Latest robots and virtual welding at Dungannon apprenticeship fair

THE huge array of engineering jobs on offer at firms in Mid Ulster – including the latest state-of-the-art robots – will be showcased at an event in Dungannon this weekend.

With the relaxation of the Covid regulations, the South West College (SWC) Get Engineering Careers and Apprenticeship Fair will return and will take place in person at the Dungannon campus on Saturday from 9.30am – 1.30pm.

As previously reported, the ongoing success of the many material handling and engineering firms based in south Tyrone, means hundreds of vacancies are still available across a range of roles.

A spokesperson for SWC said, “this exciting careers event will host an array of local employers and provides an opportunity to view first-hand a wide range of machinery and equipment manufactured locally and exported across the world”.

The event will feature an exciting range of live demonstrations and workshops, with the opportunity to test drive the world’s first truly collaborative robot, (YuMi). Other demonstrations include 3D scanning, rapid prototyping, robotic welding, virtual welding, automation and Industry 4, allowing prospective students to gain a more in-depth insight into the ever-evolving engineering world.

The Get Engineering initiative is a partnership encompassing South West College and leading engineering companies and aims to raise awareness of the range of career opportunities within the local engineering industry.

The free event provides the opportunity to meet with over thirty employers from the advanced manufacturing and engineering industry, all of whom are actively recruiting for a wide range of jobs and will be available to discuss entry routes, pathways, career opportunities, Apprenticeships and Higher Level Apprenticeships.

Prospective students can also find out more about degree opportunities, ‘Earn while you Learn’ Apprenticeships and Higher-Level Apprenticeships in areas including Business Management, Engineering, Computing and more, and hear from current apprentices about how their Apprenticeship has benefited them.

The informative event will also feature employer exhibition stands to share insights into the career and training opportunities for design engineers, technical service engineers, welders/fabricators, CNC operators and other engineering business support roles, helping prospective students to make better-informed choices. SWC staff will be available to offer guidance and support.

The highly anticipated event is a fantastic opportunity for post 16 learners, their parents/guardians and those wishing to enter or move forward within the engineering sector, to explore the campus, meet staff and learn all about the College’s full time, part time and Apprenticeship course provision, which is now open for applications for courses starting September 2022.

Una Taylor, Engineering Hub Officer at South West College, said, “It is designed to give school leavers and those looking to further their career prospects a valuable opportunity to experience at first hand the variety of exciting job options available to them and the high-quality skills training that is on offer to help them realise their ambitions right here on their doorstep.”

Alastair Booth, who is Head of the School for Engineering at South West College, added, “I would encourage anyone in the community to register to attend and see what is on offer.”

For anyone looking to learn more about apprenticeships, register your details at: www.swc.ac.uk/getengineering. Or drop in on the day by visiting the South West College, Dungannon campus, Circular Rd, BT71 6BQ on Saturday, March 26 9.30am-1.30pm.