Economy Minister today welcomed the latest
Assured Skills Collaborative Welding Academy at South West
College (SWC).
Fully funded by the Department for the Economy, this Academy is
offering 12 individuals industry standard welding training at SWC
that will provide them with the skills to take up potential
welding roles with companies in Dungannon and the surrounding
area.
The Minister said: “It is clear from the number of companies
collaborating in this Academy that individuals with welding
skills are in very high demand in our local engineering and
manufacturing sector. Therefore, I'm delighted to see these new
jobs being delivered in Dungannon and the surrounding area,
offering excellent employment opportunities.
“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.
Following completion of the training, participants will be
guaranteed an interview to take up a welding position at one of
the participating companies.
Celine McCartan, Principal and Chief Executive at South West
College, expressed excitement about the pre-employment Assured
Skills Academy, stating: “We are thrilled to partner with the
Department for the Economy and local employers to provide this
exceptional opportunity for individuals to gain the skills needed
to embark on a rewarding career in welding."
She underscored the pivotal role of engineering as a cornerstone
of employment in the south-west and mid-ulster region,
emphasising the college's dedication to working closely with
local businesses to attract, develop, and support fresh talent.
“This initiative demonstrates our commitment to creating pathways
for individuals to gain valuable skills and access meaningful
employment opportunities," Celine said.
She urged all eligible candidates to apply, noting the
programme's potential to unlock fulfilling careers in welding and
contribute to the continued growth of the local engineering
sector.
Participants will receive a £175 weekly training allowance for
the duration of the Academy, as well as help with travelling and
childcare costs.
Further information and how to
apply(external link opens in a new window / tab) is available
on the nidirect website.
The online application form must be completed by 12 noon on
Thursday 12 December 2024 and the Academy will be delivered from
Monday 13 January to Friday 21 February 2025.
All applicants must be at least 18 years old by Monday 13 January
2025 and 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.
For further information please email your enquiry to assuredskills@economy-ni.gov.uk.
Notes to editors:
- The supporting companies are:-
• Bruce Engineering - Cookstown
• Turco Engineering - Cookstown
• NC engineering - Armagh
• QMAC Engineering - Dungannon
• Kennedy Engineering - Dungannon
• Specdrum/Specfab - Dungannon
• TBC Conversions - Dungannon
• Tracey Concrete - Enniskillen
• Keystone - Cookstown
• Coote Engineering - Aughnacloy
• Portafil International Ltd - Dungannon
- Assured Skills is a pre-employment training programme run by
the Department for the Economy. More information is
available on the DfE Assured Skills Programme page.
