Weldability-Sif, locally based one-stop welding products supply source, initiated the foundation level welder skills training program to give trainee welders a first step towards a professional and rewarding career in welding. Managing Director, Adrian Hawkins, said, “We have set up the Weldability-Sif Foundation Charity to encourage the development of new welder training facilities across the UK. The NHC is the first to inaugurate a specialist foundation level training facility.“

John Hayes MP Minister of State for Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning said: “On 15th June, I set out my vision for further education. A future that is characterised by innovation, vocational excellence and a renewed sense of enthusiasm, for and pride in, skills. This partnership between Weldability-Sif, The Welding Institute, Cambridge and Stevenage Skills Centre, part of North Hertfordshire College, to deliver training to meet demand and to overcome the current skills gaps in the UK welding industry is a great example of making this vision a reality. I am really pleased that this training will be promoted both locally and at the national level and will enable learners to progress from foundation level through to a passport to practice welding internationally, leading to top TWI qualifications at the International Engineer level.”