UK: Maersk Training Turns Unemployed into Offshore Wind Technicians

Local unemployed people are benefiting from new Careers in the Offshore Wind industry following their successful completion of a newly developed qualification offered by Maersk Training in Newcastle, designed to help them take advantage of job opportunities in the thriving UK offshore wind energy sector.

Following the success of a pilot Diploma course earlier this year, a number of people have recently obtained jobs with BostonEnergy. The various roles include working on Walney Offshore Windfarm in Cumbria and as Technicians on Offshore Siemens Wind Turbines.

“Tough economic times mean unemployment rates are high in our region. Encouragingly, the offshore wind energy sector is expanding at a very fast pace and there are numerous opportunities for people seeking employment and looking to get into a fast-growing industry, however learning these safety skills is a vital prerequisite. The recent Renewable UK Skills Manifesto estimates that by 2023 the sector will require an additional 70,500 skilled workers and clearly our qualification will go some way to filling the skills shortage in the sector,” commented Stuart Cameron, Managing Director at Maersk Training.

Adrian Yeaman, Operations Manager of BostonEnergy said: “BostonEnergy work hard to support our clients with the best turbine technicians and Maersk Training supply sound technical and safety training programmes that give the technician the best attitude in working safely. The Diploma is a very pro-active way of bringing new technicians into the industry and Maersk Training should be commended in introducing this qualification.”

On speaking about the training course he recently completed, Martin Scott – Wind Turbine Technician with BostonEnergy explained: “I am very happy to join the growing renewables industry. Following a successful interview I was offered work with BostonEnergy, where I have now joined a growing team – my first position is working at Walney Offshore Windfarm in Cumbria. The Diploma played a big part in me gaining employment as the training and skills gained during the course gave me great insight into working safely.” Martin has now been enroled into a L4 course, BostonEnergy having seen the commitment and potential of him to make even greater progress.

The Level 2 Diploma in Staying Safe in the Wind Turbine Environment (Onshore and Offshore) lasts approximately ten weeks and covers the essential skills, knowledge and training people need to work in an offshore wind turbine environment. The Diploma is a great chance to offer people who might not otherwise be financially able to improve their prospects, an opportunity to get their foot on the ladder and gain a valued qualification. It is scheduled to run every two to three months, with the next Diploma scheduled to start in November. To qualify for a free place, applicants must be unemployed and in receipt of benefits, be a resident in England on the start date and be aged 19 or over on 31st August 2013. People who do not qualify for a free place are eligible to apply for a place at a subsidised rate.

Press release, December 18, 2013; Image: Maersk Training