Cross-skill training programme launched to help technicians transition to wind energy

The six-week programme developed by the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB), in partnership with the Global Wind Organisation (GWO) and Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult, provides instrument and controls, mechanical and electrical technicians the technical training to enable them to work on onshore or offshore wind assets as wind turbine maintenance technicians.

ECITB-approved training providers will shortly be announcing dates to run cohorts in the coming months. An expression of interest form along with a flyer outlining the prerequisite qualifications and competence are now live on the ECITB website.

ECITB chief executive Andrew Hockey said, “We must ensure industry has the skilled workforce it needs to deploy to existing oil and gas fields while meeting the growing demand for workers to onshore and offshore windfarms. This programme enables the two-way transition of qualified oil and gas technicians into wind and then back again as and when maintenance activity is needed. It will enable our UK supply chain companies to diversify their energy portfolios and ensure the continuing development of a competent and competitive wind energy supply chain. Maintaining the technical skills and behavioural safety of our skilled workers between sectors will help improve safety, workforce mobility and the overall resilience of the industry.”

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) and Scottish Government have committed to jointly fund the programme through the Transition Training Fund for workers looking to transition their careers from oil and gas into wind. The Office for Clean Energy Jobs (OCEJ), a dedicated unit within DESNZ, cited the programme as an example of how to pave the way for a just transition within its Clean Energy Jobs Plan. The Scottish Government identified the programme as part of the ‘industry and public sector partners commitments’ to delivering priority actions within the Offshore Wind Priorities and Skills Action Plan. Energy Minister Stephen Gethins announced almost £1.7M investment in offshore wind skills last month, which includes funding towards the programme.

Minister for Industry Chris McDonald said, “We want to make it as easy as possible for people with skills from oil and gas to take advantage of the growing renewables industry. By helping oil and gas technicians move into offshore wind, we’re protecting good jobs, and making sure the UK has the skills to deliver clean power by 2030.”

To be eligible for the programme, workers must provide proof of ongoing and current technical competence within their primary trade discipline, such as through Connected Competence technical tests.

The course content has been mapped to the GWO’s requirements to reduce duplication and to give workers the additional essential skills and knowledge that wind industry employers need. It has also been mapped against and aligns with the learning outcomes within the qualification - ITC First Level 3 Award in Safe Working Practice in the Wind Turbine Industry.

GWO chief executive Jakob Lau Holst said, “Our focus was on ensuring that technicians are equipped with the training and skills that wind employers need while ensuring existing skills are recognised and reducing any duplication of training. The programme achieves alignment with industry standards through GWO’s safety and technical training certification reducing duplication and training time for technicians.”

The programme includes site access to ORE Catapult’s Levenmouth demonstration turbine to contextualise the technical programme content inside the nacelle of a wind turbine. 

Potential candidates can view the prerequisite qualifications and competence for the programme and register interest in the programme on the ECITB website.