Middlesbrough College has teamed up with engineering giant Amec Foster Wheeler in a programme to help welders gain skills for their worldwide market.
The college is working with the company – based at Lingfield Point in Darlington – to provide top quality assessment for welding coding and qualification tests.
Amec Foster Wheeler employs 36,000 people around the world in markets including oil and gas, clean energy, environment and infrastructure, and mining.
The company now sends its welders and apprentice welders to the college to undergo rigorous weld tests to ASME 1X and ISO 9606 standards.
Kevin Dunn of Middlesbrough College, curriculum team leader: Welding, Fabrication and Pipefitting, said: “We have strengthened the college’s excellent links with industry further by working with Amec Foster Wheeler to ensure the skills required in the onshore/offshore and power generation industries are thriving in Teesside.
“These tests are used in the welding industry to ensure the welding work is carried out to the highest standards and by competent personnel.”
To get ready to take on the task, Middlesbrough college staff have successfully completed training for inspection, instructor and examiner roles under the Certified Scheme for Welding Inspection Personnel (CSWIP) scheme.
When Amec Foster Wheeler welders come to the college for assessment, the staff monitor their skill level then send the finished tests for X-ray examination to complete the assessment process.
They are then certificated by The Welding Institute (TWI), and welders who succeed are qualified to work for Amec Foster Wheeler.
Kevin said: “The Welding institute (has been a massive help to the college, working with ourselves and Amec Foster Wheeler, giving the business the best solutions.”
Middlesbrough College principal and chief executive Zoe Lewis said: “Our links with local industry and employers are second to none, and it’s a privilege to be working with Amec Foster Wheeler.
“The college is committed to helping address the national skills gap, and our highly-skilled assessors and instructors are performing a valuable service to a growing industry.”
* Further information on welder qualification tests is available from Middlesbrough College. Please call (01642) 333700 or email courseinformation@mbro.ac.uk.