Talented trainee welders are developing a skilled career in the
offshore wind industry thanks to a life-changing training
programme.
A total of 24 people have commenced training to become welders at
the giant SeAH Wind monopile factory thanks to support from the
Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority.
The workers are undergoing a 24-week full-time training course at
Stockton-based training company Nordic before joining SeAH Wind
and starting the next stage of their development.
The training has been delivered with the help of funding from the
Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority through its Adult Skills
Fund and Skills Bootcamp funding.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen met trainees and representatives
from Nordic and SeAH Wind at Nordic's training centre in Stockton
this week.
He said: “We are bringing world-class companies to our region and
it is essential that local workers have the right skills to take
advantage of the outstanding opportunities.
“The training we have funded will not only help people secure
jobs now but provide a platform for long-term career success
while also putting money back into our local economy.”
The group of trainees come from a wide range of backgrounds and
across Teesside. A total of 13 were unemployed before beginning
training. They include a former chef, pub manager, and carpet
fitter.
Mohammed Saleem Butt, 51, previously worked in jobs in
construction, retail management, self-employment and taxi
driving.
He said: "It's a complete career change. I never thought I'd do
something like this but when the opportunity came up I wanted to
grasp it with both hands.
“Especially someone of my age, I thought my days of learning new
skills were over but I just want to learn as much as possible.
"During the training I've fallen in love with it. It's given me
the opportunity to have a career in my local area and also see
how far I can go and push myself."
Lydia Chandler, 26, joined the course after previously working at
a bookmakers and said it had provided the opportunity to pursue
her chosen career in engineering.
She said: "I love it! I'm enjoying bettering myself and learning
different things. Every day you learn something new and I'm
looking forward to seeing how far I can go in the future.
"This training is giving me the chance to be settled in a career
and to be able to work in that area for the rest of my life is
just so great. This is what I want to do."
The trainee welders have learned a range of specialist welding
skills alongside health and safety training which will prepare
them for work at SeAH's world-class facility.
SeAH Wind is currently building world's largest monopile factory
at the giant Teesworks site on the south bank of the River Tees,
which will employ up to 750 people once fully operational.
The first cohort of trainees have secured a full-time contract at
SeAH Wind and are now beginning their induction on site at SeAH.
Mark Roddy, Nordic Managing Director, said: “We are proud to be
delivering this training which is a fantastic example of how
Nordic can deliver a bespoke service which provides lifelong
opportunities which also enhances productivity.
“This programme across the 24 learners has incorporated more than
18,000 hours of training, providing a great opportunity for the
trainees to learn and enhance their skills and drive forward
their career.”
Matthew Hart, HR Manager at SeAH Wind, said: “We are delighted to
welcome this group of trainees from Nordic into SeAH Wind. I am
proud of each and everyone of the trainee welders they have shown
hard work and dedication throughout and have impressed us all.
“The trainees had no or limited welding experience before
starting at Nordic; now, they are suitably qualified and will
begin the next stages of their development at SeAH Wind.
“We want to thank the TVCA for their backing with the funding and
Nordic for carrying out the training and supporting the trainees
throughout the course.”
Skills Bootcamps are funded by the Department for Education, as
part of the Government's Lifetime Skills Guarantee.
