Upskilling Programme Helps Retain Key Welding Skills

Ten workers at Belfast's Harland and Wolff shipyard have successfully completed an upskilling programme funded by Belfast City Council, helping to retain valuable welding skills at the historic site. The initiative came about after Unite the Union identified a need for its members to acquire new skills to fulfil the requirements of a potential new contract.

Belfast City Council provided funding for the training through its employability support programme, which aims to assist local employers in developing their workforce. The ten employees completed the course, delivered in partnership with Unite the Union and Navantia UK, the new owners of the shipyard, and have now achieved the necessary certification to work on the anticipated contract.

The Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray, highlighted the importance of the programme, stating: "This academy is a great example of how our council is working proactively with employers city-wide to open up access to skills development to all our residents and ensure no-one is left behind when it comes to creating a more inclusive and prosperous city."

He added that over the past few years, almost 3,000 residents have participated in the council's Employment Academies, with over 80% securing employment or better roles, alongside gaining new skills and qualifications in sectors such as health and social care, technology, logistics and transport, construction, and childcare. Councillor Murray emphasised that the support offered to employers like Harland and Wolff results in more people finding better or more secure employment, increased confidence, improved earning potential, and the retention of crucial skills within Belfast. Gary Davison, one of the participants in the welding programme, shared his experience: "I had not welded with the TIG process for over 20 years but this programme made it possible for me to regain these crucial skills. Our instructor Jamie provided exceptional guidance throughout the training. As we prepare to restart shipbuilding in Belfast, I’m looking forward to passing these skills on to the next generation of apprentices at the yard."

Another participant, Stephen Campbell, commented: "After a long gap since I last used TIG welding techniques, being selected for this training programme has been invaluable. The skills we’ve developed are already being put to use at Harland and Wolff. I’m excited about potentially joining the pipe welding team working on our current programme, helping to put Belfast shipbuilding back on the map."

Clare Caulfield, Project Manager for Skills with Unite the Union, praised the collaboration, saying: "Unite the Union were delighted to collaborate with the council in supporting our H&W workforce. Targeted and flexible training initiatives such as this promote instant and impactful job security, safety, efficiency, and innovation within the industry. Investment in real apprenticeships and continuous learning allows workers of all levels to adapt to new technologies and processes. This is vital to ensure a more adaptable, skilled workforce capable of driving the shipbuilding sector forward."

Carlos López Carregado, General Manager at Harland and Wolff, also welcomed the programme: "The welding upskilling programme with the council is already making a real difference, with our first cohort now contributing valuable skills on the shop floor. This practical partnership came at a perfect time as we begin operations as part of Navantia UK. The council's targeted support helped address our immediate workforce needs, whilst strengthening Belfast's maritime engineering capabilities for the future. We look forward to building on this successful model as we expand our training and recruitment initiatives."

Further information about employability support for local employers is available from the council website at belfastcity.gov.uk/employability