Archibald announces latest Assured Skills Welding Academy at South West College

Date published: 10 March 2025

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 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.

Celine McCartan, Principal and Chief Executive at South West College, said: “The continued support from the Department for the Economy for this Assured Skills Welding Academy underpins the success the college has enjoyed within the engineering and advanced manufacturing sectors.

“There is a very strong appetite both from employers and individuals across the region for welding skills and as a college we remain committed to and focused on providing new opportunities for local people to gain new skills, and supporting local enterprises to employ a highly skilled workforce.”

The Academy will be delivered from Monday 28 April 2025 to Tuesday 10 June 2025.

Eligible applicants will be invited to an information session and interview which will be held on Monday 14 April 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.

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

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 and details on how to apply can be found on the nidirect website.

The online application form must be completed by 12.00 noon on Friday 4 April 2025.

For further information please email your enquiry to assuredskills@economy-ni.gov.uk