The East of England Offshore Wind Skills Centre is a collaborative regional training and competence facility in Great Yarmouth that provides support to local people wishing to reskill and gain sustainable employment in the offshore wind industry on the New Anglia Energy Coast. The Skills Centre works with regional and specialist employers to ensure a suitably qualified and skilled workforce.
There are currently two main offers at the centre: A 12 week full-time Level 2 Diploma in Safe Working Practice in the Wind Turbine Industry. Or the 3-4 week Transition to Offshore course for engineers and technicians who are already working in closely aligned industries.
Brandon Lewis, MP for Great Yarmouth said: “There is a huge opportunity here for us, as there are so many job opportunities in this particular sector and it’s our job to make sure our candidates have the right skills to satisfy the industry as it grows in the years ahead. I’d like to congratulate everyone involved in pulling this project together. It will play a huge role in the region ensuring we send candidates off, employment ready, with the right skills to branch out into this growing sector.”
Ricki Western and Jack Hurren joined the first Transition Course with engineering skills but no employment at that point but they both had an engineering background. Ricki was employed by 3sun straight after the course and starts his career with them in January.
Ricki said “It’s been a great opportunity for me to climb the ladder, anyone that completes this course has a fantastic future.”
Jack, who recently completed a degree before going on to the Transition Course, Jack said “This course is exactly what you need to get into the industry both for newcomers and experienced workers. You can’t just turn up and expect to be employed, you have to be committed, listen and work hard as it’s very demanding. It’s all worth it in the end and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.”
The project has been funded by the NALEP Skill Deal with support from the following key partners and training providers:
- East Coast College
- 3sun Group
- Greater Gabbard Offshore Winds Limted
- Scottish Power Renewables
- EEEGR
- Skills For energy East of England
- Job Centre Plus
- Baker Hughes
- CWIND Training
- Petans
If you would like to sign up to one of the courses then please email owsc@eastcoast.ac.uk