First UK wind turbine training tower to be erected in Northumberland

Northumberland College, Narec and Mainstream Renewable Power have announced a collaborative training partnership, backed by Regional Development Agency, One North East, which plans to erect the country’s first wind turbine training tower in Blyth, Northumberland as the next step in the development of a UK Centre for Wind Technician Skills.

The industry estimates that offshore wind will permanently employ thousands of technicians in construction and long-term operations and maintenance jobs by the time Round 3 projects are commissioned in 2020. The purpose of this initiative is to put the necessary training in place to ensure the UK gets the maximum economic benefit from the new offshore wind industry.

Commenting on announcement, Assistant Principal of Northumberland College, Paul Cook said: “The training tower and associated infrastructure includes the necessary internal and external features to deliver Level 3 and some Level 4 training courses as part of Northumberland College’s Wind Technician Training. The tower will allow us to increase the number of technicians that can be trained and enhance our reputation as the leading provider of wind energy skills training in the UK.”

In addition to expanding the college’s Wind Technician Training Course, the training tower will also signify the next stage in the development of a UK Centre for Wind Skills, placing the north-east at the forefront of the wind industry’s efforts to avoid a skills shortage.

Stephen Wilson, Director of Wind and Marine at Narec said: “Good training is vital to further establish the UK as the world leader in the wind sector and ensure maximum benefit for the country in terms of future jobs across the supply chain. Narec provides the ideal environment for training providers to deliver and develop new courses which equip personnel for work offshore and the tower is the first piece of the jigsaw to enable industry to achieve our challenging targets for new generation.”

Chris Hill, Head of Offshore at Mainstream Renewable Power said: “Mainstream is fully committed to increasing the quality and quantity of skilled personnel qualified to work offshore and to drive the offshore wind sector. Our focus is on training for offshore construction, operations and maintenance jobs, ensuring the relevant and necessary mechanical, electrical, health and safety and offshore survival qualifications. Our partnership with Northumberland College, Port of Blyth and Narec is fundamental to closing the skills gap, not just for Round 3 wind farms, but for the wider European sector.”

The partnership will be consulting with the local planning authority and stakeholders as it progresses with the project design and site option studies.

Related categories:  Wind power 

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