Hartlepool College and SeAH Wind Unite for a Green Revolution!

Hartlepool College of Further Education and SeAH Wind Join Forces to Create Pathways for Young Talent in the Alternative Energy Sector. We are thrilled to announce an exciting partnership between SeAH Wind and Hartlepool College of Further Education, aimed at providing young people in the Teesside region with promising career opportunities in the fast-growing alternative energy sector within the UK.

Starting this September, students who enrol on our fabrication and welding courses will have a unique chance to work and develop their skills at SeAH Wind's state-of-the-art Teesside site. This collaboration opens doors for those interested in pursuing a skilled career in the sector and aligns with SeAH Wind's vision to invest in the local talent pool.

SeAH Wind has committed to taking on 14 apprentices as part of its recruitment strategy, with positions available for eight welders, four platers, a mechanical fitter, and an electrician. To support students' education, several participants from the full-time course will be offered a 12-week scholarship, along with a weekly bursary allowance. Upon successful completion of the 12-week scholarship program, these apprentices will be granted formal apprenticeships with SeAH Wind. This partnership marks a significant step forward for the South Korean-owned company, which is building the world's largest bespoke XXXL monopile factory in Middlesbrough, with plans to create groundbreaking offshore wind turbine foundations.

SeAH Wind's selection of Hartlepool College of Further Education as their partner was a result of a comprehensive review of local education institutions. Matthew Hart, SeAH Wind's Human Resources Manager, expressed his delight in this collaboration, stating, "Here at SeAH Wind, we see the development of local young people as a crucial element of our recruitment strategy. We are delighted to be working in partnership with Hartlepool College of Further Education to create opportunities for local people to gain a skilled career within our organization."

The aim is to attract a diverse cohort of apprentices, as SeAH Wind strives to break the traditional male-dominated perception of fabrication and welding. The company recognises the potential of Hartlepool College to support its mission and was impressed with the institution's excellent facilities and management team. SeAH Wind's ambitious £450 million Teesside Freeport site will stand as the largest of its kind globally, stretching over 800 meters in length and soaring over 40 meters in height. The site will encompass 1.13 million square feet of high-quality factory space dedicated to producing XXXL Monopiles. These essential components, measuring up to 150 meters in length, 15.5 meters in diameter, and weighing over 3,000 tons, serve as the foundations for offshore wind turbines. This venture comes as part of the UK's rapidly expanding alternative energy sector and will create approximately 1,500 supply chain and construction jobs during its development, along with an additional 750 roles when fully operational. SeAH Wind's commitment to employing a predominantly local workforce resonates with Hartlepool College's long-term vision to contribute to the region's growth and prosperity.

Gary Riches, Assistant Principal at Hartlepool College of Further Education, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, saying, "We are incredibly pleased to be working in partnership with SeAH Wind, helping to create their workforce as they set up in the Tees Valley. We look forward to a very long and transformational relationship with SeAH Wind, providing the potential for a job for life due to the workload the organization has."

The 12-week scholarship program will serve as the stepping stone for SeAH Wind's apprentices, who will continue their education at Hartlepool College until September 2024. During the second year of their apprenticeship, they will transition into the workplace to further develop their skills on the job, offering them invaluable practical experience in their chosen fields.

Paul Martin, SeAH Wind's Production Manager, expressed gratitude to Hartlepool College for their commitment and investment in supporting SeAH Wind's 2023 intake and future apprentices. He highlighted the College's dedication to nurturing talent in Teesside and surrounding areas within the fabrication and steel manufacturing industries. Karen Maclane, SeAH Wind's Talent Acquisition Partner, emphasized the pride in providing such opportunities to the younger generation, building a promising workforce for the future while fostering lasting career opportunities within the local communities.

Prospective candidates eager to secure a place in the SeAH Wind scholarship program should submit their CVs and a cover letter to seahscholarship@hartlepoolfe.ac.uk.

This partnership marks a significant milestone in empowering local young students, shaping their future careers in the alternative energy sector, and strengthening the UK's position in the global drive towards sustainable energy solutions. We are delighted to help drive innovation and nurture talent for a greener and brighter tomorrow.