The Port Talbot Welding Skills Academy is tackling the need for skilled workers by retraining former steelworkers.
Backed by a significant loan from UKSE Steel Enterprise, the academy aims to create long-term employment opportunities.
In a move to address local employment challenges, the Port Talbot Welding Skills Academy has announced plans to train hundreds of former Tata steelworkers. Supported by a six-figure investment from UKSE Steel Enterprise, the academy is expanding its capabilities significantly. This development follows the transition of Tata’s Port Talbot site to a new electric arc furnace operation, which resulted in the loss of approximately 2,000 jobs.
Over the next year, the academy is committed to training up to 300 former Tata employees. Additionally, it is broadening its reach to include a diverse range of candidates eager to enter the fabrication sector.
The academy, initially launched to support JES apprentices, is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and aims to foster both professional development and job creation.
Locally, the upcoming Celtic Freeport in Port Talbot is expected to generate numerous jobs related to wind turbine fabrication, contributing to the drive for energy efficiency.
The investment from UKSE is vital in supporting this mission, providing the foundation for future workforce development as JES diversifies its operations.
The organisation has supported approximately 83,000 jobs across the UK and continues to focus on nurturing skilled supply chains.
Founded in 1982 by Viv Johnson, JES started as a small pipework fabricator in Taibach. It has since evolved into a multi-disciplinary engineering contractor.
The expansion of the Port Talbot Welding Skills Academy promises to rejuvenate the local workforce by providing essential skills training.
With support from UKSE, the academy is positioned to contribute significantly to the region’s economic revival.
