Welder Training Helped by Weldability-Sif Foundation Charity

The dedicated welding classroom and workshop with fully equipped welding bays was opened by Jennie Hawkins, Weldability-Sif Foundation Director and Trustee, along with Anna Dawes, Vice Principal at the Riverside College, which is one of 16 colleges, who have already agreed to provide training facilities funded by the Foundation Charity, which will be funding welder training facilities at colleges over the next 5 years.

Jennie said: “The Weldability-Sif Foundation was established and registered as a Charity with the Charities Commission to specifically encourage the development of new welder training facilities across the UK. Welding plays an important role in manufacturing and is used in a multitude of different industries including furniture production, shipbuilding, automotive manufacturing, as well as energy and UK infrastructure industries. Welding plays an active part in keeping it all together and Foundation level welder skills training at the Riverside College is another step towards a full apprenticeship programme designed to meet demand and overcome the current skills gaps in the UK welding industry.”

Anna Dawe, Vice Principal, Strategic Partnerships and Planning, Riverside College, Widnes & Runcorn said: “This new facility allows us to provide structured training that will address the skills shortage that exists within the borough. Also the new suite of Weldability Sif/EAL Foundation level skills certificates gives the package we offer a badge and adds credibility. This new package has enhanced the learners experience beyond measurement.”

These new welder training centres will provide trainee welders with the opportunity to progress from the foundation level through to a passport to practice welding internationally, leading in turn towards higher welding industry qualifications including to the Welding Institute, International Welding Diploma level.