Creating safer, quieter training spaces that reflect industry standards

Real-world acoustic solutions to support health, safety and productivity in education

Across Australia, trade training centres are equipping the next generation with the skills required to step confidently into industry. Whether they’re in secondary schools, TAFEs, or private RTOs, these environments are designed to replicate real-world work sites, such as welding bays, mechanical workshops, carpentry sheds, and engineering spaces. But one element is too often underestimated in its impact on teaching and learning: noise.

Uncontrolled noise in training spaces doesn’t just interfere with communication; it also disrupts productivity. It creates a direct barrier to health, safety and productivity for both educators and students.

Let’s look at why ensuring quieter training spaces is such a priority and what educators can do to provide a safer learning environment for their students.

Supporting Health, Safety and Productivity

Trade training often involves high-decibel activities such as grinding, cutting and welding. If these sounds are not managed correctly, they can compromise safe working conditions and reduce the effectiveness of instruction. For students, long-term exposure to noise without proper controls can also affect concentration and hearing health, issues that extend into the workforce.

At the same time, state and national environmental requirements continue to evolve. Educational facilities must now meet similar noise control standards to those of industrial worksites, with expectations set by local councils and environmental authorities. Investing in the right acoustic solution is not only a compliance measure – it supports day-to-day learning and sets a professional benchmark for students.

Applied solutions in real learning environments

Flexshield collaborates closely with the education sector to deliver acoustic systems that accurately reflect real-world workplace environments while maintaining safe and productive learning conditions.

A key solution for trade training facilities is our acoustic welding bays. These modular systems are built using our Sonic System acoustic modular panel, which effectively contain noise while still allowing teachers and supervisors to maintain visual oversight. The result is quieter training spaces and a safe, controlled learning environment that still feels like a real work site.

One example is Bundamba TAFE, where Flexshield delivered a large-scale installation of acoustic welding bays across the facility’s training floor. The project created a practical layout that allows multiple students to operate machinery simultaneously without excessive noise interfering with learning outcomes. The installation now serves as a long-term solution, supporting the delivery of teaching and compliance with workplace safety standards.

Preparing students for industry

Noise control is a fundamental part of worksite safety. When students are trained in environments that reflect industry expectations, including noise management, they enter the workforce better prepared, with a stronger understanding of professional standards.

By working with Flexshield, education providers gain access to high-performance solutions that have been proven across Australia’s industrial sectors. Our products are manufactured to meet the same standards used in mining, construction and manufacturing – giving students a genuine advantage as they transition into full-time employment.

Talk to Flexshield about quieter training spaces for your facility

Whether you’re planning a new build or looking to improve an existing space, Flexshield can help you achieve the right outcome for your students and staff. Contact us today on 1300 799 969 or get in touch online to arrange a discussion with our technical team.