Weld Australia’s Welding Excellence Awards are the most prestigious event on the welding industry calendar. The Awards embody and promote the highest standards of craftsmanship, quality and professionalism.
The 2026 Welding Excellence Awards are a fantastic opportunity for welders, fabricators and educators across Australia to showcase their people and their operations. Winners will be awarded in each state for each of the award categories listed below.
Entries for the 2026 Awards are now open. All entries must be submitted online by midnight Friday 4 September 2026.
Be part of the 2026 Welding Excellence Awards
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The Weld Australia Welding Excellence awards are celebrated across five states in October and November. The awards celebrate the industry’s top talent, innovation, and achievements. The awards are a great opportunity to network with industry leaders, recognise exceptional work, and explore insights into the latest welding advancements. Book your spot today and be inspired by the best in the field.
All tickets include a two course meal and drinks throughout the evening.Â
We welcome everyone to the awards so bring you partner, family and your colleagues and celebrate a night of industry. Many of last year’s events sold out, so be sure to register early to avoid disappointment.
Ticket sales will open later in the year, but be sure to save the date for now (dates are subject to change):
- Queensland and Northern Territory: Thursday 1 October 2026
- New South Wales and ACT: Thursday 15 October 2026
- Victoria and Tasmania: Thursday 29 October 2026
- South Australia: Thursday 12 November 2026
- Western Australia: Thursday 26 November 2026
How to Enter the 2026 Welding Excellence Awards
Entries must be submitted via the specific online form for each category by midnight on Friday 4 September 2026. These forms can be found below, by clicking on the relevant red button.
You must be a Weld Australia member* to enter the Awards. If you would like to be involved in the awards, please contact David Choudry for information on our current membership offer via d.choudry@weldaustralia.com.au or 0417 878 104.
The full Conditions of Entry can be viewed here.
Before starting your entry, it is recommended that you download the Award Criteria. You will need the information outlined in the Award Criteria on hand to complete your online entry form. The Award Criteria can be downloaded via:
- Company of the Year – Fabrication
- Company of the Year – Supplier
- Indigenous Company of the Year
- Health & Safety in Welding
- Project of the Year
- Welding Professional of the Year
- Young Trades Person of the Year (under 25 years of age)
- Trades Person of the Year (over 25 years of age)
- Young Indigenous Trades Person of the Year
- VET in Schools Student of the Year
- Training and Education Award – Organisation
- Training and Education Award – Individual Teacher
- Ken Trevena Award – South Australia Only
- Mick Cudmore Award – Western Australia Only
*For Company or Organisation award categories (such as Company of the Year, Project of the Year, Training & Education Organisation, Health & Safety in Welding, and so on) – the company or organisation must be a Weld Australia member.
For Individual award categories (such as Welding Professional, Trades Person, Training & Education Individual, and so on) – the person being nominated needs to be a Weld Australia member, either as an individual or under their company or organisation’s corporate membership.
WITH THANKS TO OUR GOLD SPONSORS
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WITH THANKS TO OUR BRONZE SPONSORS
Company of the Year
The Company of the Year Award recognises superior performance across a comprehensive range of business metrics including: innovation, quality assurance, corporate social responsibility, health and safety, and training and development of employees. There are three sub-categories:
Welding Professional of the Year
This Award recognises professionals who are making a valuable contribution to the Australian welding and fabrication industry. The individual should demonstrate a high level of skill, knowledge or craftsmanship, be dedicated to their profession, and have professional development plans in place.
Health & Safety in WeldingÂ
The Health and Safety in Welding Award recognises organisations that are leading the way in encouraging and promoting health and safety throughout the Australian welding industry, and ensuring the health and safety of their own team. Organisations will be judged on criteria such as design and implementation of innovative programs or initiatives, the outcomes of these programs, and the health and safety of their team.
Project of the Year
The Project of the Year Award recognises excellence in welding and fabrication projects, with a focus on exceptional craftsmanship, a commitment to Australian and International Standards, environmental sustainability and innovation. Projects must have been completed in the 12 months preceding 1 August 2025.
Young Trades Person of the Year (under the age of 25)
This Award recognises people under the age of 25 who are making a valuable contribution to the Australian welding and fabrication industry. The individual should demonstrate a high level of skill, knowledge or craftsmanship, be dedicated to their profession, and have professional development plans in place.
Download the Young Trades Person of the Year Award Criteria.
Trades Person of the Year (over the age of 25)
This Award recognises people over the age of 25 who are making a valuable contribution to the Australian welding and fabrication industry. The individual should demonstrate a high level of skill, knowledge or craftsmanship, be dedicated to their profession, and have professional development plans in place.
Young Indigenous Trades Person of the Year
This Award recognises indigenous trades people under the age of 25 who are making a valuable contribution to the Australian welding and fabrication industry. The individual should demonstrate a high level of skill, knowledge or craftsmanship, be dedicated to their profession, and have professional development plans in place.
Download the Young Indigenous Trades Person of the Year Award Criteria.
VET in Schools Student of the Year
This Award recognises a student currently enrolled in a Vocational Education and Training (VET) in Schools welding or metal fabrication program who demonstrates outstanding promise in the field. The nominee should exhibit a high level of enthusiasm, a strong commitment to developing their technical skills, and a proactive attitude towards learning and growth in the welding and fabrication industry.
Download the VET in Schools Student of the Year Award Criteria.
Training and Education Award – Organisation
The Training and Education Award recognises the outstanding achievements of a STEM or VET provider or program. Entrants may include secondary education and tertiary education providers. Criteria include delivery of quality, innovative training programs, involvement with industry, recruitment and retention of students, and corporate social responsibility. Â
Download the Training and Education Award – Organisation Criteria.
Training and Education Award – Individual Teacher
This Award recognises and the outstanding achievements of a STEM or VET teacher at TAFEs, independent RTOs and private companies. Entrants will be judged on criteria such as delivery of quality, innovative training programs, high level of knowledge or craftsmanship, strong links with students, and dedication to their profession.
Download the Training and Education Award – Individual Teacher Criteria  Â
Ken Trevena Award – South Australia Only
The Ken Trevena Award recognises someone who has demonstrated an outstanding example of welding expertise on a particular project, attained meritorious skill in a Weld Australia Course, has made a contribution to the art and science of welding, or developed a welding principle, technique or process with special merit.
Mick Cudmore Award – Western Australia Only
The Mick Cudmore Award recognises someone who has demonstrated an outstanding example of welding expertise on a particular project, attained meritorious skill in a Weld Australia course, has made a contribution to the art and science of welding, or developed a welding principle, technique or process with special merit. This Award is open to members based in Western Australia only.
FURTHER INFORMATION
For further information, simply contact: Michelle Tagliapietra (Executive General Manager, Sales and Marketing) on 0437 106 726 or m.tagliapietra@weldaustralia.com.auÂ
WITH THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
AWS
Apex Welding Safety (AWS) is a specialist in controlling welding fumes. Built on the hierarchy of control, AWS offers solutions across all product control categories, including welding helmets with powered air purifying respirators (PAPR), on-gun fume extraction, hooded local exhaust ventilation, push-pull systems, and diluters. Partnering with the world’s leading brands – including 3M, Speedglas, Translas, Nederman, and Plymovent – AWS is perfectly positioned to help businesses implement product controls that better protect welders and nearby workers.
For more information visit https://www.apexweldingsafety.com.au
BOC
For over 100 years, BOC (a Linde company) has been a proud contributor to advances in industry and everyday life, including welding and cutting, steelmaking, refining, chemical processing, environmental protection, wastewater treatment, food processing and distribution, glass production, electronics, and healthcare.
In welding, BOC’s technical experts guide customers through an extensive range of welding and cutting options, including gas mixtures, to help them achieve their budget, productivity and quality demands.
As the exclusive supplier of EWM digital welding machines in Australia and New Zealand, we help customers with Welding 4.0 via new technology solutions for areas such as robotics and automation saving fabricators time and money.
For more information visit www.boc.com.au
Coregas
Coregas manufactures and distributes compressed gases and cryogenic liquids to almost all industries, ranging from heavy industry and manufacturing to healthcare and specialty users such as laboratories.
Welding and cutting is core to our business and our product offerings. With our dedicated technical team and broad range of industrial and specialty products, we can provide expertise and support initiatives to further improve productivity, quality, and safety.
Coregas is changing gases around the country, seeking to raise the bar in terms of service, quality, and value. We believe that the best way to grow our business is to listen to customers and deliver on our promises to them.
For further information, visit:Â https://www.coregas.com/
Gentronics
With a rich legacy dating back to 1982, Gentronics has been dedicated to serving industries just like yours, providing unrivalled expertise and a comprehensive range of welding products, consumables, and industrial supplies. Our mission is to empower you to achieve the best results by offering the finest selection of top- quality products at competitive prices, ensuring you have everything you need to successfully complete your next project.
At Gentronics, we specialise in Welding Automation, Generators, Engine Driven Welders, Turning Rollers, Positioners, Compressors, Benders, Notchers, and Safety Equipment. Whether you require equipment or consumables for TIG, MIG, MMA, CNC, Inverter MIG, Welding Wire, Filler Rods, Aluminium, Stainless Steel, or even gas cylinders and refills such as Oxygen, Acetylene, and Argon, we are your one-stop solution.
Our commitment extends beyond merely supplying welding products and equipment. With our Welshpool service centre, we offer comprehensive repair and maintenance services for all your equipment. No matter the scale of the task or the complexity of the machinery, we have you covered. And to minimise downtime and maximise convenience, our team of On-Site Service Technicians is readily available to assist you whenever the job requires it.
At Gentronics, we take pride in offering more than just products and services. We provide a dynamic environment where welding enthusiasts and professionals alike can immerse themselves in a world of possibilities. Our state-of-the-art Welding Bay, located on-site, is a haven for welders of all skill levels.
Step into our Welding Bay and be greeted by an extensive array of cutting-edge welders proudly on display. From traditional models to the latest advancements in welding technology, we have it all. Our commitment to innovation ensures that you have access to the most up-to-date equipment that enhances your welding experience.
At Gentronics, we pride ourselves on building lasting relationships with our clients. Our dedicated team of professionals possesses deep industry knowledge and a genuine passion for delivering exceptional service. We prioritise your satisfaction and aim to exceed your expectations at every step. Choose Gentronics as your trusted partner for all your welding needs. Experience the reliability, expertise, and personalised attention that sets us apart. Together, let’s take your projects to new heights of success.
For further information, visit: https://www.gentronics.com.au/
ELLIOTS
Elliotts is passionate about taking great care in everything they do, ensuring you have the best protection. This shouldn’t come as a surprise, after all, for more than 55 years, they have been in the business of manufacturing and supplying specialised personal protective clothing and equipment designed to protect the users of their products better than anything else.
Their dynamic and positive spirit to do the right thing for their customers, partners and industry sets them apart and nourishes their capacity to deliver quality products with certainty and to take care of every worker without compromise.
They manufacture and supply a comprehensive range of high-quality specialist safety clothing and gear which includes Safety Gloves & Hand Protection, FR Clothing & Work Wear, Arcflash & Switching Clothing, Protective clothing for Firefighters, Chemical Splash Clothing, Welding Apparel, Furnace Clothing, Wet Weather & Cold Weather Clothing, Welding Screens, Welding Blankets & Drapes, Hi Vis Clothing, and much more.
For more information, visit: https://www.elliotts.net/
KEMPPI
Kemppi is the design leader of the arc welding industry. For over 70 years we have leveraged our considerable expertise to pioneer the development of both welding equipment and productive welding solutions and services, and introduced many new innovations to the market.
We remain committed to boosting the quality and productivity of welding by continuous development of the welding arc. Our advanced welding products, digital solutions and services are highly reliable, feature-rich and simple to use, and have been created for professionals from industrial welding companies to single contractors.
We operate in over 70 countries and are dedicated to empowering welders.
For more information, visit: www.kemppi.com/en
Lorch
Lorch South Pacific is a subsidiary of Lorch Schweißtechnik GmbH. Lorch Schweißtechnik GmbH is a leading manufacturer of electric arc welding systems for industrial applications, metalworking, partially automated solutions and robot automation systems. For more than 60 years, Lorch’s premium quality systems have been manufactured in Germany at one of the world’s most cutting-edge manufacturing plants for welding equipment and exported to more than 60 countries. The welding equipment engineered by Lorch merges first-rate suitability for real-world applications with superior ease of use and outstanding efficiency, setting new technological standards in the marketplace.
For further information, visit: https://www.lorch.eu/en_AU
One Gas Australia
Introducing One Gas Australia, a trailblazer in the Industrial & Hospitality Gas industry, committed to revolutionising the business landscape with a unique and inclusive approach.
Our fundamental philosophy centres around empowering our customers through our ground-breaking NO RENT Cylinder purchase program. By granting complete control and ownership of the cylinders, we empower our customers to treat them as indispensable tools and equipment, just like any other essential asset.
At One Gas Australia, we set the benchmark for unwavering commitment to innovation, service excellence, and unmatched value for all our esteemed customers. We take pride in spearheading the paradigm shift towards Rent-Free ownership in both the industrial & Hospitality Gas markets, heralding a new era of progress.
Driven by our unwavering dedication to making a positive impact, we forge meaningful partnerships with our Stockists and Customers, catering to the needs of metropolitan as well as rural communities. Our reach extends far and wide, leaving no region untouched by our deliberate and focused efforts.
With decades of industry experience under our belt, we bring profound expertise in the welding industry to the table. Let us guide you towards finding the perfect gas solution for any job, ensuring optimum performance and unparalleled results. At One Gas Australia, the future of gas ownership is here, and we invite you to be a part of this transformative journey.
For further information, visit: https://onegasaustralia.com.au/
Outsource Institute
Outsource Institute (AUS), founded in 1998, is an Australian Engineering college, delivering qualifications in Engineering, Welding and specialised trade & technical skills to the Mining, Defence, Manufacturing and Engineering sectors both domestically and internationally.
Having partnered with industry for over 20 years, Outsource Institute is at the forefront of what skills and knowledge is needed in the metals and engineering sector and makes it their business to deliver it both directly and through industry partnerships with Weld Australia, Custom Fluid Power, SMC Corporation (Australia) Pty Ltd, Workforce Success and RPR Trades. To provide their students with educational pathways post their vocational studies, Outsource Institute has recognition for their courses in the form of articulation pathways with several of Australia’s top universities, The University of Queensland, Griffith, Southern Cross, the University of Southern Queensland, and James Cook University.
For more information, visit outsourceinstitute.edu.au or call 1300 136 904.
SPW Group
SPW specialises in welding which includes equipment, consumables, service, second hand and hire.
The group includes Western Welding Services (WA), Townsville Welding Supplies (QLD), Norstate Gas (QLD), Independent Welding Supplies (QLD), The Weld Spot (Victoria), Allweld (NSW), Totalweld (NT) and Southern Cross Industrial Supplies (NSW/ACT and SA).
Our businesses are able to deliver a national specialised welding supply chain and our trading companies have retained their locations, staff expertise and customer service levels whilst combining buying power and marketing initiatives.
At SPW we will continue to deliver exceptional service and a comprehensive range of welding products in every location.
For more information, visit www.spwgroup.com.au/
WIA
With more than 60 years of product development under their belt, WIA has been supplying the Australian market with reliable welding equipment and consumables that have stood the test of time. From the Fabricator to the Austarc 16TC, the products they have developed and delivered long ago are still being relied on today.
Today, WIA has further evolved and take pride in being part of ITW, one of the strongest, most well-regarded manufacturers in the world. For over 100 years ITW’s strategy has never changed – to deliver best-in class, innovative solutions that result in higher efficiency and proven performance for customers worldwide.
For more information, visit https://welding.com.au/
W.E.S.S
Welding Equipment Sales & Service (W.E.S.S.) is the largest Independent Welding Distribution Business in South Australia and is 100% Australian owned. We specialise in everything related to Cutting/Welding and Metal Fabrication. It’s what we do and we do it all Sales, Service, Hire & Repair for all major industry brands and provide the expertise to back it all up.
It’s our business to provide solutions with expert independent advice and deliver value added products and services to our customers, no job is too big or small. We strive to deliver the best solution for the job, with the best products, quality and price in South Australia with expert advice, back-up and ongoing support.
For more information, visit www.wess.com.au/