SHIPWELD 2010 ATTRACTS TWO MORE YARDS FOR THIS YEAR'S COMPETITION

 Following the resounding success of the inaugural ShipWeld contest for second-year trainee welders in 2009, ESAB Group is sponsoring the 2010 competition and welcomes more yards, namely Cammell Laird Shiprepairers & Shipbuilders of Birkenhead, Merseyside, and A&P Tyne. As in 2009, this year's competition will start with a round of Internal Ship Yard competitions, in which entrants face a series of craft challenges using MIG/MAG and MMA techniques. Winners of this round go forward to a national final and, ultimately, successful entrants will be encouraged to compete in the biannual SkillWeld event and represent the UK in the World Skills 2011 competition that will be hosted in London for the first time in 30 years.

One of the highlights of the 2009 competition was the very high standards achieved by the apprentices. Indeed, the participating yards agree that the competition not only complements the apprentices' training but also enhances it. Danny Hart, HR Manager at the Cammell Laird yard, comments: "The competition gives the apprentices more experience in setting up of test pieces and extra practice through additional time spent welding. They have a chance to refocus their skills within the training school, which helps them in the competition and also when they are working. Undoubtedly the apprentices become more highly skilled - which benefits the individuals, the yards and the industry as a whole."

Mr Hart goes on to explain that the 'personal development' side of the competition extends beyond the apprentices' technical abilities: "ShipWeld gives them an opportunity to show their skills; it sets them on a pedestal so they can prove that we are good at what we do."

These views are echoed by Arthur Forster, the Welder Trainer at A&P Tyne, who adds: "The competition also requires the apprentices to work under pressure, performing the tests in front of other people. Furthermore, it is a chance for them to work alongside others in an environment that is unlike that found in either the yard or the training school."

Forster believes that the competition is highly beneficial: "The way the tests and the competition are designed means that the experience gained by the apprentices augments the training they would normally receive. There is also the prestige associated with a competition such as this, and it is good to have some recognition of the importance of apprentices to the future of the trade."

ESAB equipment and consumables are used for the competition to ensure there is a 'level playing field' for all entrants. On this subject, Hart comments: "Our training mentor has always been impressed with ESAB equipment and materials, which are used in the yard and in the college. However, for us the main benefit of ESAB's involvement in the competition is the additional technical support we are getting, including access to a graduate welding engineer."

As well as encouraging the development of welding skills, the ShipWeld competition also promotes good health and safety practices. Hart believes that this is important, though he says "We go the extra mile already, and our apprentices are already attuned to health and safety. Nevertheless, I like the fact that the competition heightens awareness of health and safety - such as the need for a risk assessment and PPE [personal protective equipment] - and it encourages the apprentices to not be afraid of promoting health and safety. In particular, it helps to ingrain an appreciation of the long-term effects of exposure to noise, UV and poor posture."