Meet the Welding Team: David Smith

Welcome to the first edition of our Meet the Team blog series. We're excited to introduce the dedicated professionals who help shape the learning experience for our students and contribute to the success of our courses.

To begin the series, we're pleased to introduce David Smith, our Welding Course Leader. With extensive industry knowledge and a passion for developing future talent, David plays a vital role in delivering high-quality training and supporting learners throughout their journey.

In this blog, we take a closer look at David's professional background, his role within Northumberland Skills, and what makes teaching here unique and valuable to learners and their futures.

Tell us about yourself and your role at Northumberland Skills

I’m a Welding and Fabrication lecturer at Northumberland Skills. Before moving into teaching, I spent 21 years working as a welder across a wide range of industries, including aerospace, defence, sub-sea equipment and architectural fabrication.

My role now is to use that industry experience to support learners as they develop the skills, behaviours, confidence and work ethic needed to progress into employment or apprenticeships.

What makes Northumberland Skills different from other training providers?

For me, Northumberland Skills feels different because we know our learners well and we build strong relationships with them. We are not just teaching a qualification, we are helping young people become ready for the workplace.

There is a real focus on practical skills, attitude, confidence and progression, and that makes a big difference.

How did you get started in the industry, and why did you make the change from industry to teaching?

I started out in industry as a welder/fabricator apprentice and built my career through hands-on experience across different sectors, materials and welding processes.

I made my way into management quite early in my career and gained valuable experience in project planning and management, cost estimation, even dealing with agencies for hiring people. I made the move into teaching because I wanted to make a difference on a larger scale.

I have always enjoyed supporting apprentices and less experienced workers, and teaching gave me the chance to help shape the next generation of welders and fabricators.

How do the workshops/classrooms reflect real working environments?

Our workshops are set up to feel like a real-world fabrication and welding environment. Learners are expected to work safely, use industry-standard equipment, follow workshop routines and produce work to the best standard they can.

We place a big focus on PPE, behaviour, teamwork, attendance, timekeeping and taking pride in the job they produce, because those are the things employers expect.

What makes this course stand out from others?

The course stands out because it is practical, industry-focused and built around real skills. Learners do not just learn how to weld or fabricate, they learn how to work like real welders and fabricators. They develop confidence with tools, materials, drawings, welding processes and workshop standards, while being supported by staff who have genuine industry experience.

What progression routes are available after completing the course?

After completing the course, learners can progress into apprenticeships, employment or further study. We have already supported study programme learners into welding and fabrication apprenticeships, and our Level 3 Welding and Fabrication programme gives learners a clear route to continue advancing their skills locally.