BIG JOBS OPPORTUNITY IN UK OCEAN WIND

The offshore wind skills gap: Race against time; As the UK ramps up it’s efforts to hit EU renewable energy targets in 2020, Wind Energy Update investigates the looming skills gap on the horizon
Francesca Boothby, November 28, 2011 (Offshore Wind)

"…[As the UK] offshore wind industry… matures and expands at an unprecedented rate, issues are emerging which must be resolved quickly…[They include] satisfying and maintaining smooth supply chains, connecting to the grid, navigating environmental barriers and reducing the cost of installed energy. At the heart of all these…[is] a current lack of manpower…

"There is major concern that the UK simply does not have the expertise to make wind power a viable contributor to the future low carbon economy…The Crown Estate [is responsible for 55% of the UK coastline,] brokers agreements which align developers and regulators, and identifies suitable project locations for offshore wind projects…[There are three main areas it has] identified as representing the most noticeable skills gap…"

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"…The first is “quality engineering” that can keep pace with the complicated computing, technology and innovative designs required for today’s turbines…The second is [“experienced, skilled people who have handled large projects before” as] project managers…to lessen the margin for error on these billion pound projects…[The third] is for those who can interpret sea bed surveys…[Also desperately needed are Health and Safety officers]…

"Many firms are offering graduate schemes. Others…[are] designing their own courses…The Crown Estate is now offering 9 bursaries of £3,600 at five UK universities…for a renewable energy M.Sc…[But] training will take time…A more short term solution would be to transfer the skills of those already working in offshore oil and gas across to the wind industry…The best scenario will be that a new workforce emerges…A second less desirable option is that companies are forced to increase salaries…A third option is that jobs are lost to foreign workers…"