Engineering the future of Wales

The best young welders in Wales went head-to-head yesterday in a bid to win the BOC Welsh Apprentice Welder 2012.

At the end of a day of exacting practical tests, Neil Brace from MITEC Pembrokeshire College took the title at the national finals held at Gower College Swansea.

Presenting Neil (21) with his prize, the evening’s special guest, Welsh Assembly Member Mike Hedges said the skills agenda remains a central priority: “Wales has a huge amount of talent in its young people. Helping them develop these will attract jobs and prosperity to the country and allow us to build a vibrant future for all our people.”

BOC, a member of the Linde Group, supplies industrial and gases and engineering solutions across the UK. Dan Williams, Senior Legal Counsel, explained why BOC have supported this competition since its inception. “Engineers can design great projects but to translate them into reality this country requires welders and other skilled professionals to build the machines and infrastructure.”

Nick Bennett, the Principal of Gower College Swansea, which hosted the finals event, stressed the part that education has to play in the future of Wales. “We are delighted to be able to showcase the skills of our brightest and most talented young people at this event. These competitors are visible proof of the quality of the education on offer in Wales.”