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 finish 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 and 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.
Training allowance
Those taking part in the academy will receive a £185 weekly training allowance for the length 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
Closing date
Applications must be received by 12.00 noon (UK time) on Friday 2 October 2026.
Interview and training dates
Information session and interviews
SWC will invite eligible applicants to attend an information session and interview that will take place on the week beginning Monday 24 August 2026 at the:
SWC Welding FacilityKilcronagh Industrial EstateUnit 6BCookstownCounty TyroneBT80 9HG
Training dates
Successful applicants will attend intensive training at SWCs dedicated training venue in Cookstown from Monday 7 September 2026 to Friday 16 October 2026.
Training times are from 8.15 am to 5.00 pm Monday to Thursday and from 8.15 am to 1.30 pm on Friday’s.
Company information
The supporting companies taking part in the Academy are:
- Portafil International Ltd
- Specdrum/STEMfab
- TBC Conversions
- Terex, Cookstown
- Terex, Dungannon
- Bruce Engineering
- CombiLift NI
- Kane Group
- EDGE Innovate
- McGahan Engineering
- Moyle Engineering
- Muldoon Transport
- SCL Exhausts
- Terramac
Those who successfully finish Assured Skills Academies are guaranteed a job interview with participating companies.
However, 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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