UK: Maersk and 3sun to Educate Ex-Service Personnel for Wind Energy Industry

Service personnel who are at or nearing the end of their military careers are being given an opportunity to capitalise on their engineering skills and retrain for a career in the wind energy industry thanks to a new joint initiative between Newcastle-based Maersk Training and 3sun Group, whose headquarters are in Great Yarmouth.

The initiative will see suitable candidates undergo an intensive Wind Turbine Technician transition course developed and delivered by Maersk Training before being employed as wind turbine technicians by Dawson Energy, a 3sun Group company.

Maersk Training specialises in courses for the maritime, offshore oil and gas, and offshore wind sectors, while 3sun Group delivers a comprehensive range of products and services to the worldwide energy industry. Both work closely and in line with regulations laid down by the Global Wind Organisation (GWO) and also RenewableUK (RUK).

Andy Holyland, 3sun’s training and resource manager, explains the initiative: “We identified ex service personnel, especially ones with an engineering background, as prime candidates to join our workforce. I spent 15 years in the services myself so I know the great skills and unrivalled work ethic that service personnel offer.”

 “We approached Maersk Training, who we have worked with for a number of years, and asked if they could put together a suitable retraining programme.”

In response, Maersk developed a comprehensive Wind Turbine Technician transition course, which comprises industry recognized technical training covering wind turbine erection and servicing, alongside all of the industry required safety competencies ranging from Work at Height and Rescue through to Sea Survival.

 Stuart Cameron, Maersk Training’s managing director, continues: “We are delighted to be working with 3sun Group on this initiative. Thousands of men and women leave the forces every year and this provides an opportunity for some of them to put their skills and experiences to good use in a new career.”

Twelve ex service personnel successfully completed the first course in April 2013 and have already been assigned to wind turbine construction projects working for Dawson Energy.

Liam Howarth who competed the course following his departure from the British Army, is working on the flagship Gwynt y Môr Offshore Wind Farm – the largest in Europe. He said:

“This is an excellent training package delivered by instructors who are clearly experts in the field and make the learning experience engaging and enjoyable. I would highly recommend this to other ex-service men looking to take the next step after their military career.”

 Stuart Cameron added: “This initial running of the course has met all our expectations with some great feedback from the trainees and we are now looking to schedule further dates.”

[mappress]

Press release, May 16, 2013; Image: 3sungroup