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 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 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 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 NI Direct. Click 'Apply' below Closing date Applications must be received by 12.00 noon (UK time) on Friday 20 March 2026. Interview and training dates SWC will invite eligible applicants to attend an Information session and interview that will take place week beginning Monday 30 March 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 13 April 2026 to Friday 22 May 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. Applicants must be available for the whole of the training period. Company information The supporting companies taking part in the Academy are: Portafil International Ltd QMAC Silos Ltd SFM Engineering Specdrum STEMfab TBC Conversions Nugent Engineering Creagh Concrete NHL 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.