Bright sparks required –
SkillWeld begins search for talented UK welder
8th June 2009 — The search is now on for the UK’s most gifted trainee welder. Skillweld 2010, the prestigious, national welder competition, is looking for exceptional young people and adults who are proficient in all popular welding processes. The winner will be crowned UK SkillWeld 2010 champion.
With support from TWI, principal sponsor Air Products and other leaders from across welding, skills and manufacturing industries, Skillweld is holding a number of regional competitions all over the UK. Any welder, competent in MMA and TIG and MIG/MAG, who is currently undergoing training may take up the challenge and enter. The best candidates from each regional competition will then go on to compete at the national final held at the TWI in Cambridge from 6-9th April 2010.
Outstanding finalists from the national competition may then be considered for inclusion in the world’s biggest skills competition, WorldSkills, which is taking place in London in 2011.
Chris Eady TWI Associate Director for Professional Affairs and Chairman of the SkillWeld Committee said:
“High-integrity welding is essential to the performance and profitability of UK industry. SkillWeld, the UK’s most prestigious welding competition, sets the standard for accomplished welders to aspire to and provides the showcase for welding excellence. TWI, the World Centre for Materials Joining Technology, is delighted to support the SkillWeld 2010 competition as part of its continual promotion of welders, welding, and welded engineering solutions.”
Matthias Kuhn, Air Products’ General Manager - Packaged Gases for the UK and Ireland, commented:
“Maintaining a commitment to the training and development of young welders is particularly important during these challenging economic times. Skillweld entrants are judged against working industry standards, and as we know from experience they are highly accomplished, which clearly shows their importance to business.
“Linked to this is a strong need to encourage welding trainees and professionals to innovate. The value of doing so can clearly be seen in important developments such as Air Products Integra® cylinder range and the Maxx® shielding gases, which offer improved productivity, without compromising quality or safety – something essential in the current climate.”
For further information please visit the Air Products website at:
> www.airproducts.co.uk/skillweld
About Skillweld
In its sixth year, SkillWeld is the UK’s most prestigious, national welder competition for young people and adults. In addition to producing a Skillweld champion, it also gives competition finalists an opportunity to be selected as the UK representative at the World Skills Competition in London in 2011. The competition is designed to showcase the skills of trainee welders, and to bring increased recognition to colleges, training providers and employers for their support and guidance in developing welding training and skills. As well as working to promote and raise the profile of welding within industry, and to highlight the requirement of skilled welders. Skillweld is supported by leaders from across the welding, skills and manufacturing industries. For more information, visit www.airproducts.co.uk/skillweld
Regional competitions will be held at selected regional centres in February 2010:
Region |
Centre |
Scotland |
Cumbernauld College |
Angus College |
North East England |
South Tyneside College |
North West England |
Tameside College |
Midlands |
Dooson Babcocks |
Eastern |
Park Lane College Keighley |
Lowestoft College |
Wales |
Neath and Port Talbot College |
London |
College of N/W London |
South |
Central Sussex College |
Industry sponsors
About Air Products
Air Products (NYSE:APD) serves customers in industrial, energy, technology and healthcare markets worldwide with a unique portfolio of atmospheric gases, process and specialty gases, performance materials, and equipment and services. Founded in 1940, Air Products has built leading positions in key growth markets such as semiconductor materials, refinery hydrogen, home healthcare services, natural gas liquefaction, and advanced coatings and adhesives. The company is recognized for its innovative culture, operational excellence and commitment to safety and the environment. Air Products had fiscal 2008 revenues of $10.4 billion, operations in over 40 countries, and 21,000 employees around the globe.
As an acknowledged leader in welding gas technology, the company is recognised for innovation and a proven commitment to safety and the environment. Air Products’ welding gas innovations – such as the Integra® cylinder range and the Maxx® shielding gases – bring improved safety, quality and productivity to the welding market and have gained international and national awards such as the Queen’s Award for innovation and the TUV product safety mark.
Tell me more
> www.airproducts.co.uk/welding
Media enquiries:
Emma Long
Air Products - Tel (01932) 249 847 |
