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It’s National Apprenticeship Week 2025!

National Apprenticeship Week 2025 is here. This week, from 10-16 February, it is all about highlighting apprenticeships and the skills that they provide for a route into a successful and fulfilling career. This year’s theme is ‘Skills for Life’ - whether you are a growing business, changing career or just starting out - it all starts with skills.

The Welding Institute is a proud supporter of apprenticeships and the development of skills to gain a successful career in welding, joining and allied technologies.

For students/ apprentices membership is FREE!

Here at The Welding Institute we have a range of membership benefits that support apprentices with developing their skills:

• TWI Ltd’s Digital Library: 80 years’ worth of TWI Ltd’s technical knowledge and skills

• Technical Group Events: A chance to hear from industry and academic experts

• The Welding and Joining Matters Journal: A quarterly journal, themed around subjects within welding, joining and allied technologies

• Younger Members’ Committee (YMC): A collective of young engineers with a passion for welding and engineering

• Networking: Opportunities to connect with industry experts

• Jobsite:  Created for Members using our unique relationship with TWI Ltd to give you access to 550 trusted and respected companies, allowing you to search a curated list of job vacancies

In addition to our membership benefits supporting skills, we support professional development, which is a learning process aimed at continuous improvement and growth. Through joining Technical Group webinars you can obtain Continuous Professional Development (CPD) points, CPD is a great way to demonstrate your learning and growth to future employers.

Find out more about support for students/apprentices: https://theweldinginstitute.com/Students-Information

Caroline Gumble will join The Welding Institute as CEO on the 7 July 2025.

Since 2019, Caroline has been CEO with the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), the global professional body for the built environment, leading a widely acknowledged and very successful business transformation.

Before her tenure at CIOB, she had an extensive business transformation career within the engineering industry, both in the UK and overseas.

Business transformation was also the key focus of her tenure at the membership organisation Make UK, formerly known as EEF.

Humbert Mozzi, Chair of The Welding Institute said, ‘We are excited to have Caroline on board from July, she will bring a fresh and dynamic leadership style to the Institute. The Welding Institute has a proud history; Caroline’s arrival gives us a real opportunity to ensure the Institute has a sustainable and relevant future, meeting the needs of our Industrial and Professional Members during a time of fast-paced technological advancement and our increasing responsibilities towards environmentally friendly solutions.’

Caroline studied with The Open University, achieving a BSc (open) in social sciences, whilst developing her career in industry. She was awarded an honorary degree of Doctor of Science from The University of Wolverhampton and is a visiting professor with Loughborough University. 

Caroline is a member of the professional bodies CIPD and MIEx and is an FRSA. She serves as a non-executive director of the Board of Trustees for the Chartered Institute of Export and International Trade.

Caroline said, ‘I am extremely proud to have accepted this special role. I appreciate and respect The Welding Institute and TWI’s proud heritage; its research really matters for our global technological advancement, benefiting all society. I look forward to working with Professional and Industrial Members from July and leading a highly impressive and talented team.’

For more information and any press enquiries, please email content marketing manager, Thomas Clover at: thomas.clover@twi.co.uk

My career started as an apprentice in 1986 at Air Products’ Acrefair manufacturing facility, Wrexham, North Wales. We built large scale ASUs (air separation units), pressure vessels, pressure pipework, HPNs (high pressure nitrogen generators), skids, PSAs (pressure swing absorbers) and other pressure equipment for the petrochemical industry as well as producing UHP (ultra high purity) systems for the microchip industry.

After my 4-year apprenticeship, I was offered a full time position as a welder. I welded a variety of materials including carbon steel, 9% Ni steel, aluminium, stainless steels and monel. I progressed within the company to become a weld inspector, which allowed me to gain invaluable experience in the QA/QC department. The weld inspector role allowed me to gain other skills, knowledge and understanding of processes such as non-destructive and destructive testing, metallurgical requirements of consumables, traceability of materials, weld procedures, and welder qualifications, as well as gaining internal quality auditing certification.

Sadly, in 2009, it was announced that Air Products was to close the manufacturing facility at Acrefair, which was a real shock and a hammer blow to the great people that worked there. I had a Careers Wales interview to support being made redundant. At that interview, it was suggested that I could consider teaching welding as a possible career path. On the way home from that interview, I bought a local paper which had an advert for a fabrication and welding lecturer at The City of Wolverhampton College. I applied, had an interview and was offered the lecturer position, which was amazing. The college supported me to gain my Cert Ed teaching award. After 3 years at The City of Wolverhampton College, an opportunity arose closer to home at Yale College (now Coleg Cambria after a merger with Deeside College) in Wrexham, and I have been working there ever since.

I still wanted to be involved in the skills competitions at Coleg Cambria. I was originally entering students for the welding, sheet metalwork and construction metalwork competitions. I have always explained to any competitor that it is not all about winning a medal, it’s about stepping out of their ‘comfort zone’. Being able to use their skills and other skills such as time management, reading and understanding drawings, working under pressure and safely, as well as being well prepared and organised before and during the competition. These are skills that are transferable to any workplace, not just welding, fabrication or engineering. These are also skills that employers are looking for in every sector.

Every year, I enter competitors into the Welsh skills competitions, which are organised by Inspiring Skills Excellence in Wales (ISEiW), and Worldskills UK national competitions in partnership with Pearson BTEC and Apprenticeships.

In November 2023, an opportunity arose at Worldskills UK for the position of training manager for welding. Essentially, my role is to train and develop the age-aligned competitors who achieve a required standard, from 2024’s welding final to challenge the world’s best welders at Worldskills International in Shanghai in 2026. This challenge is something that I’m really looking forward to, especially after attending last year’s international competition in Lyon, where I gained valuable insights as to what it takes to compete on the world stage. There is also the possibility of competing at Euroskills in September 2025, which will be held in Herning, Denmark. You have to basically think of these competitions like the football World Cup and the Euros, but every two years not four.

Worldskills UK uses international best practice to raise standards in apprenticeships and technical education so more young people and employers succeed. Find out more here.

I am very keen and passionate to spread the word about the SkillWeld competition and its benefits to not only the competitors, but also to employers and to help bridge the skills gap that we’re currently facing. Stephen Haymes who is the Competition Organising Partner for welding and Don Atkinson who is President of the Teeside branch, are organising a meeting here and with other interested parties to discuss how to support myself and to develop ideas on training the next generation of welders for future competitions, such as Shanghai 2026 and Japan 2028.

If you would like to know more about the competitions, want to be involved, or can support the competition in any way, we would love to hear from you.

Please email Carl Parrish here

Our NDT and Condition Monitoring (TG8) Technical Group will be hosting their upcoming online Technical Group from 12:30pm – 4:30pm (UK time) on 30 January, 2025.

The event, which is titled, ‘Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in NDT,’ will aim to teach how AI/ML has the potential to improve NDT effectiveness significantly. Presentations will cover; how AI may be used to analyse NDT data, benefits of the use of AI/ML for evaluation of large quantities of data, examples of the use of AI/ML in an NDT context, advantages and limitations of this approach, existing and emerging regulation, and standards and codes.

Who Should Attend?

The event should be of interest to structural integrity engineers, reliability engineers, NDT engineers and asset owners.

Speakers and Presentations:

• Iikka Virkkunen, CEO, Trueflaw - Today and Tomorrow for AI in NDE
• Christophe Reboud, Head of Simulation and AI Services, CEA and Pierre Calmon, NDE Scientific Director, CEA - Joint Use of Simulation and Artificial Intelligence for Applications in NDE and SHM
• Katy Tant, Senior Lecturer in AI for Engineering, University of Glasgow - Model-based Deep Learning Approaches for Weld Tomography
• Gareth Pierce, Professor, University of Strathclyde - Use of AI and ML in NDT Defect Detection
• Rich Pyle, Research Associate, University of Bristol and Sergio Cantero Chinchilla, Lecturer, University of Bristol - The Application of Deep Learning to Ultrasonic NDT
• Channa Nageswaran, Technology Consultant, TWI Ltd - An Industrial Perspective on Adopting AI/ML into NDT Procedures

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Our Offshore Energy (TG4) Technical Group will be hosting their upcoming online Technical Group from 10:00am – 12:00pm (UK time) on 28 January, 2025.

The event, which is titled, ‘Sustainability and Carbon Footprint of Large Offshore Infrastructure Projects,’ will aim to teach development of lower emission steel making, efficient fabrication, assessment of environmental impact and circular economy associated with large offshore infrastructure projects.

Who Should Attend?

The event should be of interest to anyone involved in design, supply, fabrication and operation of offshore assets, with emphasis on wind farms, e.g. to steel makers, fabricators, designers, wind farm developers and anyone interested in the environmental impact of large offshore infrastructure projects.

Speakers and Presentations:

• Dr. ir. Lieven Bracke, Decarbonisation – Business Integration Team, ArcelorMittal - Pathway to Decarbonised Steelmaking in ArcelorMittal Flat Europe
• Dr James Lightfoot, Emerging Technology Manager, SSE Renewables - Wind Turbine Blades: Sustainable Lifecycle Management
• Sam Bird, Associate Director, and Lucie Shackley, Senior Associate, Carbon Trust - Driving Decarbonisation: Standardising the Approach to Offshore Wind Carbon Footprinting
• Tom Pinto, Principal Engineer, TWI Ltd - Use of Novel Welding Approach to Complete Single Pass Thick Section Welding to Increase Fabrication Efficiency

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The Welding Institute is one of 42 professional engineering organisations taking part in The National Engineering Policy Centre (NEPC) partnership. The NEPC bring the engineering community together with the aim of influencing policymaking to create a positive impact for society.

Since 2019 NEPC has helped in forming critical policy decisions by applying their technical skills to work on projects that help in informing policy makers of challenges and opportunities by proving key insights. The NEPC has informed many policy decisions such as: Net zero, Air quality, Sustainable living places and more.

The NEPC is led by the Royal Academy of Engineering and the latest work to be produced is the recently published report on building retrofit programmes to achieve healthy, safe, and sustainable buildings.

Find out more about NEPC: https://nepc.raeng.org.uk/

Morgan Ellis IEng IWT is a Welding and Materials Engineer at Subsea7 and holds a Mechanical Engineering BEng from Swansea University. Morgan joined The Welding Institute in 2020 after starting as a Graduate Welding and Materials Engineer at Subsea7.

As a Welding and Materials Engineer at Subsea7, Morgan collaborates with project teams and suppliers to ensure the quality of materials manufacturing and welding solutions are suitable for subsea environments. Her role supports the fabrication and installation of subsea pipelines, spools, structures, and other subsea infrastructure for offshore energy projects. She works to ensure that their welding and materials solutions meet the necessary standards for safety and reliability in challenging offshore conditions.

Why did you choose a career in engineering?

At school I was good at maths and science, but I also loved art and graphic design. Engineering felt like the perfect fit for me because it combines the technical problem-solving

I enjoy, with the creativity of finding new solutions. It’s a field where I can use my skills to tackle challenges, but also think outside the box and be innovative.

Why did you initially join The Welding Institute?

I initially joined The Welding Institute because, while Aberdeen is a hub for the energy sector, I wanted to connect with welding engineers from other industries and broaden my network. In my office, there are only a handful of welding and materials engineers, so TWI provided a great opportunity to meet people from various sectors. Coming into the industry with a mechanical engineering background, I found the learning resources and lectures provided by TWI vital in helping me find my feet. I even went on to complete the TWI Specialist and Technologist Welding Diplomas, which have been key in my development and growth within my role.

How has professional membership/registration helped you throughout your career?

Earlier this year I achieved Incorporated Engineer status. Tracking my accomplishments and completing reports as part of my journey to achieving Incorporated Engineer (IEng) has been incredibly helpful. By comparing my skills to the required competences, I was able to clearly recognise my progress and pinpoint areas where I need development. It’s been a great way to stay motivated, reflect on my development, and make sure I’m heading in the right direction.

What are your engineering aspirations?

Right now, my main engineering goals are to become a Chartered Engineer (CEng) and to finish the International Welding Engineer Diploma with The Welding Institute. I see both as key steps in growing my career and expanding my knowledge in welding and materials engineering.

Would you recommend Membership with The Welding Institute?

Absolutely, I would highly recommend Membership with The Welding Institute. It’s been invaluable for me, especially early on in my career. One of the biggest benefits has been the opportunity to connect with other professionals in the industry. Since I joined, I’ve been able to network with welding engineers from different sectors, which has really broadened my perspective and helped me learn from others’ experiences. The events, webinars, and regional groups have all provided great opportunities to meet people and learn. It’s also been a valuable support system in terms of guidance on my career path, especially as I work towards professional registration.

What skills do you hope to develop being a part of the YMC?

By being part of the YMC, I hope to improve my communication skills, particularly when it comes to connecting with people from different backgrounds and industries. I’m excited to build a broader network and connect with individuals at various stages of their careers. I also look forward to gaining more experience in planning and organising events, as I believe this will help me improve at coordinating projects and working as part of a team to bring ideas to life.

Why would you recommend for a young engineer/welder to join the Younger Members’ Committee (YMC)?

I’d recommend joining the YMC because it’s a fantastic way to connect with other young professionals who share similar interests and challenges. It’s also a chance to make a real impact by encouraging more people to enter the welding industry. We need a sustainable workforce, and the YMC plays a key role in attracting and supporting new talent. Plus, it’s a great place to learn, ask questions, and gain advice from people at all stages of their careers.

Explain your role as a committee member in the YMC…

As a newer member of the committee, my role involves supporting the organisation of activities and initiatives aimed at engaging younger professionals and promoting welding as an exciting career path. I’m starting to contribute to discussions on how we can attract more people into the industry and create opportunities for growth. It’s about helping to create a supportive environment where people feel encouraged to develop their skills and stay in the industry for the long term.

What are your favourite aspects that the YMC has to offer?

My favourite aspect of the YMC is how we focus on building a sustainable and supportive network for young people entering the welding and materials industry. Whether it’s through events, mentorship, or just sharing experiences, it’s all about encouraging new talent to explore welding as a career. I also love the opportunity to be part of initiatives that make a real difference and help strengthen the future of the industry.

Earlier this month, The Welding Institute North Scottish Branch hosted their annual dinner. This year’s charity nominated was Charlie House!

Charlie House is a local charity that supports babies, children and young people with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions, and their families, in the North-east of Scotland. It delivers inclusive and accessible activities for families allowing them to engage socially, make precious memories and meet other families in similar situations, and provides information as well as emotional and practical support for the whole family. The charity currently supports over 140 families, and has supported over 500 individuals in the last year.

Including Gift Aid, £2,000 was raised through donation envelopes on the night of The Welding Institute annual dinner and through donations made directly on the Charlie House website.

To put in perspective the impact that the donations made, they could provide up to 40 one-to-one sessions with children and their families, providing much-needed emotional and practical support to them at really difficult times.

This year was the second year that The Welding Institute annual dinner has supported Charlie House.  Last year's dinner raised £3,160, which means that the total raised to date by The Institute is over £5,000 – an impactful sum, which will help local children and their families to get the vital support they need at the most difficult of times. This total raise by The Institute equated to 100 practical one-to-one sessions.

'The Welding Institute have been great champions of Charlie House for many years, and this recent gift demonstrates their commitment to helping local children and their families live as full lives as possible in the time that they have together.  Their support truly is priceless’ – Charlie House Director of Fundraising, Emma Leiper Finlayson.

The annual dinner was a successful night and, on behalf of The Welding Institute, we would like to thank all those who donated to such an important charity!

We are proud to announce that Lawrence Barboza has won the European Federation for Welding, Joining and Cutting (EWF) ‘Best European Welding Coordinator - 2023’ award.

Lawrence works very closely with The Welding Institute and is a member of MERC (Membership, Education and Registration Committee). MERC members work to assess candidates for professional registration to accredit courses and approve qualifications.

As well as this, he is a Volunteer Assessor who supports The Welding Institute to review and accredit programmes for Incorporated and Chartered registration status.

This is the second year in a row that a member of The Welding Institute and a member of MERC has won the ‘Best European Welding Coordinator’ award.

‘I am happy and humbled to be recognised for my work as a Welding Coordinator. I am so grateful to the team at NIS Limited, where I learn every single day. Qualifications such as European Welding Engineering, and membership at The Welding Institute helps to enhance the subject knowledge and understand the requirements’ - Lawrence Barboza.

The EWF Awards were held in Lisbon, Portugal last month. The winners of EWF Best European Welding Coordinator awards demonstrate extensive knowledge of ISO3884 as well as holding a European Welding Engineer Diploma, working as a responsible welding coordinator for a minimum of 12 months, and being a part of an organisation that has been certified by an EWF member.

On behalf of The Welding Institute we would like to congratulate Lawrence for his award and the dedicated service that he does for The Welding Institute.

Our Process And Pressure Systems (TG5) Technical Group will be hosting their upcoming online Technical Group, from 9:00am – 12:00pm (UK time) on 28 November 2024.

The event, which is titled, ‘Defined Life Composite Repair of Pressure Systems,’ will aim to teach attendees an overview of the selection, design, application, and management of Defined Life Composite Repairs (DLRs) for pressure systems.

Who Should Attend?

Integrity Engineers, Mechanical/Materials/Inspection personnel and anyone with responsibility for managing safety critical pipework, vessels and plant.

Speaker and Presentations:

• David Johnson, Deputy Chief Scientific Advisor, HSE Science Division - TBD

• Chris Scales, Specialist Inspector - Material and Corrosion, HSE Energy Division - Regulatory Considerations of the use of Defined Life Repair Solutions for Pressure Systems

• Paul Hill, Service Line Manager - Composite Repair, TEAM - Comparison of Standards and Understanding Key Design Parameters

• Simon Frost, Technical Director, ECS Ltd - Significant defects in composite repair systems

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