Welders seal jobs at SeAH Wind after completing College course

A group of welders have secured themselves jobs at SeAH Wind’s new state of the art factory after successfully completing a pioneering course at Middlesbrough College.

Eleven people have been taken on by SeAH Wind in permanent positions after finishing a 24-week bespoke training course designed to train them for the particular demands of welding work in the offshore wind sector.

The successful graduates – all from the Teesside area will start their full time jobs at the beginning of next month.

The successful candidates, who all had previous welding experience, were picked from over 100 candidates who had applied for a position on the course, run by Middlesbrough College in partnership with SeAH Wind.

Matthew Hart, HR Manager at SeAH Wind, said: “As a business, we are incredibly proud to welcome the first 11 cohorts from Middlesbrough College to SeAH Wind. Teesside has a rich heritage in welding and fabrication. However, there is a national shortage and demand for these skills. We are keen to give local people the opportunity to gain the necessary knowledge and skills to have a successful career with SeAH Wind. This opportunity is a key pillar to our recruitment strategy to create future talent.

It’s important to recognise that each and every one of the learners has shown amazing commitment, attending this program in their own time, with most having full-time jobs, young families, and or other commitments. The determination to succeed has been inspirational, and I am very proud of everyone.”

Alan Jones, Associate Director of Curriculum - Motor Vehicle, Welding, & Commercial Training, at Middlesbrough College Group, said: “We’re delighted that this first cohort of candidates on the SeAH Wind welding course have passed their assessments and will soon be starting work at the company.

“This was a difficult and demanding course which required the students to learn a lot of specialist skills in order to work at SeAH Wind, which makes giant monopiles used in the installation of offshore wind farms.

“This included gaining work ready knowledge and skills to participate in heavy engineering activities in the welding sector including an appreciation of sub-arc welding (SAW), air arc gouging, and appropriate welding theory.

The 11 successful students, whose ages range from 20 to 38, have since started their journey with SeAH Wind and are currently going through an induction process into the business, gaining valuable and essential knowledge and skills to undertake their new roles safely and efficiently. Once they have finished their induction, they will start working in the factory.

The training has been delivered with the help of funding from the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority through its Adult Skills Fund.