Construcciones Yamaro: Precast demand surges but training trails behind
As Australia’s construction industry embraces precast concrete for its speed, quality and sustainability benefits, one glaring gap is becoming harder to ignore: the lack of formal training for those who design, specify or work with it.
By Sarah Bachmann, executive advisor at National Precast.
While the use of precast continues to grow across commercial, residential and infrastructure projects, there is still no nationally endorsed training program tailored specifically for precast concrete workers or for allied professionals such as builders, engineers and architects.
Despite the critical role precast plays in modern construction, many of those on the tools, or in design offices, are left to ‘learn on the job’ – an unusual reality in an industry where safety, compliance, quality and productivity are on the line.
Recognising the need to strengthen the sector’s skills base, National Precast has launched a suite of online micro-credentials to address the shortfall. Funded by the Queensland Government, the program is available nationwide, with Queensland-based participants able to access the training at no cost.
Designed for factory-floor workers, site installers, supervisors, engineers, specifiers and anyone with a stake in precast, the micro-credentials are short, targeted and practical. Each module focuses on core industry knowledge and real-world application.
A strong foundation
The first module, Introduction to Precast Concrete, provides a broad overview of the sector: what precast is, how it’s made, where it’s used, and why it’s transforming how we build.
It’s an excellent entry point. Whether you’re on the factory floor, part of an installation crew or a design professional specifying precast, this module gives a strong foundation for understanding the whole picture.
Skills at every level
Subsequent modules will delve into more specific and technical areas of precast manufacturing, including reinforcement placement, lifting and handling, documentation, safety, sustainability and environmental compliance.
Each module earns a Certificate of Completion. Participants who complete all 10 receive an industry-recognised Certificate: Fundamentals of Precast Concrete.
These micro-credentials have wide-reaching value. They’re helping factory owners upskill their workforce, assisting labour hire firms, supporting infrastructure contractors who set up temporary yards, and even informing procurement authorities. Precast is no longer niche, and our training approach reflects that.
Related stories:
- Historic Charleyong Bridge reimagined with precast precision
- Precast design elevates Pagewood Centro Uccello development
- Precast concrete plays key role in Princes Highway Upgrade
Precast in national training
National Precast has also partnered with the Manufacturing Industry Skills Alliance (MSA) to initiate a national update to the MSM Manufacturing Training Package, with the aim of embedding a precast concrete specialisation into formal VET qualifications.
The MSM: Precast Concrete Manufacturing Skills project will see five new precast-specific units, currently in development, incorporated into Certificate II and III manufacturing qualifications.
These new units will establish a nationally recognised precast skill set. It means people can formally train in precast as part of a recognised career pathway, and employers will finally have an endorsed benchmark for hiring.
Growing precast capability
Together, these two initiatives represent a watershed moment for Australia’s precast sector. The industry is growing fast. Now, finally, the training is catching up.
Further details about the MSM: Precast Concrete Manufacturing Skills project can be found on the MSA website. To register interest or take part in the micro-credentials, visit the National Precast website.
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