New academy set to launch as part of ‘huge’ North East wind farm development
The six-month training programme at the SeAH Wind Academy will see new prospects undergo training to gain the knowledge and skills to pass welder approval testing Credit: TVCA (Image: TVCA)
30 learners are set to undergo a development programme which seeks to train future welders for a new £450 million facility.
The six-month training programme at the SeAH Wind Academy will see new prospects undergo training to gain the knowledge and skills to pass welder approval testing.
The project was helped by Tees Valley Combined Authority and its Adult Education Budget.
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A TVCA spokesperson said learners will be provided with “work-ready” knowledge and skills to participate in heavy engineering activities – specifically around SAW, arc air gouging, and appropriate welding theory.
Martin Corney, Teesworks CEO, said: “SeAH Wind’s facility is a very important of the wider plans we have for Teesworks as we become the number one site in the UK for green industries.
“It’s very pleasing to see the next generation of talent being brought through to take on roles at SeAH and I’m pleased to see the firm putting down deep roots in our region.”
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen added: “This goes to show the commitment companies like SeAH Wind are making and how serious they are about making their game changing projects a success for generations to come.
“I’m delighted we’ve been able to work with the College and Nordic to fund this programme – and I’m excited about the potential it has to grow.
“We’re leading the charge in the UK’s push towards Net Zero, and projects at Teesworks and within our Freeport are showing we are the true epicentre of green, well-paid jobs for people in Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool and those beyond.”
The large offshore wind manufacturing facility, located at South Bank, will see a half-mile long factory house hundreds of workers when complete.
The academy will work with Nordic Products and Services and Middlesbrough College on two programmes.
20 people will attend a 24-week full time intensive training and development course as part of this – which will be open to unemployed people in receipt of benefits, which they will receive a wage after nine weeks up to the course’s completion.
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Meanwhile, Middlesbrough College’s involvement will see 10 people, who will typically be employed and seeking new skills, attend an intensive 24-week part-time programme of two 3.5 hour evening sessions per week.
If successful, all will be offered full-time permanent positions with SeAH Wind.
The manufacturing facility is expected to provide 750 direct jobs and 1,500 supply chain jobs.
Matthew Hart, HR Manager from SeAH Wind, said: “Welding and Fabrication is a high demand skill and the SeAH Wind Academy is part of our overall recruitment plan to ensure we have the right number of skilled people to meet our requirements.
The SeAH Wind Academy, along with our Apprenticeship Scheme in partnership with Hartlepool College of Further Education, is an opportunity to train and develop local people and create skilled workers for our factory.
“Applications for qualified Welders is expected to open in the New Year and we are still accepting expression of interest applications.
“We are delighted to be working with Nordic Products and Services and Middlesbrough College on these training and development academies as we are keen to give local people the opportunity to gain the necessary knowledge and skills to have a successful career with SeAH Wind.
“We are grateful for the support and assistance of the Tees Valley Combined Authority in making this a reality.”
The TVCA has controlled Adult Education funding in the region since 2019.
Phil Blewitt, Assistant Principal Construction, Engineering & TTE at Middlesbrough College, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be involved in supporting such a prominent project for Teesside.
“The SeAH Wind facility is not only bringing jobs and inward investment but is helping to establish the area as a key player in the green revolution.
“With new jobs comes the opportunity to upskill local people, so they are ready for the wave of new roles and this scheme is the perfect chance to do just that.
“Ten part time students will be joining the scheme and we hope that as the project at Teesworks evolves there will be opportunities to involve more local people.”
Nordic Managing Director Mark Roddy added: “Nordic are delighted to lead this full-time training, supporting anyone who has the ambition and attitude to establish and advance their career in such an exciting sector.”