A further Assured Skills Collaborative Welding Academy will take place at South West College's (CWC) Cookstown campus in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has announced.

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.

Successful applicants will attend a six-week intensive training course, 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.

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Eligible applicants will be invited to an Information Session and Interview which will be held the week commencing Monday, August 4, at SWC Cookstown campus.

Encouraging applications, Minister Archibald 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."

The Academy will be delivered from Wednesday, August 20, to Tuesday, September 30, 2025. Following completion of the training, participants will be guaranteed an interview to take up a welding position at one of the 12 supporting companies.

The online application form must be completed by 12pm on Friday, July 25.

More information on eligibility and details on how to apply can be found here.