Dale Cliff, 23, was a mechanical fitter living from contract to contract and taking jobs in retail in between.

But with support from the Tees Valley Move Forward scheme – which has helped 239 people into work – he has secured a plate welding apprenticeship with SeAH Wind.

And it will culminate in him working in SeAH Wind’s vast 810 metre-long offshore monopile manufacturing facility on the Teesworks South Bank site.

“I didn’t know where my next contract job would come from so I was looking for apprenticeships,” said Dale, who is learning his trade at Hartlepool College of Further Education.

“I read about the Move Forward scheme on Facebook and got in touch with them and they were spot on.

“They helped me do a good CV and showed me how to do job applications and get ready for interviews.

“I didn’t get the first apprenticeships I went for but I was over the moon when I got this one with SeAH Wind.

“It’s been great – I’m really enjoying it and can’t wait to get started at the plant. I’m keen to progress and move up the ladder.”

Dale was among a group of apprentices who met His Majesty King Charles on his recent visit to SeAH Wind’s factory.

“Me and the other apprentices were right at the front and we got to speak to the King and shake his hand,” he said.

“He was asking how we were getting on. It’s not every day you get to meet the King!”

Tees Valley Move Forward is delivered by a partnership of north east housing associations – Thirteen, Beyond Housing, Home Group, Karbon Homes and North Star Housing – on behalf of the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “We are bringing thousands of well-paid, skilled job opportunities to the region and it’s essential we have the right support in place to help local people take full advantage.

“Dale’s experience with Tees Valley Move Forward is a great example of that in action. We’ve helped him move from a position of employment uncertainty to one where he’s now looking forward to working in the UK’s first XXXL monopile factory.

“Dale is one of 239 people the scheme has helped into work in the last 18 months. We’ve seen people moving into all sorts of roles including HGV drivers, carers, machine operators, mechanics, and teaching assistants.

“It’s all about helping people so they can get on the job ladder, drive forward their career and truly unlock their potential.”

What is Tees Valley Move Forward?

Tees Valley Move Forward supports people who not currently working or actively seeking employment to move forward personally, or into work.

Support is fully funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Employment advisors work with people to make sure they get the right support to meet their goals and aspirations.

This includes support to:

• build resilience, confidence and self-esteem.
• join and access community groups.
• help address any barriers that might be restricting access to community services and job opportunities.
• maximise financial support and benefits you might be entitled to.
• help manage your caring or childcare responsibilities.
• access to job search, work experience and skills.
• access mainstream or specialist support services.

Since starting in September 2023, Move Forward has helped 239 people into work – nearly four times its initial target of 62.

Funding for Tees Valley Move Forward was secured through the Housing Employment Network North East (HENNE).

For further details of the Tees Valley Move Forward scheme, visit Move Forward - Work.