ESAB to sponsor welding competition again

The winner and runner up from each competition will then attend the finals at Babcock Marine, Rosyth, in November. The competition aims to raise skill levels among apprentice welders in UK shipyards. About 60 apprentices took part in the 2010 competition, also sponsored by ESAB, and it is anticipated that at least as many will be competing in 2011. So far Babcock Marine Rosyth, BAE Barrow, BAE Clyde, BAE Portsmouth, A&P Tyne and Cammell Laird have confirmed participation.

ESAB will supply welding machines and consumables for use during the final. Its new Aristo 400 electronic controlled MIG/MAG/MMA inverter based welding machines will be used along with ESAB OK Tubrod 15.14 and electrodes. The Aristo welding machines are designed for high productivity welding applications, with additional mobility, convenience and time, space and energy-saving features.

ESAB says that as well as benefiting from the opportunity to improve skills, the apprentices experience working under pressure, which is good preparation for work in the yards. The shipyards benefit from an improved skill base among its welders, and the competition organisers have found that training managers from the yards exchange ideas and share experiences.