A new training initiative has been launched to further develop the skills of some of the Highlands and Islands' most experienced welders - allowing them to bid for work in the expanding on-shore gas pipeline sector.

The £475,000 (pounds) programme has been developed by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), in partnership with local authorities and private sector companies working in the industry, to address a skills shortfall in gas pipeline laying, and to help people in the area who have been affected by the rundown of the oil fabrication yards.

Gas distribution company Transco are embarking on a massive investment programme to lay new pipelines throughout the United Kingdom, as part of the national gas transmission system. In 1999 this work was worth some £78 million (pounds), by 2002 they are predicting expenditure of £381 million (pounds).

To meet this increasing workload surveys have shown that up to 150 additional welders will be required. The pipeline work has to be carried out to very high standards, and within tight time deadlines because of the 'weather-window' which means most work needs to be done between April and October, although other work may be available off-site and overseas. Welders who have experience in the off-shore fabrication sector need further training and assessment to take advantage of this type of employment.

Under the initiative 40 welders will train over a four week period, HIE are investing £342,000 (pounds); £133,000 (pounds) is coming from the private sector; The Highland Council are providing £1,000 for each individual from their area; and each welder on the course will need to contribute £1,000 to the costs.

The project represents a new co-operation across the industry, with a number of private sector firms making a contribution, in cash or in 'kind'. They include the main contractors working in this sector; Laing Engineering; Lawrence; Entrepose UK; AMEC Spie Capag; Transco, who are supplying the pipeline materials and specialist inspection staff; Bohler Thyssen Welding (UK) Ltd., who are supplying welding rods and materials; and Glasgow-based Petrology Ltd., who will manage the initiative.

Petrology, who have been behind the plans from the outset, will carry out the training at Invergordon, under the 'Training for Work' rules. There are no guarantees that welders will find work after the course, although it will be designed to closely mirror the difficult working conditions involved in pipeline laying, to maximise their chances of finding a job. A strict selection process will also be used to try and ensure those receiving training will be able to meet the high standards required and also have the ability to cope with the time pressures involved. The work, during the UK season, can last up to 30 weeks, and is highly paid in comparison with other welding jobs.

The training programme is due to start within weeks, to allow the welders, and the companies supporting the scheme, to use their skills for the coming 'pipeline season'.

HIE's senior training manager Bill Fraser said: "This is an important step in our efforts to find work for the people who have been paid off in the oil fabrication yards. The fact that the private sector are supporting this course is an acknowledgement of the high skill levels of the local workforce, demonstrating that these companies are confident the welders from the Highlands and Islands will be able to reach the high standards required."

Project manager for Petrology John Finlay said: "There is a lot of work to be done throughout the country, and if they get through this training course, welders from the Highlands and Islands will be well placed to get their fair share of this employment."

Nairn Provost Councillor Sandy Park said: "The Highland Council is supporting this scheme under the emergency package agreed in response to the Barmac rundown. This kind of work will help extend our local skills base and the wages should anchor a number of families in our communities."