A new Assured Skilled Collaborative Welding Academy has launched at South West College in Cookstown.

The Academy will see 12 successful applicants receive industry-standard welding training during a six-week course.

Participants who complete the Academy are guaranteed an interview for a welding position at one of 11 companies in Dungannon and the surrounding area.

Economy Minister Gordon Lyons said: "The Mid Ulster area has a strong and resilient manufacturing and engineering sector which makes an important contribution to our economy. This Assured Skills Academy with South West College, the third in a series of seven welding Academies, underlines my Department's commitment to developing the skills that are needed in this area. People with welding skills are in high demand in our local engineering and manufacturing sector.

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"Assured Skills Academies equip participants with the skills they need, through an industry-recognised qualification, and position them very strongly to kick-start a new career in welding. No experience in welding is required – I urge anyone who is interested to apply."

Participants on the Academy will study ETCAL Level 2 Performing Engineering Operations and Certified Abrasive Wheels Training.

Ciaran McManus, Assistant Chief Executive of South West College, said: "Engineering is a major sector of employment in the south west region. The college is committed to working in partnership with local employers to help them attract, develop and nurture new talent. This latest pre-employment Assured Skills Collaborative Academy, the third of seven, is a means of attracting new people to the sector by providing a great opportunity for them to gain new skills and a potential offer of employment.

"We are particularly pleased to be delivering these Assured Skills Collaborative Academies in our new welding training facility at SWC and look forward to welcoming successful applicants to the Academy on board."