A successful training course – funded by the Ayrshire Growth Deal – welcomed its latest intake of unemployed people looking to be trained to the international welding standard.
The IGNITE Welding Course, a transformative training initiative delivered in partnership with industry leaders J&D Pierce (Contracts) Ltd, has been funded through the Ayrshire Skills Investment Fund as part of the Ayrshire Growth Deal.
This intensive program aims to tackle a skills shortage by providing six unemployed individuals from across the region with the elite training required to become “Coded Welders”.
The second programme is launching and the new recruits met with Sam, a graduate of the first course, who has secured employment with J & D Pierce Contracts Ltd. Sam spoke about the positive impact the training has had on his life, saying: “The course has been fantastic. The instructors and boys on the course have been brilliant and supportive. It has genuinely improved my life and gave me stability and skills I didn’t know I was capable of, especially so soon.”
The IGNITE program is designed to bridge the gap between unemployment and high-skilled industrial roles. Over the coming weeks, participants will undergo rigorous training at J&D Pierce’s state-of-the-art facility in Glengarnock, one of the UK’s largest and most advanced structural steelwork engineering sites.
On successful completion of the course participants will have the opportunity to be become a “Coded Welder” by being tested to the standard BS EN 9606 for welder approval a recognised international standard. If successful they will receive their welder approval certificate to BS EN 9606 as confirmation.
The course lasts 15 weeks and the programme provides trainees with practical, industry relevant skills and direct pathways into work. The start of the second cohort demonstrates both the demand for the training and its early success in supporting individuals into employment.
Councillor Eleanor Collier, Cabinet Member for Green Environment and Economy, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity and it was great to hear from Sam to learn about his experiences and how it has changed his life.
“This investment through the Ayrshire Growth Deal is a testament to our commitment to economic renewal and providing our people with pathways to high-quality, sustainable careers. We look forward to hearing how the second batch of intakes get on and we are sure it will be an invaluable and potentially life-changing experience for them.”
Derek Pierce, Chairman at J&D Pierce Contracts Ltd, added: “As a local employer, we are always looking to provide pathways and opportunities, and we are delighted to have the support of this Ayrshire Growth Deal fund to create even more opportunities.
“Welders are the backbone of the structural steel industry, and there is currently a significant demand for skilled professionals across Scotland and the UK. We are proud to host these six individuals and provide them with hands-on experience in a real-world engineering environment. We look forward to seeing them develop the precision and expertise required to thrive in this sector.”