At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a six-week intensive welding training to kickstart your engineering career.
- Company: South West College, offering hands-on training with industry partners.
- Benefits: Earn £185 weekly allowance, plus support for travel and childcare costs.
- Other info: Perfect for those returning to work or starting fresh in a new field.
- Why this job: Gain recognised qualifications and secure job interviews with top companies.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+ and eligible to work in the UK.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Welding Academy If youre interested in a career as a welder, 12 training opportunities are currently available at South West College (SWC).
If you successfully complete the academy, you will gain industry recognised welding qualifications and be considered for a potential job role with one of the supporting companies.
Training The Welding Academy is a six week intensive training course to prepare you for a job role in the engineering and manufacturing sector under the Assured Skills Programme.
Those selected for the Academy will study City & Guilds Welding Level 1 or 2 and 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.
If you successfully complete the course, you will be guaranteed a job interview with a supporting company.
Participants will receive a weekly £185 training allowance for the duration of the academy, as well as help with travelling and childcare costs.
Who can apply?
Applicants must: be at least 18 years old be eligible to work in the UK at the time of application How to apply Apply online SWC Welding Academy Application Formby12.00 noon on Friday 14 August 2026.
Key dates SWC will invite eligible applicants to attend an Information session and interview that will take place week commencing Monday 24 August 2026 at the SWC Welding Facility, Kilcronagh Industrial Estate, Cookstown.
Training Successful applicants will attend intensive training at SWCs dedicated training venue in Cookstown starting Monday 7 September 2026 to Friday 16 October 2026.
Training times are 8.15am to 5pm Monday to Thursday, and 8.15am to 1.30pm Friday.
Applicants must be available for the whole of the training period.
Company Information The supporting companies participating in the academy are: Portafil International Ltd Specdrum/STEMfab TBC Conversions Terex, Cookstown Terex, Dungannon Bruce Engineering Combi Lift NI Kane Group EDGE Innovate Mc Gahan Engineering Moyle Engineering Muldoon Transport SCL Exhausts Terramac Those who successfully finish Assured Skills Academies are guaranteed a job interview with participating companies.
Offers of employment will be at the discretion of the companies following the interview.
Applicants should note that the job roles available are not eligible for skilled worker sponsorship.
Living outside Northern Ireland If you live outside Northern Ireland, by accepting an offer of a place on this pre-employment training academy, you are committing to attending training and pursuing a job opportunity in Northern Ireland.
Applications are welcome from everyone who meets the essential criteria and are particularly welcome from people returning to work after caring for their children or other family members.
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Welding Academy in Belfast employer: Department for the Economy
The Trade and Export Academy at South Eastern Regional College (SERC) offers an exceptional opportunity for individuals seeking a career in Trade and Export. With a focus on practical training and real-world experience, participants will benefit from a supportive work culture, receive a weekly training allowance, and gain access to guaranteed job interviews with leading companies upon completion of the programme. Located at SERC's Bangor campus, this academy not only equips you with industry-recognised qualifications but also fosters personal and professional growth in a collaborative environment.
Contact Details:
Department for the Economy Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Welding Academy in Belfast
✨Get Hands-On at Local Events
Dive into local trade fairs or community workshops where you can meet seasoned professionals. It’s a great way to shake hands, ask questions, and even catch the eye of potential employers while showing off your eagerness to learn!
✨Connect with Industry Apprenticeship Schemes
Look for apprenticeship programmes in your area, as many skilled-trades companies, like those in construction or engineering, seek trainees directly through these channels. This is often a foot-in-the-door opportunity, and they value your willingness to jump in!
✨Use Social Media to Showcase Your Skills
Create a platform on social media where you can share short videos or posts about your projects or any related DIY tasks you’ve tackled. It’s a fun way to demonstrate your passion and can attract the attention of local businesses like Department for the Economy looking for fresh talent.
✨Don’t Overlook Informal Networking
Chatting with friends, family, or acquaintances can sometimes lead to hidden opportunities. Let them know you’re on the hunt for a trainee role in skilled trades, and you might stumble upon a lead you’d never have found elsewhere!
We think you need these skills to ace Welding Academy in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills!:When applying for a trainee position in skilled trades, make sure to highlight any relevant hands-on experience you've got, even if it’s just from school or hobbies. We want to see how you've used tools and techniques related to the trade, so don’t be shy about mentioning those specific skills!
Let Your Passion Shine Through:In your cover letter, share your genuine interest in the skilled trade you're applying for. Talk about why you chose this path and what excites you about working with Department for the Economy. Passion can go a long way, especially as a trainee where you're eager to learn and grow!
Certificates Matter!:If you have any certifications relevant to the skilled trades, like health and safety or specific training courses, definitely include them with your application. They can set you apart and show that you’re committed to your professional development right from the start.
Tidy Up That CV:Keep your CV clear and easy to read. Focus on your education, any hands-on experience, and relevant projects or apprenticeships. Remember to format it nicely and keep it to one page if possible, as we’ll appreciate a concise overview that gets straight to the point!
How to prepare for a job interview at Department for the Economy
✨Get Your Tools Ready
Think about the specific tools or techniques you'll be using in the skilled trades. If you're applying for a trainee role, you might not need to be a master, but showing that you’ve got basic knowledge of the tools and materials relevant to the job will set you apart. Maybe even bring along some photos or examples of your work if you've had any hands-on experience.
✨Know Your Safety Standards
Safety is a big deal in skilled trades, so be prepared to discuss regulations or safety measures specific to your field. They might throw some situational questions at you regarding safety practices, so think about any protocols you’ve learned. Showing you're safety-conscious will make a great impression!
✨Be Ready for Practical Scenarios
During your interview, expect some practical tests or scenario-based questions. Interviewers love to know how you’d solve real-world problems on the job site. Practise explaining your thought process clearly; it demonstrates how you think on your feet—and this is crucial for a trainee role!
✨Show Your Enthusiasm to Learn
As a trainee, showcasing your eagerness to learn is key. Highlight any experience or courses you’ve done related to the trades, even if informal. Talk about why you’re passionate about this line of work—your motivation will come across clearly and convince them you’re the right fit for the team at Department for the Economy.
