Bright Sparks!

Fabrication and welding students get the sparks flying at the regional SkillWeld championships

Two of Derwentside College's Fabrication & Welding apprentices - Glen Harrison and Jonathon Overton have recently competed in the regional heat of the 'SkillWeld' competition held at South Tyneside College. Competing against the best 10 apprentices in the North East of England, the two engineering students proudly represented Derwentside College and their companies at the event. The two young men chalked up a marvellous achievement at the event, with Glen coming second in the competition and Jonathon finishing runner-up. The Judges commented on the very high standard of the skills and knowledge of the candidates at this prestigious bi-annual event.

Glen, 19, from Lanchester, is employed as an Advanced Apprentice by Dyer Engineering of Annfield Plain and Jonathon, 20, from Catchgate, is employed by Hiatco Ltd of Greencroft. Both competitors had to complete 4 test pieces in 4 hours, with the pressure on both men to succeed against 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.

Both companies, who are members of The Derwentside Engineering Forum, are to be congratulated for allowing time for their apprentices to attend college once a week to practice for the competition, under the guidance of Derwentside College staff - Steve Chambers and John Teasdale.

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, Glen and Jonathon 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 and Glen solving a tricky problem at the SkillWeld 2008 championship

19 February 2008