The latest Assured Skills Collaborative Welding Academy at South West College (SWC) in Cookstown, County Tyrone, will commence next month.

Fully funded by the Department for the Economy, this Academy is offering an opportunity for 12 individuals to receive industry standard welding training that will provide them with the skills to take up potential welding roles with companies in Cookstown and the surrounding area.

The Academy will be delivered from Monday, April 28 April to Tuesday, June 10.

Eligible applicants will be invited to an information session and interview which will be held on Monday, April 14 at SWC Cookstown Campus.

Participants will receive a £180 weekly training allowance for the duration of the Academy, as well as help with travelling and childcare costs if eligible.

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

Announcing the latest Academy instalment, Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe 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 local companies supporting this Assured Skills Academy.

"I'm delighted to see these new training and employment opportunities being delivered in Cookstown and the surrounding area. 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."

Successful applicants will attend a six-week intensive training course delivered by SWC at its 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 also being offered to all on the Academy who want to avail of the opportunity. Students will acquire the skills to set up and operate robots to perform a basic welding task.

All applicants must be at least 18 years-old and be eligible to work in the UK at the time of application. For more information and to apply visit: www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/welding-academy

The online application form must be completed by 12pm on Friday, April 4.