East Coast College launches new Welding Academy

A new Welding Academy has been launched at East Coast College, providing industry-standard training for students and industry partners.

The academy was officially opened at the college’s Great Yarmouth campus on Thursday 11th May, attended by welding professionals and Great Yarmouth Mayor Graham Plant.

The event coincided with the news that East Coast College has successfully gained certification under TWI Certification Ltd’s Certification Scheme for Welding Training Organisations (CSWTO) and is now a CSWTO Approved organisation. The college is the only CSWTO Approved organisation in the eastern region.

This demonstrates the college’s welding equipment, facilities and personnel are competent and qualified to meet industry requirements, providing assurance to current and future students that the learning they undertake has been assessed and deemed to meet the high standards of the CSWTO scheme.

Stuart Rimmer, Chief Executive of East Coast College, said: “It was excellent to see a reinvigoration into the skills delivery in this sector. The Welding Academy, designed with and for local industry partners, will really help ensure students leave with the skills they need for a fast changing and competitive market. Thanks to the staff team who have delivered a great facility.”

The launch event also included technical demonstrations from a range of suppliers including Fronius, Tyrolit Abrasives, Mig Anglia and many more, with David Fowler of Code-A-Weld invited along to cut the ribbon. Mr Fowler has supported the college since 2008, employing welding students who have completed their studies to ensure the supply of local, skilled personnel for the future of the engineering industry.

Speaking at the event, Mr Fowler said: “Code-A-Weld have been lucky enough to welcome a great number of trainees through our doors over the years who have all graduated from East Coast College and gone on to be top class tradespeople.

“As a local business owner, I understand and appreciate the importance of investing and training for the future to continue to support and grow our community. This new facility is a credit to the success of the college and its instructors, and I am sure that it will further encourage current and future students to strive for higher and greater performance.”