Weld Off 2016 proved to be a third consecutive win for EAL registered centre, Coleg Cambria in North Wales, when the four students produced their stunning entry for the completion themed God Save the Queen in celebration of the Monarch’s 90th birthday.
The highly commended runners-up included apprentices from three more EAL centres including the City of Wolverhampton College, who created a model of London’s Tower Bridge; students from Training 2000 in Lancashire, who also welded a Royal Carriage and the team from New College Durham who produced an afternoon tea setting fit for any Royal garden party.
BBC presenter Steph McGovern was on hand to support the contestants during the live final in Tamworth hosted by Morris Machinery and their partner’s Speedy services, while the judging panel was headed up by EAL’s Michael Scarrott.
Julia Chippendale, managing director of EAL, the specialist awarding organisation and skills partner for industry, said: “The standard of the competition was phenomenal and showcased all that is best about the UK’s welding apprenticeships.
“Coleg Cambria’s hat-trick of wins is a fantastic accolade for them and I am sure The Queen would be hugely impressed at what the team has produced.
“EAL is proud to support the event and assistance in the judging and I am delighted that every finalist came from a centre which delivers EAL certified courses. Congratulations to them all.”
The winning team walked off with the accolade of being the best welding apprentices in the UK along with prizes worth more than £3,000.
