3t instructor’s jig makes final three in prestigious competition

3t welding instructor Evan Bullough reaches finals in HNC competition with innovative aerospace jig

3t welding instructor, Evan Bullough is celebrating after making the final three in Hartlepool College’s HNC project competition with his unique aerospace welding jig.

21-year-old Evan, who joined 3t Training Services as an apprentice welder / fabricator five years ago and is now a time-served welding instructor, has been studying an HNC in Welding, Fabrication and Metallurgy at Hartlepool College for the past two years. As part of the course, students design and manufacture a product using welding techniques.

Evan devised and built a specialist welding jig to securely hold aerospace-grade materials in place during welding tests.

Inspired by a group of Omani military personnel who visited 3t’s Newcastle centre last year to train in specialist engineering skills, Evan designed the jig to assist them in welding aircraft-grade materials like titanium, nickel, aluminium, and stainless steel accurately and consistently.

Evan’s project was selected out of dozens of others by lecturers, students and employers to advance to the finals of Hartlepool College’s HNC project competition on July 4th where he will present his work to local employers.

A person wearing an orange work jumpsuit and safety goggles stands next to a workbench, smiling at the camera. The bench is equipped with metal parts and a 3t instructor's jig. An exhaust hood and duct are above, framed by a brick wall and metal panels in the background.

The ultimate winner receives a £500 gift voucher and a commemorative plaque.

Emma Howorth, General Manager England at 3t Training Services, said: “We are all incredibly proud of Evan on reaching the finals in this respected student competition. His innovative welding jig has real-world application, and the quality is so high we now use it within our own welding training facility.  

 “Evan has been an outstanding employee at 3t since he first joined the company aged 16 and it’s great to see him progressing so well throughout his career. We wish him the best of luck in the finals in July and we are all keeping our fingers crossed for him.”

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