Job opportunities for windfarm trainees

The Level 2 Diploma in Staying Safe in the Wind Turbine Environment (Onshore and Offshore) has been developed by Newcastle based Maersk Training and lasts approximately ten weeks. The Diploma covers the essential skills, knowledge and training people need to work in an offshore wind turbine environment.

Stuart Cameron, managing director at Maersk Training said: “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 thriving 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.

“This 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.”

Following the success of a pilot course from July to September of this year, a number of delegates have already obtained interviews and jobs within the industry.

The Level 2 Diploma is scheduled to run every two to three months and the second cohort has recently started, with a third Diploma programmed to start in early 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 31 August 2013. People who do not qualify for a free place are eligible to apply for a place at a subsidised rate.