11/09/2025
Economy Minister Launches Welding Academy At South West College
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has announced the latest Collaborative Assured Skills Academy in Welding at South West College (SWC).
The course, funded by the Department for the Economy, will provide training for 12 individuals, equipping them with the skills needed for potential welding roles in companies across the region.
The seven-week intensive training course, which will be held at SWC's facility in Cookstown, is open to those with no previous welding experience. Participants will study for an ETCAL Level 2 in Performing Engineering Operations and also receive Certified Abrasive Wheels Training. An introduction to Robotic Welding is also being offered.
Minister Archibald said the engineering sector is "hugely important" to the local economy and that people with welding skills are "clearly in high demand".
She urged interested individuals to apply, highlighting the £180 weekly training allowance, help with travel and childcare costs, and the guaranteed job interview with one of the eleven supporting companies upon completion.
The academy will run from Monday, 20 October 2025, to Friday, 5 December 2025. The deadline for online applications is 12 noon on Monday, 6 October 2025.
The course, funded by the Department for the Economy, will provide training for 12 individuals, equipping them with the skills needed for potential welding roles in companies across the region.
Minister Archibald said the engineering sector is "hugely important" to the local economy and that people with welding skills are "clearly in high demand".
She urged interested individuals to apply, highlighting the £180 weekly training allowance, help with travel and childcare costs, and the guaranteed job interview with one of the eleven supporting companies upon completion.
The academy will run from Monday, 20 October 2025, to Friday, 5 December 2025. The deadline for online applications is 12 noon on Monday, 6 October 2025.
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
19 September 2006
Man arrested over teenager shooting
A 47-year-old man has been arrested in connection with an incident at the weekend in which a teenager was shot.
Man arrested over teenager shooting
A 47-year-old man has been arrested in connection with an incident at the weekend in which a teenager was shot.
19 July 2021
Training Places Created With New Collaborative Welding Academy
New training places have been created with the launch of a new Assured Skills Collaborative Welding Academy at South West College. The Assured Skills Collaborative Academy will see successful applicants receive industry-standard welding training, during a six-week course at South West College's new industry training facility in Cookstown.
Training Places Created With New Collaborative Welding Academy
New training places have been created with the launch of a new Assured Skills Collaborative Welding Academy at South West College. The Assured Skills Collaborative Academy will see successful applicants receive industry-standard welding training, during a six-week course at South West College's new industry training facility in Cookstown.
31 July 2019
Pilot Welding Training Academy Launched In Belfast
Nine pre-employment training places are being offered on a pilot training academy at Belfast Met's Castlereagh Campus. The college is collaborating with three companies- Cubis Systems Steel Structures (NI) Ltd and Metalcraft Engineering Ltd- to run the scheme.
Pilot Welding Training Academy Launched In Belfast
Nine pre-employment training places are being offered on a pilot training academy at Belfast Met's Castlereagh Campus. The college is collaborating with three companies- Cubis Systems Steel Structures (NI) Ltd and Metalcraft Engineering Ltd- to run the scheme.
22 August 2023
New Welding Skills Academy Announced
The Department for the Economy (DfE) has announced a new Assured Skills Collaborative Welding Academy at South West College (SWC). Seven local companies have joined forces with SWC to offer 12 individuals an opportunity to become skilled in welding.
New Welding Skills Academy Announced
The Department for the Economy (DfE) has announced a new Assured Skills Collaborative Welding Academy at South West College (SWC). Seven local companies have joined forces with SWC to offer 12 individuals an opportunity to become skilled in welding.
10 January 2022
New Welding Academy Announced At Southern Regional College
The Economy Minister Gordon Lyons has announced the launch of a new Assured Skills Collaborative Welding Academy at Southern Regional College, with 12 training places.
New Welding Academy Announced At Southern Regional College
The Economy Minister Gordon Lyons has announced the launch of a new Assured Skills Collaborative Welding Academy at Southern Regional College, with 12 training places.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.