This case study showcases the successful establishment of the Welding Centre of Excellence at Bridgwater & Taunton College (BTC). The Centre was born out of a strategic collaboration between educational institutions, industry leaders, and government bodies, aimed at addressing the growing skills gap in welding. This initiative is particularly critical for supporting major UK infrastructure projects such as Hinkley Point C.
Weldability-Sif played a pivotal role in the creation and operation of the Centre, providing invaluable expertise, resources, and top-tier equipment. Their contribution ensured the Centre’s alignment with industry standards, equipping students with the skills necessary to meet the demands of today’s welding industry.
OBJECTIVES
- Skilled Welder Development: The Centre was established to meet the urgent demand for skilled welders for major infrastructure projects, including Hinkley Point C.
- Hands-On & Virtual Training: The Centre combined physical welding booths with virtual welding rooms, ensuring that training was aligned with modern industry standards.
- Skills Testing & Employment Readiness: It provided a facility for skills testing and certification, equipping trainees with the competencies needed for immediate employment.
APPROACH
Strategic Planning
- Collaboration between EDF, BTC leadership, Weldability Sif, and other stakeholders to scope, design, and deliver a world-class training centre.
- Weldability-SIF attended the site and provided a comprehensive floor plan proposal.
- Appointment of a dedicated Project Manager to lead site preparation, layout design, and equipment commissioning.
Infrastructure & Training Design
- 20 state-of-the-art welding booths installed, complete with:
- Fume extraction systems
- Demonstration areas
- TIG, MIG, and other welding sets
- Helmets and branded welding consumables supplied by Weldability-Sif
- 3 Virtual Welding machines to simulate and enhance training experiences.
- Customised skills testing specifically designed for roles at Hinkley Point C.
- Installation of the EDI-ProTector Scan system for continuous monitoring of air quality, noise, and temperature is critical for maintaining a safe learning environment.
- Annual examinations and commissioning of all installed equipment by Weldability-Sif to maintain operational excellence.
Official Launch
- Opened on 28th April 2022 at the Energy Skills Centre in Bridgwater.
- Launched by Rt Hon Greg Hands MP, Minister of State for Business, Energy & Clean Growth.
- Marked a milestone in developing the UK’s future-ready skilled workforce.
RESULT
- Bridgwater became a nationally recognised Welding Centre of Excellence, fully equipped and aligned with EDF’s workforce development strategy.
- Over 5,000 welders trained, many of whom progressed into roles supporting major infrastructure projects.
- The facility continues to host annual site evaluations, skills testing, and industry engagement events.
CONCLUSION
The Welding Centre of Excellence at Bridgwater & Taunton College represents a model of successful collaboration between education, industry, and government. The strong partnership between Weldability-Sif, SWIOT, Hinkley Point C, and the Heart of the South West LEP has led to a training environment that directly supports the UK’s infrastructure and energy goals.
Through state-of-the-art equipment, real-world testing, and continuous investment in innovation and safety (like the EDI-ProTector system), the Centre ensures welders are not only trained but also employment-ready. Its ongoing role in talent development secures a skilled pipeline for regional and national growth.
Credit: © Bridgwater & Taunton College – Minister Opens Welding Centre of Excellence (2022) | www.btc.ac.uk
Credit: © Hinkley Supply Chain | www.hinkleysupplychain.co.uk
