The Economy Minister Gordon Lyons has announced the launch of a new Assured Skills Collaborative Welding Academy at Southern Regional College, with 12 training places.

Successful applicants to the Academy will receive industry-standard welding training that will provide them with the skills to take up potential welding roles with companies in Craigavon, Armagh, Newry and Lisburn.

Minister Lyons said: "I am pleased to announce this collaborative Assured Skills Welding Academy at Southern Regional College, the fourth at the college this financial year.

"Businesses in the local engineering and fabrication sectors are continually seeking new people with these specialist skills. This collaborative approach at Southern Regional College will enable participants to gain valuable skills and, on successful completion, receive a Level 2 City & Guilds welding qualification which will give them a great opportunity to pursue a rewarding career.

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"With no previous experience in welding required and £155 per week training allowance provided to participants on the Academy, I urge anyone who is interested to apply."

The pre-employment Academy consists of a five-week intensive training course at SRC's Portadown campus during which participants will study a Level 2 City and Guilds Award in MIG Welding Skills, followed by two weeks of consolidation training with one of five participating companies.

Following completion of the training, participants will be guaranteed an interview to take up a welding position at one of the participating companies.

Brian Doran, Principal and Chief Executive of Southern Regional College, said: "SRC is delighted to be working in partnership with DfE and a range of local employers to offer this fantastic opportunity for people to learn the skills needed to start a rewarding career in welding. We are pleased to partner with five local manufacturing/engineering businesses who will provide real-world training consolidation and experience to participants on this upcoming Academy, with the guarantee of a job interview for those who complete the course."

It is planned to deliver the Academy over the following dates:

• Monday 21 February to Friday 25 March 2022 – college-based training

• Monday 28 March to Friday 8 April – consolidation training

Applicants must be at least 18 years old by Monday 21 February 2022 and eligible to work in the UK.

This opportunity is not open to anyone currently employed within the manufacturing and engineering sector.

Applications are open until noon on Friday 4 February 2022.