Two dozen local people are taking part in a brand-new welding course fully funded by Metro Mayor Dan Norris' West of England Authority so they can go on to get in-demand high-skilled jobs.

The Mayor, who is responsible for skills and training, will meet learners taking part in the weekly hands-on training course (and have a chance to try out his welding skills) when he officially launches the scheme at Bath College Somer Valley Campus, in Radstock, this coming Thursday.

The welding course is taking place in the college's fully equipped workshops and is taught by lecturers with a combination of over 30 years of industry experience

The Mayor will learn how welding is a key skill that can be transferred to an array of different industries such as metal fabrication, construction, mechanical services, ship building, pipeline installation, and beyond.

At the end of the course participants will go away with key skills they need in the professional welding industry, a CSCS card which proves they have the appropriate training and qualifications to work on construction sites, and a guaranteed interview with a top-notch West of England employer - including big firms like EDF Energy.

Metro Mayor Dan Norris said: "The West of England has always been an engineering powerhouse and I'm sure Brunel himself would have been delighted that we are still training up the welders of tomorrow. Skills and training are a really important part of my role as Metro Mayor. That's why I'm proud to launch this £80,000 West of England welding programme fully funded by my West of England Authority. The region needs more welders, pipe fitters and technicians and it's a good skilled job for people to gain."