TRAINING
Education – ensuring local people have the practical skills and qualifications required for the new roles being created is critical.
Collaboration – Teesworks Skills Academy works with businesses to understand workforce needs, from recruiting apprentices to upskilling existing employees.
Mohammed Saleem Butt, 52, is one of the programme’ s standout success stories. Having previously worked in construction, retail and as a taxi driver, he had struggled with the instability and irregular hours that came with self-employment.
“ Being self-employed in the declining taxi industry was difficult. I didn’ t have a good work-life balance,” he says.
Transitioning into a new trade was initially daunting for Mohammed, particularly as he is colour blind, which made some aspects of welding more challenging. The encouragement he received from the trainers proved pivotal.
“ With their support, I passed one of the welding tests within just two weeks,” he recalls.“ I’ m so grateful for the guidance and patience they provided.”
Completing the 24-week welding programme enabled him to move into a structured, full-time role at SeAH Wind.
“ I would encourage anyone who is thinking of changing career paths to go for it. Now, I can see my kids and grandkids more, and I’ ve even been able to travel around the UK to places I’ ve never visited
before. It’ s given me confidence and a real sense of purpose.”
Blain Galloway, who had been working as a chef while completing welding qualifications, also joined the programme.
Looking to develop his practical skills, he valued the hands-on nature of the training, which complemented the theorybased academic studies he had previously undertaken.
“ The training was intense, but very rewarding. It prepared me for a role in the industry and gave me the confidence to apply my skills on-site,” he explains.
Since joining SeAH Wind full time, he has undertaken additional in-person courses covering health and safety and working at height, gaining exposure to a variety of tasks and further developing both technical and communication skills.
The experiences of Mohammed and Blain highlight how effective training programmes can support upskilling.
Structured training, supportive learning environments and clear pathways into employment enable people to gain the skills needed for high-demand roles, while contributing to personal development and wider regional economic growth.
As Teesside continues to strengthen its role in the UK’ s green industrial future, building a skilled, adaptable local workforce will remain essential to sustaining the sector’ s expansion and ensuring that local people fully benefit from the opportunities it brings.
Crucially, the continued development of Teesworks is making sure these opportunities remain rooted in Teesside, enabling residents to build lasting careers without leaving the area.
As new manufacturers, energy projects and supply chain companies establish operations on site, demand grows for apprentices, technicians, electricians, engineers and support roles drawn from local communities.
This momentum allows young people, career changers and experienced workers alike to access funded training, industry placements and secure employment pathways close to home locally.
By linking education providers, training centres and employers through coordinated programmes, Teesworks helps businesses grow while ensuring wages, skills and investment circulate within the regional economy.
For many families, this means greater stability, improved prospects for younger generations and renewed confidence that Teesside can deliver long-term industrial success across local communities today.
Ongoing collaboration between local authorities, colleges and employers will expand retraining options, helping workers transition from declining sectors into future-focused industries anchored at Teesworks.
With continued investment and targeted outreach, more residents can secure qualifications, contribute to major projects and keep economic benefits circulating within Teesside for decades to come, supporting sustainable prosperity locally. Ultimately, Teesworks stands as a catalyst for opportunity, skills growth and renewed regional pride.
The voice of business in the Tees region | 45