BRADFORD College has become the first education partner in the UK to launch the Energas Fabrication Excellence Student Support Scheme.
The programme is part of a wider initiative by Energas, an Air Liquide Group company specialising in cylinder gases and equipment, to address the global shortage of welders that governments and industry bodies are urgently trying to reverse.
In the UK, Brexit and the Covid pandemic have worsened a national skills shortage, with the number of welders falling by a quarter in five years. Nearly half the nation’s welders are expected to retire by 2027.
The new Energas initiative is helping to stem this decline and support welding educational establishments, such as Bradford College and its students. The partnership will enhance existing college welding equipment, offer grassroots exposure to Energas products and services, and deliver safety and technical advice.
Bradford College Trinity Green Campus currently offers Level 1 and Level 2 qualifications in Welding and a Level 1 Certificate in Engineering Fabrication and Welding alongside other Level 2 and 3 Engineering qualifications.
Tony Carter, Lecturer in Fabrication and Welding at Bradford College, said: “We’re delighted with the bespoke package of support Bradford College has been offered, taking in to account our specific needs as an education provider. Energas will now be the go-to welding equipment and gas supplier for all students, including workwear, PPE, and ongoing consumable supplies.”
The state-of-the-art equipment will be used to train students at all levels - from those starting out in the field to experienced welders looking to upskill in new techniques, including individuals joining new part-time/night classes at Trinity Green Campus.
Forbes England, Fabrication Excellence Market Manager for Energas, said: “This is a fantastic example of a local business, Energas Bradford, supporting nearby welding education at Bradford College. By partnering together, we are united in our ambition to attract more individuals into a diverse and exciting industry offering international job opportunities across sectors and specialisms.”
* To find out more about welding or engineering training at Bradford College, contact a.huison@bradfordcollege.ac.uk
JOIN Bradford School of Art degree students for a thrilling evening of dance, drama, and musical theatre in the heart of the city, celebrating the newest emerging talent in Bradford.
As part of the run-up to Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture, the group of Level 6 final year students will be performing their graduate showcase at Kala Sangam Arts Centre on Thursday, 18 May from 6.30 pm. The performing arts graduates will present a selection of timeless classics and contemporary pieces, including numbers from shows such as Jersey Boys, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, and Hamilton.
Don’t miss the chance to connect with the local performance community and celebrate with the talented alumni of Bradford College. Get your tickets today by visiting the events section of the Bradford College website.
THE Bradford College Fashion Department helped Bradford Bulls launch their new mascot as part of an ongoing partnership.
Bull Girl made her first official appearance at Odsal Stadium during the Bradford Bulls vs Batley Bulldogs game.
The college's Fashion teaching team has worked tirelessly to create the costume.
From the beginning, the Bulls allowed the Fashion department to take full control of the creative direction.
Sylvia Devanney, the Design Technician who took a lead role in bringing Bull Girl to life, said: “I really loved working on this project, I would say this has been my favourite project to date.
"It was fantastic to be given the freedom to design Bull Girl and work closely with the Bulls team to bring both our visions to life.
“It is a privilege to give young girls and boys a female mascot to look up to and play my part into shaping inclusivity.”
* To find out more about opportunities in the Fashion department at Bradford College go to bradfordcollege.ac.uk
VISIT the next Bradford College open night on May 4 (5-7 pm, Great Horton Road) to explore the full range of courses and facilities on offer in the city. Staff will be available to discuss options for full and part-time study as you explore the range of flexible delivery options. At the open event you can:
• Explore state-of-the-art facilities and learning resources.
• Apply for a Further Education course to secure a place for 2023.
• Learn about the services available, including careers advice, learning support, progress coaches and work placements.
• Meet tutors and learn more about courses and progression routes.
Make sure you attend the event if you're looking to enter full or part-time Further or Higher Education in 2023, start an Apprenticeship, or are interested in adult and community courses. Reserve a place via the Bradford College events webpage.
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