TWO welding apprentices from Pembrokeshire College’s MITEC centre proved they were bright sparks in a recent south Wales competition.

Currently undertaking the Level 3 Welding Apprenticeship with Rhyal Engineering, Jay Blair, from Milford Haven, and Joshua Nash, from Roch, were placed second and third respectively in the SkillWeld South Wales Semi-Final held at Neath Port Talbot College during June.

Battling for a place in the SkillWeld National Final, competitors were tasked with producing joints using MMA, MAG and TIG processes to weld mild steel, aluminium and stainless steel in various positions.

Judges on the day commented that Jay’s TIG root on the four foot pipe was the best they had seen throughout the competition and both Josh and Jay’s pieces were of a very high quality.

College lecturer Jo Bradshaw said: “This year south Wales was a very high scoring region, so we are delighted with second and third place. Both Josh and Jay worked hard in the run-up to the competition and we would also like to thank Rhyal Engineering for their continued support.”

Both Jay and Josh must now wait to see if they have scored enough points to make it through to the UK National Final which will be held at the NEC in Birmingham in November.

Jo added: “The skills competitions provide an excellent opportunity for students to showcase their skills amongst the best trainees in the UK. We are now keeping our fingers crossed that they have scored enough points to reach the national final.”