WEC Group Training Academy

In 2006 the Group found themselves in the situation of being unable to fill skilled positions; not due to a lack of applicants, but a lack of skilled applicants. Hence, the WEC Welding & Engineering Training Academy was founded. Providing individuals in Darwen and the surrounding area with an opportunity to gain welding and fabrication skills, it also produces the calibre of workers WEC Group are looking for.

The 12 month apprenticeship scheme, part of a five year apprenticeship with the Group, trains individuals between the ages of 16-21, although the recent economic downturn has seen the Group take on older apprentices. Students spend four days carrying our practical work and one day learning the theoretical side of welding and fabrication.

Description Apprentices looking at the drawings for the Spitfire memorial.

Over the first 12 months of the programme, apprentices learn different types of welding, fabrication and sheet metalwork, whilst applying their newfound skills to engineering projects. For example, making simple items like tools and tool boxes, to working on projects such as the fabrication of a 10m bridge, a 6m diameter structural steel garden, a go-kart which won the award for 'Best Built Kart' at the local karting races and the building of a spitfire memorial for Darwen town centre which is due for completion in 2011.

On completion of the first year, successful students move onto the second year where they work towards a nationally recognised City & Guilds 2800 qualification in welding and fabrication and move from the Academy to working with our skilled welders and fabricators on the main shop floor on commercial projects.