(WO) — A new UK training program has been launched to help experienced oil and gas technicians transition between offshore hydrocarbons and offshore wind, with the goal of improving workforce mobility while preserving critical technical skills across the offshore energy sector.
Developed by the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) in partnership with the Global Wind Organisation (GWO) and Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult, the Wind Turbine Maintenance Technician Cross Skill Programme is designed to enable qualified Instrument & Controls, Mechanical and Electrical technicians to work on both offshore oil and gas facilities and wind projects as demand shifts between sectors.
Following two pilot programs, the six-week course is now being rolled out through ECITB-approved training providers.
According to the ECITB, the program is intended to support a two-way transition, allowing technicians to move into offshore wind maintenance while retaining the qualifications and competencies needed to return to oil and gas operations when required.
“We must ensure industry has the skilled workforce it needs to deploy to existing oil and gas fields while meeting the growing demand for workers at onshore and offshore wind farms,” said Andrew Hockey, chief executive officer of the ECITB.
“This program enables the two-way transition of qualified oil and gas technicians into wind and then back again as and when maintenance activity is needed.”
The course provides additional technical training required for wind turbine maintenance and has been aligned with Global Wind Organisation safety and technical standards to reduce duplication for experienced offshore personnel. It also includes practical training at ORE Catapult’s Levenmouth offshore wind demonstration facility.
The initiative is jointly funded by the UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and the Scottish Government through the Transition Training Fund. The program has also been identified by the UK government as part of broader efforts to strengthen workforce development across the offshore energy sector.
The ECITB said the initiative is intended to help UK supply chain companies diversify their offshore operations while maintaining a skilled workforce capable of supporting both conventional and renewable energy projects.
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