Members and industry leaders came together at The Welding Institute in Cambridge to discuss the skills, technology and collaboration needed to support the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy.
Earlier this week, The Welding Institute welcomed members, employers, educators, technology providers, researchers and industry leaders to our Annual Members’ Day celebration at TWI Cambridge.

Held under the theme ‘Building Tomorrow’s Capability, Supporting the Industrial Strategy’, the event explored the challenges and opportunities facing the welding and joining industry, with a focus on future skills, new technologies and working together to support UK manufacturing.
The programme included presentations from industry experts, a panel discussion and interactive workshops, giving delegates the opportunity to share knowledge and discuss topics including future welding skills, intelligent automation, collaborative research and development, and routes into the profession.

As well as sharing ideas, the day gave members the chance to discuss what more can be done to support the industry and shape the Institute’s future activities.

The day opened with a welcome from Caroline Gumble, CEO of The Welding Institute, and Dr Kate Franklin, Technical Group Co-ordinator, who highlighted the importance of the Institute’s membership and the value of bringing people together to share their experience and expertise.
 

Delegates then heard from a range of industry speakers on the developments and challenges shaping the sector.
Presentations included:

Welding and UK Manufacturing Resilience — Paul Woollin, TWI 

Future Welding Skills: Unlocking Our Potential — Martyn Fletcher, industry speaker

 

Intelligent Automation Solutions — Mike Russell, KUKA

 

From Research to Industrial Impact: How Collaborative R&D Strengthens UK Capability — Malcolm Lee, TWI Ltd

Building Stronger Pathways into Industry — Jeff Baker, Enginuity

Case Study — Lee George, IACS

The presentations covered a range of issues affecting the future of the industry, from developing the skills needed to meet changing demands to making better use of technology and research. They also highlighted the importance of collaboration between employers, educators and research organisations.

Celebrating achievement at the Annual Awards Ceremony
The Annual Awards Ceremony provided an opportunity to recognise the achievements and contributions of individuals across the welding and joining community.

Hosted by Katherine Bennett, President of The Welding Institute, the ceremony celebrated professional development, long-standing service, technical achievement and the contributions of those helping to support the industry.

This year’s winners were:
Continuous Learning and Development Award
Recognising individuals who have undertaken significant educational journeys alongside their welding careers.
Winner: Aaron Kirkbride

Loyal Service Award
Recognising outstanding service to the Branches and Committees of The Welding Institute.
Winners: Peter Mudge and Brian Bell

Richard Weck Award
Conferred annually by TWI for the most worthy Industrial Member Report from the Core Research Programme.
Winners: Mark Sutcliffe and Calum Hoyle

TWI Commendation
Recognising special achievements by TWI staff.
Winner: Jerry Godden

Richard Dolby Award
Sponsored by Rolls-Royce plc and presented by the Younger Members’ Committee, this prestigious biennial award recognises success and enthusiasm in welding, joining and/or materials engineering at an early career stage.
Winner: Jack Clipston

Special Recognition Award
Established through a donation made to the Institute in Alasdair Wallace’s will in 2017, this award recognises significant special achievements in welding and joining.
Winner: Gene Mathers

Congratulations to all the winners, whose achievements reflect the knowledge, commitment and experience that continue to support the welding and joining profession.

Turning discussions into action
In the afternoon, delegates took part in one of two workshops, focusing on areas identified as important to members and the wider industry.

Mel Stewart of AdMel Ltd led ‘Broadening Participation in Welding, Fabrication and Engineering’, which explored ways to encourage more people to consider careers in the sector and improve access to opportunities.
Meanwhile, Jason Gregory of TWI Ltd led ‘What Should CPD Look Like for Members?’, giving delegates the opportunity to discuss professional development and what the Institute can do to better support members throughout their careers.

Both sessions encouraged open discussion and the sharing of ideas. Delegates identified potential outreach opportunities, discussed member priorities and suggested ways to improve engagement and career development.
The groups then came together to share their findings and discuss next steps. The feedback will help inform future working groups and initiatives, ensuring that members have a voice in shaping the Institute’s activities.

The Annual Members’ Day provided an opportunity for the welding and joining community to come together, share ideas and discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the industry. The discussions highlighted the importance of developing future skills, embracing new technologies and strengthening collaboration across the sector. Feedback from the workshops will help shape future Institute activities, ensuring members’ views and priorities continue to inform its work. By building on these discussions, The Welding Institute will continue to support its members and work with industry to help develop the skills, knowledge and expertise needed for the future.