Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has announced a further Assured Skills Collaborative Welding Academy at South West College (SWC).

Funded by the Department for the Economy, SWC is offering an opportunity for 12 individuals to receive industry standard welding training that will provide them with the skills they need to take up potential welding roles with companies in Dungannon and the surrounding local area.

Encouraging applications, Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald said:

“The engineering and manufacturing sector is hugely important to our local economy. There is clearly a high demand within this sector for people with welding skills as demonstrated by the number of local companies once again supporting this Academy.

“By equipping people with the skills needed, through an industry-recognised qualification, this Academy will position them very strongly to kick-start a new career in a much sought after occupation.

“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 and I would urge anyone who is interested to apply.”

Ciaran McManus, Director of Development and Support at South West College added:

“South West College is proud to once again to deliver the Assured Skills Welding Academy as part of our ongoing collaboration with the Department for the Economy.

The Academy is helping to equip local people with the technical skills that are in high demand across the engineering and manufacturing sectors and reflects our commitment to working in partnership with industry to deliver high-quality, practical training that leads directly to employment opportunities.

Successful applicants will attend a six-week intensive training course delivered by SWC at their 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 being offered to all on the Academy who want to avail of the opportunity. Students will acquire the skills to set up and operate the robot to perform a basic welding task.

Eligible applicants will be invited to an Information Session and Interview which will be held week commencing Monday 4 August 2025 at SWC Cookstown Campus.

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

The Academy will be delivered from Wednesday 20 August to Tuesday 30 September 2025.

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 https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/ar...

The online application form must be completed by 12 noon on Friday 25 July 2025.

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