DYER ENGINEERING APPRENTICE ACHIEVES 2ND PLACE IN SKILLWELD COMPETITION

 

Glen Harrison has recently competed in the regional heat of the ‘SkillWeld’ competition held at South Tyneside College and came second. Competing against the best 10 apprentices in the North East of England, Glen and another student proudly represented Derwentside College and their companies at the event . The two young men chalked up a marvellous achievement at the event,  The Judges commented on the very high standard of the skills and knowledge of the candidates at this prestigious bi-annual event.

Glen, employed as an Advanced Apprentice had to complete 4 test pieces in 4 hours, against some of the stiffest competition. Competitors had to weld aluminium, carbon and stainless steel pipe and plate using the MMA, MIG and TIG welding processes in a variety of welding positions.

The regional competition, now in its 8th year, sees a great deal of entry form applications, is organised by The Welding Institute (TWI) and The Association for Welding Fabrication Training and Education (AWFTE).  Having greatly impressed the judges, both students came away from the event with result certificates and some excellent prizes. Amongst those providing sponsorship prizes were Derwentside Engineering Forum, Weldmore Ltd, Consett Steel and Industrial Workwear Ltd, which are all based in Consett.

Ian Gaskill, Diploma Engineering Champion for County Durham and Assistant Curriculum Manager at Derwentside College said, “Glen and Jonathon attend the College as part of their Apprenticeship training and are currently working towards their NVQ Level 3 in Fabrication and Welding.  They both have excellent all-round skills ability in all of the manual welding processes and at the SkillWeld event they proved to be very strong competitors on the day – they really are a credit to their companies and to Derwentside College”.

Jonathon, left and Glen right, during the competition.