Thu, 09 July, 2026
We were delighted to partner with JCB to create the ‘TWI / JCB Training and Skills Zone’ at WeldJoinExpo26.
Designed to offer career insights and information, this dedicated area of the event offered a range of activities to inform and inspire, from presentations from industrial and engineering career experts to information stands and an augmented reality (AR) welding area courtesy of Seabery.
JCB, who provided two backhoe loaders for the day, brought along a cohort of their apprentices to get involved in the day as well as enter a special AR welding competition with prizes for the winners.
Presentations
There were a range of presentations in the Training and Skills Zone throughout the day, with speakers from Altrad, BAE Systems, the Engineering Council, Engineering UK, Enginuity, Fronius, Seabery and Warren Services all taking part. We were also pleased to welcome blacksmith and YouTuber Alec Steele back to TWI.
In addition, we provided a range of career-related presentations from TWI / The Welding Institute and TWI Certification staff, with a focus on skills, training, and certification.
Information Stands
The Training and Skills Zone was open to everyone throughout the day, so attendees could visit the information stands when it suited them. TWI Training staff were on hand to provide information on the wide range of courses we provide, while JCB also had a stand that included a virtual driving experience.
Alec Steele visits our underwater inspection and certification stand
JCB Apprentices AR Welding Competition
One of the highlights of the day was the JCB apprentices AR welding competition. The competition, which was run by Seabery across the early part of the afternoon, took place in a marquee just outside the Training and Skills Zone, which was also visited by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, Princess Anne during her visit.
The competition itself saw 26 JCB apprentices compete to win a welding helmet supplied by Seabery and designed to look like the helmet of a Star Wars storm trooper. Each apprentice was tested by ‘welding’ a test piece using a Seabery augmented reality welding simulator.
Once the welds had been completed and the scores checked, an awards presentation was held on the main stage in the Training and Skills Zone.
TWI / The Welding Institute CEO, Caroline Gumble was joined by Seabery Business Development Director, Antonio Fernándes to present the awards.
In third place – and the winner of a 15% discount on TWI training courses - was Archie Till…
Taking second place - and winning a 35% TWI training course discount – was Henry Calverley…
The overall winner ,who got to take home the coveted welding mask (as well as a 50% TWI training discount), was George Calverley - which meant that the brothers took home first and second places!
George’s final score was an impressive 91, compared to an average score of around 84-85 for the other apprentices.
Overall, it was an honour to be able to host the Training and Skills Zone at TWI and we would like to thank our partners at JCB for helping to make the day special.
