The competition, which was organised by the Faculty of Built Environment, Engineering and Science within NRC, is designed to test and challenge the ability of its students and apprentices working in the welding industry.
Students from the Newtownabbey Campus and the Ballymena Campus participated in the internal SkillWeld competition. The winners now qualify from the Inter Campus Competitions and will represent the college and compete at the annual SkillWeld Northern Ireland Regional finals in June. Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Dr Brian Hill, NRC Head of School for Engineering and Science, stated, “This is the first year we have decided to run a welding competition with our students. They were tested in their skills in Manual Metal Arc, MIG and TIG Welding in all positions including horizontal, vertical and overhead and the test also included flat plate and round pipe. At NRC we recognise the importance of supporting young people in their chosen trades and as part of their training we encourage them to participate in competitions.”
The all-day competition was jointly judged by David McLellan and Tommy Walker, Chairman of the Welding Institute. The overall winner was Chris Campbell from the Newtownabbey Campus, who was awarded 1st place, 2nd place went to James McErlean from the Ballymena Campus and 3rd place was awarded to John Metson, also from the Newtownabbey Campus.
Dr Hill added, “The success and hard work by both the students and staff was very evident throughout the competition and we are delighted to announce that NRC will be hosting the SkillWeld NI Regional Finals at the Newtownabbey Campus in June 2013."
