material costs. But half of them increased their spending on technology. 42.8 per cent invested more in staff training. Employers who invest in people and equipment are often better to work for.

The industry also says welding does not get enough respect. About 79.5 per cent of respondents felt this way. The sector wants to lift the image of the trade, which could improve pay and conditions over time.

What can you prepare in Vietnam?

Vietnamese vocational certificates are usually assessed again abroad. In Australia, this is normally done through a skills assessment. Some people may also find extra training helpful for the assessment.

Keep your trade certificate and any qualification papers safe.
Ask past employers for letters that describe the welding work you did.
Prepare certified English translations of Vietnamese documents if the visa rules ask for them.
If a police certificate is requested, a Vietnamese citizen usually needs the Judicial Record Certificate No. 2 (Phiếu lý lịch tư pháp số 2).
Plan for an English test, such as IELTS or PTE, if the visa or employer needs one.

Please check the visa rules first

A shortage in one industry does not mean you will get a visa. Visa rules and occupation lists change often. Check the current Skills in Demand visa settings, occupation lists and skills assessment rules for your trade on the Department of Home Affairs website. You can also ask a licensed migration professional about your own situation.

Stay safe

Deal only with licensed organisations and real employers. Never pay an unlicensed broker. Be careful with anyone who asks for money upfront to secure a job or a visa. Take your time, and ask questions before you share documents.

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