Lucas Temporali - a second-year apprentice metal fabricator at Tyree Industries in Braemar - is walking in the footsteps of his dad Martin and late grandfather Ted by entering the profession, which is being buffeted by a worsening skills shortage.

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A spokesperson from Weld Australia said an ageing workforce, projected employment growth and a glut of major infrastructure projects on the horizon meant a welding and metal fabrication skills shortage was "clearly reaching breaking point".

Martin Temporali said his son's unofficial "apprenticeship" started in the back-shed of his family's High Range property.

"Being a family of welders and metal fabricators, we were often up in the shed tinkering with oxys and welders together," Mr Temporali said.

Mr Temporali's career is testament to the doors a welding trade can open. After completing a welding short course at TAFE NSW Moss Vale, he secured an apprenticeship with Blue Circle Southern Cement and has since worked his way through the ranks of Japanese manufacturing giant Komatsu to become a senior rebuild specialist.

"This is the beauty of a welding/metal fabrication apprenticeship, you learn about much more than welding," Mr Temporali said.

"You're like a carpenter but you're building with steel. It's a very handy trade."

Lucas, 17, said his family connection to the trade had strengthened his resolve to forge a successful career in the industry.

"It makes it even more special that my dad and grandfather both did the trade too," he said.

"TAFE NSW has been great: it's a really good mix of the theory and the hands-on, practical side."

TAFE metal fabrication teacher Dane Suckley said the Certificate III in Metal Fabrication and Welding changed regularly to keep pace with technology.

"The job prospects are very strong for those entering the industry and are expected to be even stronger post-COVID," he said.

"TAFE NSW is focused on taking one of the oldest trades in the world and making it relevant to the next generations. That's why we have robots in the workshop, virtual reality welders for the students to practice on and other cutting-edge technology."

To find out more about studying at TAFE NSW Moss Vale, phone 13 16 01 or visit www.tafensw.edu.au.