Morris Site Machinery launch search for the best UK welders
Morris Site Machinery, on-site power equipment suppliers, are calling on welders aged between 16-25 with creative flair and a passion for the industry to enter a new competition to find and crown the UK’s top young welders.
The Great British Weld-Off 2014 is sponsored by Speedy, a leading supplier of hire equipment, and Kemppi, global manufacturers of welding equipment. The competition offers teams of four the chance to showcase their skills and knowledge in welding, through a series of competitive challenges. The contest will reward the winning team with a host of prizes including a one-year dedicated training programme with Morris Site Machinery and Speedy.
Phil Winnington, managing director of Morris Site Machinery, said: ‘This competition is an exciting new venture for us, focused on recognising talent and developing careers in the welding industry.
‘As leading suppliers to the construction, rail, hire and events industries, we have a responsibility to invest in and encourage the next generation of welders, ensuring this traditional skill is recognized and appreciated. The Great British Weld-Off is an ideal opportunity for apprentices and students alike to receive a real kick start into the industry, helping to develop skills and learn in a competitive environment.’
Entrants will be required to demonstrate creativity, skill and safety awareness by participating in three head-to-head challenges in front of a panel of high-profile judges - Richard Denholm from Speedy, Michael Scarrott from EAL and Ian Hogarth from The Welding Institute.
Category manager Richard Denholm from Speedy said: ‘At Speedy we value the need for developing skills and investing in the industries in which we operate. This competition is a fantastic opportunity for us to work alongside partners and nurture talent. We are very excited to be involved in The Great British Weld-Off and look forward to putting the successful teams through their paces.’
Ian Hogarth from professional engineering establishment The Welding Institute commented: ‘At the Welding Institute we look to assist and allow individuals to build a career in welding and this competition really embraces these same principles. Welding is used in all aspects of life from the cars we drive, the bridges we build to the construction of our homes. We want to inspire the next generation of UK welders and help guide them towards a successful career.’
Michael Scarrott from EAL, the specialist awarding organization for industry qualifications, said: ‘We are very much looking forward to being part of this unique competition, rewarding a group of talented individuals with some outstanding opportunities to progress their future careers.’
The competition will be judged in two stages: a paper-based entry for the first round (closing date 10 January 2014), followed by the competitive live ‘Weld-Off’ on 26 February 2014.
As well as receiving a one-year dedicated training programme with Morris Site Machinery and Speedy, the winning team will also receive one year’s membership of The Welding Institute and an ArcGen Weldmaker 165PS2 for their college or workplace, worth £3,500. Second place winners will receive a Kemppi Inverter Power Source, worth £670 and third place winners will receive £250 worth of Speedy engineering products. All the finalists go home with a trophy.
The champions will be announced at an official awards ceremony on the evening of The Great British Weld-Off final at the Morris Site Machinery headquarters in Wolverhampton.
For further information, full terms and conditions and to download an entry form visit: www.morrismachinery.co.uk
