TRAINING
Candidates – Mohammed Saleem Butt and Blain Galloway were among 24 applicants out of 700 chosen for Nordic Engineering’ s intensive 24-week welding programme.
Powering a renewed workforce
Teesworks Skills Academy is helping get Teesside jobseekers ready for opportunities in the industries of the future
Teesside is cementing its role as a major hub for the UK’ s renewable energy sector, with investment in offshore wind, clean energy and advanced manufacturing creating a surge in local employment opportunities.
Ensuring local people have the skills to take up these roles is crucial; not only for meeting the sector’ s workforce demands but for supporting the region’ s transition to net zero.
Companies such as SeAH Wind, which operates the world’ s largest monopile manufacturing facility at Teesworks, demonstrate the scale of this growth and the need for specialist skills.
The expansion of offshore wind and related industries presents both opportunities and challenges.
While new jobs are being created in welding, engineering, fabrication and manufacturing, ensuring local people have the practical skills and qualifications required for these roles is critical.
Workforce development initiatives and training programmes are helping to close this gap, equipping local talent with hands-on, industry-led training while helping companies build the teams needed to drive sector growth.
Local organisations are working closely with individuals to strengthen Teesside’ s skilled workforce, as illustrated by Nordic Engineering’ s intensive 24-week welding programme.
Funded by the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority through the Adult Skills Fund and Skills Bootcamps, the programme delivered advanced training in MMA and MIG welding.
The course was supported by Teesworks Skills Academy, which works with local businesses to understand workforce needs, from recruiting apprentices to upskilling existing employees.
By collaborating with recruitment organisations, the Skills Academy connects individuals seeking employment with relevant opportunities.
This approach benefits local people and companies, helping to address skills gaps and strengthen the workforce as the region grows at pace through developments such as Teesworks and the Teesside Freeport.
Out of more than 700 applicants, 24 individuals from Teesside were selected for the programme. Every participant has now secured full-time roles with SeAH Wind, where they continue to build their skills and experience.
These outcomes highlight how targeted training and upskilling programmes provide clear pathways into long-term employment.
44 | Tees Business