West Midlands Mayor Andy Street has identified the skills shortage as the biggest challenge facing the region as he prepares to enter negotiations with government over a new multi-million pound skills deal.
Welding is a case in point with the Midlands ranking only behind the North West and Wales when it comes to demand for welding skills. Put simply, we need more young people in welding and Air Products, a world-leading industrial gas company, has been working on a fix.
Air Products is the main sponsor of SkillWeld, a nationwide competition to find the country’s best welding apprentice. Designed to boost ties between employers and education, and raise the profile of welding careers, SkillWeld is open to competitors from across the country and has established itself as one of the most prestigious, skills-focused events in the UK. Last year a record 130 competitors took part in the battle for the number one slot.
So, what’s involved?
Trainee welders are invited to test their mettle and showcase their skills in MMA, MIG/MAG and TIG welding. Initial passive heats are carried out at work or college before successful competitors go through to regional semi-finals. The ten highest scoring competitors from the semi-finals are invited to compete at the national final – held at The Skills Show at Birmingham’s NEC.
Midlands competitors continue to feature highly in the competition, with apprentice William Bates winning last year’s England Central semi-final round at Doosan Babcock and heading through to the national finals.
It just goes to show how support from employers and dedication to the job can pay off. SkillWeld is a fantastic opportunity for employers and educators to come together to highlight the achievements of their budding apprentices. And for the apprentices, it’s an opportunity to meet the competition, push themselves and prove they’re the best.
The SkillWeld 2018 final will take place in November at the Skills Show in Birmingham and offers a fantastic opportunity to witness the very best welding skills in action.
Entries for SkillWeld 2019 will open early in the new year. For more information visit www.airproducts.co.uk/skillweld