Global Wind Organisation (GWO) Training Courses: An Overview

The wind energy sector is a rapidly growing industry that offers a wide range of career opportunities across various stages of wind project development. These positions are crucial for both onshore and offshore wind farms and span from field-based roles to office-based tasks. This article provides a detailed overview of the types of jobs available, the necessary training and certifications, and the distinction between field and office roles.

To work in the wind energy sector, particularly in field-based roles, specialised training is often required. TWI offers several key courses certified by the Global Wind Organisation (GWO):

GWO Basic Safety Training (BST) Package:

  • Modules: Fire Awareness, First Aid, Manual Handling, Sea Survival, and Working at Height
  • Duration: 5 days
  • Certification: Valid for 2 years, requiring periodic refresher courses
  • Skills Acquired: Safety protocols, emergency response, and risk management in wind turbine environments

GWO Working at Height:

  • Focus: Safe practices for working at heights and emergency procedures
  • Duration: 1.5 days
  • Certification: Valid for 2 years
  • Skills Acquired: Use of PPE, fall arrest systems, rescue techniques, and legislation knowledge

GWO Sea Survival:

  • Focus: Survival techniques and safe transfers in offshore environments
  • Duration: 1 day
  • Certification: Valid for 2 years
  • Skills Acquired: Sea survival techniques, use of rescue equipment, and emergency response

Exploring Career Opportunities in the Booming Wind Energy Sector

As the global push towards renewable energy gains momentum, the wind energy sector stands out as a beacon of growth and innovation. This dynamic industry offers a wide array of career opportunities, catering to a diverse set of skills and interests. Whether you prefer hands-on fieldwork or strategic office-based roles, the wind energy sector has something for everyone.

Training and Certifications: A Gateway to the Wind Sector

Specialised training and certification are crucial for many roles within the wind energy sector. TWI offers several key courses accredited by the Global Wind Organisation (GWO), designed to ensure safety and competence in various wind industry roles.

GWO Basic Safety Training (BST) Package is a comprehensive 5-day programme covering Fire Awareness, First Aid, Manual Handling, Sea Survival, and Working at Height. This training provides foundational safety knowledge required for both onshore and offshore work, and the certification must be renewed every two years through refresher courses.

GWO Working at Height and GWO Sea Survival are shorter, focused courses that respectively address the challenges of working at heights and surviving offshore environments. Both courses are critical for those directly involved in turbine installation and maintenance.

Diverse Job Opportunities: From Field to Office

Field-Based Positions:

The majority of roles in the wind sector involve fieldwork, which can be both challenging and rewarding. Onshore and offshore wind turbine technicians are at the forefront, responsible for the installation, maintenance, and repair of wind turbines. These roles require a blend of technical skills and safety training, often necessitating GWO certification.

Office-Based Roles:

For those who prefer a more stationary environment, the wind sector offers numerous office-based positions. Project managers oversee the entire lifecycle of wind projects, from planning to execution, coordinating between various teams and managing budgets.

Hybrid Roles:

Some positions blend field and office duties, providing a mix of strategic oversight and hands-on involvement. Operations managers oversee daily operations of wind farms, ensuring everything runs smoothly, both on-site and from the office.

The wind energy sector is brimming with opportunities across its various stages—from planning and development to construction, operation, and maintenance. With proper training and certification, such as those offered by TWI, you can embark on a rewarding career path in this sustainable and ever-evolving industry. Whether you are interested in hands-on technical roles, strategic management, or a blend of both, the wind energy sector has a place for you.

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