Students from five colleges and training organisations around the UK have made it through to the Weld Off 2016 final, the annual competition to celebrate the UK’s top young welders.
Coleg Cambria, Neath Port Talbot College, New College Durham, City of Wolverhampton College and Training 2000 will pit their skills and creative flair against each other in the May 11 contest, championed by leading equipment manufacturer Morris Site Machinery and hosted by business news broadcaster Steph McGovern.
At stake is a £1,000 top prize for the winning college plus £500 for each member of the winning team, the coveted title of ‘Weld Off 2016 Champions’ as well as the opportunity to compete to build their skills, confidence and their industry expertise in such a core sector.
Morris Site Machinery in Four Ashes, Wolverhampton, the supplier of ArcGen welder generators, organised the competition with Speedy Services, EAL and KEMPPI, to give students and apprentices, aged 16-26, a chance to demonstrate their welding skills, gain experience and boost their careers.
Steph McGovern, who won the title Young Engineer for Britain when she was 19, said: “Developing young people’s skills is so important for their future and for a strong economy. This competition is a great opportunity for the finalists to showcase their abilities. I’m excited about seeing what they can do and also how they will interpret this year’s theme of ‘God Save the Queen’.”
The five colleges will compete against each other in the final at Speedy’s National Distribution Centre in Tamworth for the sought after title of ‘Weld Off Champions 2016′.
Phil Winnington, Managing Director at Morris Site Machinery, said: “Weld Off is all about promoting young people to get ahead in the UK welding industry and encouraging them to enhance their skills and knowledge. We are delighted that Steph McGovern will join us at the final and witness the talent out there.”
Entries were invited from all over the UK for the competition with a record number entering the competition this year. The finalists will be tested on their ability and knowledge with a question and answer and safety round, a welding skills section and a creative challenge on the theme ‘God Save the Queen’ which was chosen to mark the Queen’s 90thbirthday.
The teams will be judged by industry experts Mick Link from Speedy Services, Judge Michael Scarrott from EAL and welding specialist Richard Denholm, Sales Director for Morris Site Machinery.
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