Supplying demand: vocational wind energy training in the UK

Mar 13 2007 By The Journal

A qualification that is the only one of its kind in the UK has been developed by a North-East partnership. The course bridges the vocational skills gap to meet the needs of the rapidly expanding renewable energy industry.

The development of the renewable energy sector is an important part of efforts to tackle climate change. In 2006 central government set a target to produce 20% of the nation's electricity from renewable sources by 2020. In the present UK market there is relatively little development of the energy employment sector. However, there is a significant amount of activity being brought forward. In 2004 a DTI report estimated that nationally the renewables sector could create over 17,000 jobs and be worth upwards of £15bn.

Over the past two years Northumberland College, in partnership with members of the Northumberland Renewable Energy Group, has been developing a range of vocational courses to build the practical skills in the county to service the market for the emerging and maturing renewable energy sector. The college has now received national accreditation for VRQ Level 2 in Sustainable Energy (wind and biomass) and they are currently being assessed for the delivery of VRQ Level 3 courses. This course is currently the only one of its kind in the UK, and only the second in Europe to offer an independent vocational course in renewable energy.

The Northumberland Renewable Energy Group is a countywide private, public and voluntary sector partnership, funded through the Northumberland Strategic Partnership. The group has undertaken a range of activities to remove barriers, encourage understanding and promote economic, social and environmental growth in the renewables sector.

With manufacturers and developers both encountering problems in recruiting technical staff, the course will expose participants to market opportunity and contacts that could lead to business diversification opportunities.

The sector is growing rapidly with many renewable energy projects due to be constructed within the North-East and ranging from small domestic projects to large windfarms.

Developers and manufactures are keen to involve local companies in projects and real opportunities exist for local companies to get involved.

AlanWann, head of regeneration at Northumberland County Council, said: "We are determined to make sure that the rest of the country sees Northumberland as a viable prospect for locating businesses in this fast-developing industry. Members of the partnership have recognised that there is a shortage of skilled workers in the specialised renewable energy sector - this is one reason why it has not developed as fast as we would like in the county. However, this course will provide an independent route for local people to get into jobs in renewable energy, as well as build a skilled workforce making the county more attractive to inward investors."

The pioneering training course will enable students to develop electrical connection, installation and maintenance skills that will help them enter the renewables sector. The programme will incorporate a combination of classroom training and on site experience.

The concept was tried and tested when Northumberland College ran a pilot course for local companies who are interested in entering into the renewables sector. This successful part-time course ran over a three month period and included theory sessions, practical sessions as well as a number of site visits. The course was attended by a dozen people.

At the end of the course students had an opportunity to meet with the industry and share thoughts about the future employment opportunities.

Bill Grainger, head of engineering for AMEC's wind energy business, said: "The North-East already supports many jobs within the renewable energy sector but there is a need to develop the skill base and supply chain for it to truly flourish. It is a positive step that local skill providers are looking ahead to identify potential gaps in the local skill base and providing practical training initiatives that will help both local businesses and individuals."

Insert photograph: Students from the pilot WindSkills course meet wind turbine developers.

The course is modular consisting of three core subjects:

* Safe Working Practices in the Industry.

* Sustainability and the Renewables Industry.

* Contributes to Positive Working Relationship in the Industry.

And three technology specific modules:

* Fuel supply chain.

* Technology.

* Service and maintenance.

Ian Fisher, of Northumberland College, said: "In response to the needs of local employers, and in line with regional and national energy agendas, the college has recognised the need to diversify into renewable energy which has become a big focus for the county." With a dozen people already signed up for the course when it kicks off later this year, the Vocational Related Qualification (VRQ) will give students a comprehensive grasp of the requirements of the renewables sector through its technology focus . It is anticipated studies will last one year, and it is hoped students from a range of backgrounds will develop academic and employability / life skills that will make it easier for them to undertake the two year VRQ3 course. After completing their qualification students will have access to the industry and will have already received some practical experience of working in the sector through the industry linkages.

* For further information on the course please contact Ian Fisher at Northumberland College on (01670) 841200 or Ian.Fisher@northland.ac.uk