South West College (SWC), supported by Northern Ireland's Department for the Economy, is offering a new Assured Skills Academy in Welding.

The programme provides industry-standard training for individuals seeking welding roles with construction and engineering companies across Northern Ireland.

The Academy will take 12 participants through a seven-week intensive course at SWC's dedicated training facility in Cookstown. Training includes ETCAL Level 2 Performing Engineering Operations and Certified Abrasive Wheels Training. Participants can also take an optional Introduction to Robotic Welding (Valk) to learn how to set up and operate welding robots for basic tasks.

Applicants will be invited to an Information Session and Interview during the week commencing October 6 at the SWC Welding Facility in Kilcronagh Industrial Estate, Cookstown. The course runs from October 20 to December 5.

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On completion, participants are guaranteed an interview with one of eleven supporting companies: Creagh Concrete Products Ltd, MCD Engineering Ltd, Nugent Engineering Ltd, QMAC Construction, Kennedy Engineering, Specdrum/Specfab, TBC Conversions, Tracey Concrete, SFM Engineering, Portafil International Ltd, and STEMFAB Engineering.

Encouraging applications, Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald 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."

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 12pm on Monday, October 6. For further information, contact [email protected].