Siemens reveals plans to recruit 1,000 people for Hull plant

Today Siemens made major steps forward with its plans to support the recruitment of a 1,000-strong workforce in Hull.

The energy giant has revealed details of multiple job opportunities that will be available as a result of its investment in world-class wind turbine blade manufacturing and associated facilities in the city.

Only a small number of jobs are currently available, but most positions will be advertised later in the year and in 2016.

As well as working with Hull City and East Riding Councils, the company has also collaborated with Job Centre Plus to publish job information on a new Siemens careers section of the Green Port Hull website, which is managed by the council.

An array of jobs are listed in the blade factory, engineering and managerial functions, along with a description of the skills, experience and behaviours Siemens is looking for.

As the jobs won’t be available until later this year, candidates have time to be proactive in gaining training and support, if required, to equip them for the positions and the selection process.

Carolyn Woolway, Siemens’ head of human resources for the Hull project, said: “We want people to have clarity, at the earliest opportunity, about the types of roles, skill sets and experience we are looking for so, if necessary, they can be proactive about upskilling themselves to fit the requirements.

“So, if a person does want to work for us and there is a specific job they are interested in, there will be time for them to enhance their skills or look at whatever other support there may be available to put them in the best possible position to apply for the role.”

Along wiith partner Associated British Ports (ABP), Siemens is investing £310m in the Hull project, which is the city’s biggest ever inward investment. The facilities at Alexandra Dock will create 1,000 jobs directly, with more during construction and in the supply chain.

With around 25 employees already in Hull in project management, wind turbine commissioning and stores positions, almost all of Siemens’ operational roles made available so far have gone to local people.

The first major phase of recruitment is scheduled for later this year when Siemens expects to advertise around 250 operative and team leader positions for the blade factory. A significant number of these will undergo periods of training in Aalborg, Denmark, where Siemens has a blade manufacturing facility.

Mrs Woolway added: “We have always said we want to recruit local people and this new facility opens the door to a lot of people who live and work locally who we know have similar and transferrable skill sets.

“In addition, we will work with the Green Port Growth Pathway Programme, which is supported by the Government’s Regional Growth Fund, to highlight training opportunities, through third-party providers, to equip local long-term unemployed people with the skills that potentially could enable them to work with Siemens.”

Councillor Stephen Brady, Leader of Hull City Council, added: “Delivering high-quality, long-term jobs for our locally-trained workforce and young people is a key priority for the city and we are delighted that the recruitment drive for the Siemens roles is now coming to fruition.

“We will work closely with Siemens who are restating their commitment to local employment in their new Hull factory and marine operation and together we will ensure that local people are equipped with the necessary skills through the right funding and training programmes in order for them to take advantage of the 1,000 jobs.

“The wide variety of positions that are due to become available will also allow people who are working within different sectors to have the opportunity to apply for roles across the board to ensure this landmark investment will benefit the people of Hull.”