CWind has added a dozen turbine technicians to its headcount. The Colchester-based offshore wind services provider says the expansion reflects rising client demand.
It regularly has over 200 technicians offshore. The new recruits will bolster the existing team in assembling turbine components onshore, prior to installation offshore. There, they will work with manufacturers’ teams at a number of UK offshore wind projects.
Half of the new starters are armed services leavers, with either a navy or RAF background. "Service leavers are an excellent match to the needs of employers in the offshore wind industry," explained Lars Hansen, CWind's turbine technicians manager, "reliable, resourceful people, with lots of experience."
CWind launched its turbine technician services early last year. Beyond the most recent expansion, it is looking to recruit further staff later this year. Hansen said "the calibre of applicants was excellent" and that he had "no concerns over being able to fill the next set of openings".
He added: "Their electrical and mechanical skills have been tested and proven under stress. As the number of service leavers increases over the next couple of years, the offshore wind industry may just have found a solution to its skills shortage."
As the offshore wind industry has grown, installed capacity has tripled and the direct workforce has quadrupled. Rising demand from operations and maintenance activities and a desire for UK-based companies to expand elsewhere in Europe, opportunities for skilled employees may soar further.
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