A HAVERFORDWEST apprentice has been flying the flag for Pembrokeshire by demonstrating his welding skills in the recent SkillWeld Regional Semi-Final, and is waiting to see if he has a place in the national final.

Former Pembrokeshire College Level 3 Welding student, Josh Tuson took part in four hours of challenges to test his skills on a variety of different welding techniques.

Battling for a place in the SkillWeld National Final, Josh created four test pieces including a four-inch pipe butt, an aluminium TIG pipe to plate, a stainless steel TIG fillet and a vertical MAG fillet, all being welded in different positions and using different consumables.

Josh, now an apprentice with Jenkins and Davies, Pembroke, after progressing through the engineering route at college, said: “I can’t wait to find out if I’ve reached the final - although I’m pleased to be ranked in the top two in South Wales.”

Josh completed Level 2 NVQ Engineering and Level 3 Enhanced Engineering at Pembrokeshire College last year and went straight into full-time employment as an apprentice with Jenkins and Davies, Pembroke.

He is waiting to find out if he has a place in the National Final in November.

College Lecturer Jo Bradshaw said: “We’re delighted to see Josh compete in the SkillWeld semi-final. He’s worked hard and the quality of his work is of a very high standard. We’re keeping our fingers crossed that he reaches the final as he is a very talented young man.”

Reaching the final heat at the NEC in Birmingham would mean that Josh could be in with a chance of being selected for the Long Squad, who represent Team UK in the WorldSkills competition which will be held in Russia in 2019.