NEWS


WELDING SKILLS SHORTAGE? IT’S TIME TO SMELL THE COFFEE


T


he UK engineering and manufacturing industries are at a tipping point. With a


national skills shortage of around 600,000 people, businesses across the sector are feeling the strain. Productivity is dropping, and, in many cases, companies are being forced to outsource work overseas simply because they can’t find the skilled workforce they need here in the UK. Some firms have even resorted


to sponsoring workers from abroad to fill the gaps—an expensive, time- consuming solution that does little to strengthen the homegrown talent pipeline. But what if there was a more sustainable, cost-effective way to bring in fresh talent and train workers to meet your exact requirements? This is where Momentum Training’s Welding Skills ‘Bootcamps’ come in.


A Direct Solution to the Skills Crisis Momentum Training is at the forefront of tackling this shortage, delivering government-funded Welding Skills Bootcamps in Birmingham, Coventry, Newcastle, and Sheffield. These intensive training programmes provide hands-on instruction in MIG, TIG, and fabrication, equipping learners with the core skills needed to enter the industry. Unlike traditional training routes,


Skills Bootcamps are designed in partnership with employers. This ensures that businesses get the workforce they need while individuals gain real, job- focused experience. The result is a pipeline of job-ready welders, trained to meet the exact specifications of local businesses, at no cost to the employer.


Real Success Stories: From Unemployed to Fully Employed Momentum Training has already trained over 200 learners through Welding Skills Bootcamps, and we’ve seen first-hand how transformative these courses can be— not just for learners but for businesses. Take ADM Pressings in Newcastle, for


example. This engineering firm recently hosted a dedicated interview and weld


test day for Momentum learners, resulting in two previously unemployed individuals securing full-time welding jobs. These learners had never welded before


joining the Bootcamp. But by the time they stepped onto ADM’s site, they were fully prepared—not just with general welding skills, but with the specific techniques the company needed, including 5 mm T Fillets and box section fabrication. This level of employer input is exactly


what makes Skills Bootcamps so effective. Companies get tailor-made talent, and learners get the best possible chance of securing long-term employment.


State-of-the-Art Training for Real-World Jobs Momentum’s training centres are built for success. We provide:


✅ Industry-standard equipment that replicates real-world working conditions


✅ Expert tuition from seasoned professionals with decades of experience


✅ Practical, hands-on learning to ensure confidence in core welding techniques


✅ Employer-led course elements, allowing businesses to shape training in line with their specific needs


When you work with Momentum, you’re


not just hiring a welder—you’re investing in a future expert, trained in a way that aligns with your company’s requirements. So, What’s Stopping Employers from


Engaging? As Momentum Training’s Sales Director, Thomas Winbow, puts it: “Working within the Skills Bootcamps


4 / WELDING WORLD MAGAZINE - ISSUE 01 - JANUARY 2025


over a number of years has proven to be a huge success, with some great household names now working alongside Momentum to help shape the industry. Our biggest hurdle is getting the initial buy-in from the employer, but once this has been achieved, it really is a great partnership that goes from strength to strength—ensuring learners get the jobs they so desperately want.” The reality is that employers can’t


afford to ignore this opportunity. The skills shortage isn’t going away, and businesses that fail to invest in future talent will find themselves struggling to compete. If you’re currently facing recruitment


challenges, the answer is right here. By engaging with Skills Bootcamps, you gain access to a pool of eager, well- trained, and motivated individuals— ready to fill the roles you need. And the best part? It’s free to get involved.


Solving the Welding Shortage Together Momentum Training is actively looking for engineering and manufacturing employers to:


✅ Offer site visits, weld tests, and interviews for our trained learners


✅ Help shape course content to ensure skills match industry demands


✅ Secure fresh talent without expensive recruitment costs


As Tom Winbow concludes: “If you’re


serious about solving your welding recruitment challenges, it’s time to act.”


www.momentumgroup.org.uk


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