Member Article

Hartlepool College apprentices weld a bright future

TWO former Hartlepool College apprentices have been named the country’s Number 1 welding and fabrication technicians in a national competition.

Anthony Smith, 21, and Scott Pearson, 22, shared first place in The Welding Institute’s (TWI) prestigious annual awards ceremony at Cambridge University.

The pair both work at Hartlepool-based offshore fabrication yard Heerema and were formerly apprentices at Hartlepool College of Further Education. They were named TWI’s best technicians for the whole of the UK after both had scooped regional honours earlier in the year.

Hartlepool College has supplied hundreds of apprentices to Heerema over the past 20 years, but this is the first time two of its apprentices have won the top national honour.

Jim Shanks, tutor in fabrication and welding engineering at Hartlepool College, said: “It’s a tremendous achievement for Anthony and Scott and a great honour for both the College and Heerema. We knew both were very competent and that shone through from their time studying at the College.

“We are absolutely delighted that they have proved they are the best in the country and I’m certain they will have long and rewarding careers ahead of them. It proves that here in the North East and particularly Hartlepool College we can produce the highest calibre apprentices and technically skilled people to meet the demands of industry.”

Anthony and Scott were offered apprenticeships at Heerema after completing their first year of studies at Hartlepool College. After four years, both have graduated with NVQ Level 3 qualifications in Fabrication and Welding Engineering and Advanced Modern Apprenticeships.

To qualify for the TWI award, Scott and Anthony submitted a portfolio of work evidencing their skills, competence and qualifications. Judges at the Welding Institute were so impressed with the pair, that they were both awarded top prizes – Anthony as Technician of the Year; and Scott as Advanced Welding Technician.

Anthony, who collected his award at a ceremony at Cambridge University’s King’s College, said: “I’m really pleased to get the award. I have really enjoyed my time at College and working at Heerema. The training I received is unmatched anywhere.

“Taking the apprenticeship route when I left school was right for me. I now have the skills and experience to progress to become a fabrication co-ordinator and estimator and eventually an engineer.”

Heerema has also taken on its first ever female fabrication and welding apprentice Joanne Taylor, who is also a former student at Hartlepool College.

Alan Lloyd, director of Heerema Hartlepool, said: “We have a long standing relationship with Hartlepool College and it’s a win-win situation as we are able to provide work for some very high calibre apprentices and bring them along with hands on experience. The College benefits by being able to partner with some of the best engineering companies in the country.

“It’s so important that we encourage companies to take on apprentices especially in industries such as welding and fabrication. We have a skills gap with an ageing workforce so it’s essential that the young people are coming through with the right skills and attitude to succeed.”

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