Tees Valley welders forge brighter futures

Aspiring welders in the Tees Valley are forging skilled careers in the offshore wind industry, thanks to a life-changing training programme.

A group of 24 trainees have begun a 24-week course at Stockton-based Nordic, equipping them with advanced welding techniques and health and safety skills. 

Upon completion, they will join SeAH Wind’s state-of-the-art monopile factory, currently under construction at Teesworks.

Supported by the Tees Valley mayor and Combined Authority, the programme is funded through the Adult Skills Fund and Skills Bootcamps, part of the Government’s Lifetime Skills Guarantee.

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, who previously worked in jobs in construction, retail management, self-employment and taxi driving, added: “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.”

Mark Roddy, Nordic managing director, added: “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.”

SeAH Wind’s facility, set to become the world’s largest monopile factory, will employ up to 750 people. 

The first cohort of trainees have already secured full-time contracts with SeAH and begun their on-site induction.

Matthew Hart, HR manager at SeAH Wind, added: “We are delighted to welcome this group of trainees from Nordic into SeAH Wind. 

“I am proud of each and every one 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.”

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