Provost Launches “IGNITE” Welding Academy

A brand new course – funded by the Ayrshire Growth Deal - was launched on Monday to provide a unique opportunity for six unemployed people to be trained to the international welding standard.

The IGNITE Welding Course, a transformative training initiative delivered in partnership with industry leaders J&D Pierce (Contracts) Ltd, has been funded through the Ayrshire Skills Investment Fund as part of the wider Ayrshire Growth Deal.

This intensive program aims to tackle a skills shortage by providing six unemployed individuals from across the region with the elite training required to become "Coded Welders”.

The IGNITE program is designed to bridge the gap between unemployment and high-skilled industrial roles. Over the coming weeks, participants will undergo rigorous training at J&D Pierce’s state-of-the-art facility in Glengarnock, one of the UK’s largest and most advanced structural steelwork engineering sites.

On successful completion of the course participants will have the opportunity to be become a “Coded Welder” by being tested to the standard BS EN 9606 for welder approval a recognised international standard. If successful they will receive their welder approval certificate to BS EN 9606 as confirmation the welder is capable of producing high quality, safe and reliable welds. Gaining them industry ready qualifications and real career prospects

The course will last 15 weeks and was launched by North Ayrshire Provost Anthea Dickson, who got to meet the six trainees and learn more about the opportunity it presents them.

Councillor Tony Gurney, Cabinet Member for Green Environment and Economy, added: “By partnering with a sector leading employer like J&D Pierce, we are ensuring that our residents gain the exact skills needed by industry. This investment through the Ayrshire Growth Deal is a testament to our commitment to economic renewal and providing our people with pathways to high-quality, sustainable careers."

Derek Pierce, Chairman at J&D Pierce, added: “We are proud to be working with North Ayrshire Council to be launching this course. As a local employer, we are always looking to provide pathways and opportunities, and we are delighted to have the support of this Ayrshire Growth Deal fund to create even more.

“Welders are the backbone of the structural steel industry, and there is currently a significant demand for skilled professionals across Scotland and the UK. We are proud to host these six individuals and provide them with hands-on experience in a real-world engineering environment. We look forward to seeing them develop the precision and expertise required to thrive in this sector."

Published: 22 January 2026