South West firms launch Welding Academy.
Four local companies have joined forces to offer 12 trainees the opportunity to become skilled in welding.
The seven week pre-employment Skills Academy supported by the Department for the Economy’s Assured Skill programme will be delivered by South West College at their Dungannon Campus. After five weeks of college training, participants will then undertake a two week placement at one of the following companies: Nugent Engineering, Mallaghan Engineering, Terex GB Ltd and Strickland Ireland.
Launching the Welding Academy, Ann Williamson Head of Employer Skills at the Department for the Economy said: “This pre-employment Skills Academy will provide participants with the skills needed to become a welder while also providing them with valuable work experience allowing them to gain an insight into the role.
“The Engineering sector is hugely important to the local economy. This Academy will help improve the skills of our workforce, provide employment opportunities in the local community while at the same time ensuring that companies have access to the talent they need.”
Academy participants will receive £150 weekly training allowance. Upon successful completion of the Academy training and company placement, trainees will be interviewed for a position with one of the companies.
Welcoming the initiative, Ciaran McManus Head of Industry and Training at South West College said: “Engineering is a major sector of employment in the south west region. The College is committed to working in partnership with local employers to help them attract, develop and nurture new talent. This new pre-employment Skills Academy is an example of this commitment and is a great opportunity for local people to gain new skills and a potential offer of employment.”
Further information on the Welding Academy and how to apply can be found at:
www.nidirect.gov.uk/
Closing date for applications is Friday 17 August 2018.
Applicants must be over 18.
