Two dozen local people are taking part in a brand-new welding course at Radstock's Bath College fully funded by Metro Mayor Dan Norris' West of England Authority so they can go on to get in-demand high-skilled jobs.

The Mayor, who is responsible for skills and training, met learners taking part in the weekly hands-on training course on the Somer Valley campus.

The welding course is taking place in the college's fully equipped workshops and is taught by lecturers with a combination of over 30 years of industry experience

At the end of the course participants will go away with key skills they need in the professional welding industry, a CSCS card which proves they have the appropriate training and qualifications to work on construction sites, and a guaranteed interview with a top-notch West of England employer - including big firms like EDF Energy.

Speaking at the launch, Metro Mayor Dan Norris said: "The West of England has always been an engineering powerhouse and I'm sure Brunel himself would have been delighted that we are still training up the welders of tomorrow. Skills and training are a really important part of my role as Metro Mayor. That's why I'm proud to launch this £80,000 West of England welding programme fully funded by my West of England Authority. The region needs more welders, pipe fitters and technicians and it's a good skilled job for people to gain."