Castleford College fabrication and welding apprentices are celebrating after a successful welding competition on home soil.
On 25 June, the college hosted the National SkillsWeld 2024 qualifiers, showing off the welding skills of its fabrication and welding apprentices.
What happens in the National SkillsWeld competition?
Apprentices from across the Yorkshire and Humberside region took on four tough tests, including gas tungsten arc welding, stick welding, and metal inert gas welding. They were aiming for top prizes under the watchful eyes of judges Stephen Haymes (Engineering Skills Competitions), Clive Slocombe (Code A Weld), Chris Porter (Air Products), and Yasmin Whale (Lincoln Engineering).
Gary Wright, a fabrication and welding lecturer at Castleford College, said: “This is our fifth year hosting the SkillsWeld national qualifiers, and it’s even more special because one of the judges, Yasmin, is a former apprentice of the College. It’s very rewarding to see seven apprentices here today doing their best. The SkillsWeld competition can open many doors within the industry, and Yasmin is a great example of that.”
Castleford College apprentices compete for the top spots
The Castleford College apprentices competing were Benjamin Mace, Dale Robinson, Harry Walshaw, Joshua Curtis, Korey Wigglesworth, Paisley Mitchell, and Oscar Emery.
Oscar Emery came out on top, winning first place. Kalum Smart took second, and Joshua Curtis came in third. The winners received certificates from Lorraine Cross, group executive director at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, and learning supplies from sponsors Air Products and Code A Weld.
Oscar, a level 3 fabrication and welding apprentice, said: “Taking part in the national qualifiers was a great experience and challenge for me. I’m very grateful to my tutors who have supported me throughout my studies and the competition.”
Catch the SkillsWeld finals in November 2024
The SkillsWeld finals will take place from 14 to 22 November 2024 at Rochdale Training. The event, run by WorldSkills and Engineering Skills Competitions, aims to test and celebrate the skills of trainee and apprentice welders at levels 2 to 3 or higher.
This isn’t the first time the college has tasted success in a fabrication and welding competition. Former Castleford College apprentice Lucas Moon placed in the top four at the WorldSkills UK 2022 competition and went on to compete in the European World Skills final in Poland.
To learn more about the Engineering department at Castleford College, visit Wakefield College.
