Economy Minister Dr has announced a further
Assured Skills Collaborative Welding Academy at South West
College (SWC).
Funded by the Department for the Economy, SWC is offering an
opportunity for 12 individuals to receive industry standard
welding training that will provide them with the skills they need
to take up potential welding roles with companies in Dungannon
and the surrounding local area.
Encouraging applications, the Minister said: “The
engineering and manufacturing sector is hugely important to our
local economy. There is clearly a high demand within this sector
for people with welding skills, as demonstrated by the number of
local companies once again supporting this Academy.
“By equipping people with the skills needed, through an
industry-recognised qualification, this Academy will position
them very strongly to kick-start a new career in a much sought
after occupation.
“With no previous experience in welding required and a
£180 weekly training allowance for the duration of the Academy as
well as help with travelling and childcare costs I would urge
anyone who is interested to apply.”
Ciaran McManus, Director of Development and Support at South West
College added: “South West College is proud to once again to
deliver the Assured Skills Welding Academy as part of our ongoing
collaboration with the Department for the Economy.
“The Academy is helping to equip local people with the technical
skills that are in high demand across the engineering and
manufacturing sectors and reflects our commitment to working in
partnership with industry to deliver high-quality, practical
training that leads directly to employment opportunities.”
Successful applicants will attend a six-week intensive training
course delivered by SWC at their dedicated training facility in
Cookstown where they will study ETCAL Level 2 Performing
Engineering Operations and Certified Abrasive Wheels Training.
An Introduction to Robotic Welding (Valk) is being offered to all
on the Academy who want to avail of the opportunity. Students
will acquire the skills to set up and operate the robot to
perform a basic welding task.
Eligible applicants will be invited to an Information Session and
Interview which will be held week commencing Monday 4 August 2025
at SWC Cookstown Campus.
Following completion of the training, participants will be
guaranteed an interview to take up a welding position at one of
the twelve supporting companies.
The Academy will be delivered from Wednesday 20 August to Tuesday
30 September 2025.
All applicants must be at least 18 years old and be eligible to
work in the UK at the time of application. By applying for a
place on this pre-employment training programme, applicants are
committing to pursuing a job opportunity with one of the
employers supporting this Academy.
More information on eligibility and details on how to apply can
be found at https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/welding-academy
The online application form must be completed by 12 noon on
Friday 25 July 2025.
For further information please email your enquiry to assuredskills@economy-ni.gov.uk
Note to editors:
1. The supporting companies are:
•
Bruce Engineering - Cookstown
•
Turco Engineering - Cookstown
•
NC engineering - Armagh
•
QMAC Engineering - Dungannon
•
Kennedy Engineering - Dungannon
•
Specdrum/Specfab - Dungannon
•
TBC Conversions - Dungannon
•
Tracey Concrete - Enniskillen
•
Keystone - Cookstown
•
Coote Engineering - Ballygawley
•
Portafil International Ltd - Dungannon
•
STEMFAB Engineering - Ballymena
