We’re celebrating the Barnsley people who have benefitted from local welding apprenticeships.  

As they welcome their new recruits to the course, Betterweld Training are supporting more people, with no experience in welding, to spark their career in the industry. Their apprenticeship programme is helping to fuel a pipeline of talented welders and fabricators for local businesses, like Billington Steel.  

In collaboration with Barnsley College, the apprentices developed the skills and qualifications they need to unlock the benefits of learning and work. When they complete their courses, they’re ready to take to the floor and continue their learning and development in new roles.  

Councillor Robin Franklin, Cabinet Spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture, said: “I’d like to celebrate the learners for their achievements. It’s wonderful to see so many people kickstarting their career in this industry.  

Our borough is a great place to invest. Partnership working like this is a great example of people benefiting from local jobs and training opportunities. The collaboration between Betterweld Training, Barnsley College and Billington Steel shows the investment in local people to grow skills, abilities and talents. I’d like to wish all the apprentices’ good luck in their new careers.” 

Lee, one of the Betterweld apprentices, said: “I like working with my hands, so the five-week course was great for me. As soon as I got started, I picked up welding skills fast. I realised that with some effort, I could make something out of this. After I picked up the basic skills for the industry, I moved on to the apprenticeship programme with Betterweld.  

The training manager has been brilliant. I was so proud to have passed two qualifications in the first five-weeks that are very useful in this industry. I'm pleased to be on my way to becoming a certified welder.” 

These five-week courses are targeted towards people who are on Universal Credit. It you would like to find out more, speak to your Job Coach.  

If you’d like to explore what’s possible for learning, training and work in Barnsley, our advisors can help. Find out more about our advisors at barnsley.gov.uk/SkillsAndEmployability.  

Local businesses can also attend the open day on Wednesday 27 March. If your organisation would like to find out more, please email Josh@Betterweld.org to register your interest.