Welding Academy
If you’re 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 picked for the Academy 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 take the opportunity. Students will learn the skills to set up and operate the robot to perform a basic welding task.
If you successfully finish the course, you will be guaranteed a job interview with a supporting company.
Participants will receive a £180 weekly 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 at:
Closing date
Applications must be received by 12.00 noon (UK time) on Monday 5 January 2026.
Interview and training dates
SWC will invite eligible applicants to attend an Information session and interview that will take place week beginning Monday 12 January 2026 at the SWC Welding Facility, Kilcronagh Industrial Estate, Cookstown.
Successful applicants will attend intensive training at SWC's dedicated training venue at Cookstown from Monday 26 January 2026 to Friday 6 March 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:
- NHL
- TBC Conversions
- Nugent Engineering
- SFM Engineering
- Tracey Concrete
- MCD Engineering
- Specdrum
- QMAC Silos Ltd
- Portafil International Ltd
- Creagh Concrete
- STEMfab
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.
Help to apply
If you have a disability and need help to complete this form:
or
- telephone 028 9041 6972
Further information
For more information on this academy or to receive updates on new academy opportunities as they arise, email your query to:
Privacy notice
To find out how your information will be managed, you can view the privacy notice for Assured Skills.