The Welding Technology Institute of Australia (WTIA) was formed in 1989 by the amalgamation of the Australian Welding Institute and the Australian Welding Research Association. There are currently over 350 member companies and 1,200 personal members. The WTIA's goal is to assist in making Australian industry locally and globally competitive in welding-related activities. Key strategies are in place to:

• create the correct cultures for competitiveness
• facilitate technology transfer to industry
• drive research and development
• provide a quality work force
• standardise qualification and certification throughout the country

The WTIA is a company limited by guarantee which is governed by a Constitution.  

The organisation offers a wide range of services to its members, including technical advisory, library, and information services. It runs seminars and conferences throughout Australia, publishes the Australasian Welding Journal and Welding Research Supplement, and conducts examinations for welders, inspectors, supervisors, technologists and engineers. The WTIA is the Australian representative to the 48-member country International Institute of Welding and is the IIW Authorised National Body (ANB) administering the IIW international qualifications program in this country. It has established a national network of IIW Approved Training Bodies (ABTs) and has introduced transitional arrangements for existing Australian qualifications to the new international scheme.

Through its Council, Q&C Board, Technology and Research Board, Divisional Board and Divisional Committees, SMART and Industry Support Groups, and Technical Panels it has representation from a tremendous range of industry, government authorities and educational institutions both locally and internationally.

The WTIA has conducted a number of very successful technology difussion and networking projects with the support of Federal, State and Territory governments and industry throughout Australia.