Economy Minister Conor Murphy 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 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.
- For media enquiries contact the Department for the Economy Press Office at pressoffice@economy-ni.gov.uk.
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