Ex-servicemen carve out career in wind energy industry

A training initiative is paving the way for ex-service personnel to break into a career in the wind energy industry.

The joint initiative between the 3sun Group and Newcastle-based Maersk Training is providing personnel nearing the end of their military careers with an opportunity to carve out a new career.

The training scheme will capitalise on participants’ engineering skills and suitable candidates will undergo an intensive Wind Turbine Technician transition course.

After completing the course, delivered by Maersk Training, participants will take on employment as wind turbine technicians by Dawson Energy, a 3sun Group company.

Maersk Training specialises in courses for the maritime, offshore oil and gas, and offshore wind sectors.

3sun Group, whose headquarters are in Great Yarmouth, delivers a comprehensive range of products and services to the worldwide energy industry.

Both work closely and in line with regulations laid down by the Global Wind Organisation (GWO) and also RenewableUK (RUK).

Andy Holyland, 3sun’s training and resource manager, said: “We identified ex service personnel, especially ones with an engineering background, as prime candidates to join our workforce.

“I spent 15 years in the services myself so I know the great skills and unrivalled work ethic that service personnel offer.”

“We approached Maersk Training, who we have worked with for a number of years, and asked if they could put together a suitable retraining programme.”

Maersk developed a comprehensive Wind Turbine Technician transition course, which comprises industry recognized technical training covering wind turbine erection and servicing, alongside all of the industry required safety competencies ranging from Work at Height and Rescue through to Sea Survival.

Stuart Cameron, Maersk Training’s managing director, said: “We are delighted to be working with 3sun Group on this initiative.

“Thousands of men and women leave the forces every year and this provides an opportunity for some of them to put their skills and experiences to good use in a new career.”

Twelve ex service personnel successfully completed the first course in April 2013 and have already been assigned to wind turbine construction projects working for Dawson Energy.

Liam Howarth who completed the course following his departure from the British Army, is working on the flagship Gwynt y Môr Offshore Wind Farm – the largest in Europe.

He said: “This is an excellent training package delivered by instructors who are clearly experts in the field and make the learning experience engaging and enjoyable.

“I would highly recommend this to other ex-service men looking to take the next step after their military career.”