Economy Minister Dr has announced the latest
Collaborative Assured Skills Academy in Welding 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 across the
region.
Encouraging applications, the Minister said: “The
engineering sector is hugely important to the local economy and
people with welding skills are clearly in high demand, as
demonstrated by the number of companies supporting this Assured
Skills Academy.
“The training provided by South West College will enable
participants to gain the valuable skills and qualifications
required to pursue a rewarding career in this important
sector.
“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.”
Celine McCartan, Principal and Chief Executive at South West
College, added: “South West College is pleased to partner with
the Department for the Economy to deliver this Assured Skills
Welding Academy. With our expert lecturers and state-of-the-art
facilities, we are equipping participants with the practical
skills and confidence required to succeed in advanced
manufacturing and engineering. This programme not only prepares
individuals for immediate employment with local companies but
also strengthens the talent pipeline that underpins the growth
and competitiveness of the sector in our region.”
Successful applicants will attend a seven-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 6 October
2025 at SWC Welding Facility, Kilcronagh Industrial Estate,
Cookstown.
Following completion of the training, participants will be
guaranteed an interview to take up a welding position at one of
the eleven supporting companies.
The Academy will be delivered from Monday 20 October 2025 to
Friday 5 December 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 www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/welding-academy
The online application form must be completed by 12 noon on
Monday 6 October 2025.
For further information please email your enquiry to assuredskills@economy-ni.gov.uk
Notes to editors:
1. The supporting companies are:
- Creagh Concrete Products Ltd - Toomebridge
- MCD Engineering Ltd - Dungannon
- Nugent engineering Ltd- Dungannon/Magherafelt
- QMAC Construction - Dungannon
- Kennedy Engineering - Dungannon
- Specdrum/Specfab - Dungannon
- TBC Conversions - Dungannon
- Tracey Concrete - Enniskillen
- SFM Engineering - Keady
- Portafil International Ltd - Dungannon
- STEMFAB Engineering - Ballymena
2. Assured Skills is a pre-employment training programme run by
the Department for the Economy. More information is available at
www.economy-ni.gov.uk/articles/assured-skills-programme
