Welding apprentices from Lowestoft College were firing on all cylinders at the BOC Eastern Region Welding Competition.

Joseph Coleman, James Cook and Chris Goldsmith took on apprentices from the Colchester Institute and scooped the top three places. Working against the clock, the apprentices had to complete a range of tasks designed to test their welding skills. Keeping a watchful eye on the competitors was judge Les Ness from the BOC.

Joseph who works at Derrick Services Ltd in Gt Yarmouth and James who works at Richard Westerns in Framlingham came first and second respectively and will now head to Castle College in Nottingham in July to take part in the next stage of the competition – the Apprentice Welder, England Final. Chris, an apprentice from S&G Fabrications Lowestoft, will be the College’s reserve for the competition.

Ferlin Quantrill, curriculum manager for engineering, said: These competitions really test the skills and nerve of the apprentices. To be placed first, second and third was a great result in what was a closely fought competition.”

Image: Left – Right, Chris Goldsmith, Joseph Coleman and James Cook