Great feedback on GWO training from STL

We’re always really proud when we receive great feedback on GWO training delivered from our various locations across the USA.

 

This week we thought we’d share some of the first hand experience and feedback on GWO training that we receive from our course attendees. We’re on target to have training the most technicians in the USA of all the training providers so we do get a lot of feedback. It helps us continually improve our approach and ensures we are delivering the best possible services to our many clients.

The majority of our GWO training takes place at centers in Iowa and Texas. At both venues we have world-class facilities including climbing structures, fall-arrest ladders, evacuation hatches and wind turbine nacelles so we can simulate real turbine situations. What sets our training apart is the quality and experience of our course leaders. Ben and Adrian time and again get mentioned in feedback such as:

 

“The course was great, we actually got to apply what we learned. The instructors Ben and Adrian made the class very enjoyable”.

“All the subjects covered were good. The instructors were great at explaining all the technical points and made the course very enjoyable”.

 

It’s consistently receiving great feedback like this that motivates our team to work hard evolving our services, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of GWO training in the USA. For more information on our courses, locations and trainers click below.

 

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May wind energy round up

May has been a great month for renewable energy and wind energy in particular. This week we look at the best stories in the sector.

Our May wind energy news round up covers the best stories from around the sector. With so much going on in wind energy and renewables we filter out the noise and bring you the big stories. As well as great news from US cities such as Dallas and Chicago, wind energy surpassed coal for output and we take a look at the GWO accreditations.

 

Dallas signs major renewable energy contract.

The City of Dallas has entered into a major contract with TXU Energy. The city will draw power initially from the Foard City Wind Farm in west Texas. This new contract should pave the way for major reductions in energy costs, as much as $80 million over the next 10 years according to the city administrators. This is another great example of a US city taking the initiative and moving to more sustainable energy sources to secure the future energy needs of the local administration.

 

Renewable energy tops coal energy production for the first time.

Although this story broke at the end of April we felt it was so important that we had to feature it! For the first time ever in April and also hopefully for May renewable energy sources generated more energy than coal. This is highly significant because despite a backdrop of reduced federal subsidies the renewable sector continues to grow apace. This demonstrates a huge surge it renewable output. As little as five years ago this simply wouldn’t be possible and with more onshore and offshore projects in the pipeline renewable energy capacity is on the increase.

 

Chicago follow suit and commits to 100% clean energy.

Much like Dallas and other US cities before it Chicago has committed to 100% clean energy. By 2035 they want every building to run on renewable energy and by 2040 they want the entire bus service to be electric. Chicago’s home state Illinois is aiming for a carbon-free power sector by 2030. This equates to over 2,500 new wind turbines scheduled to be built in the coming years. This shouldn’t pose a problem for Chicago after all it is the windy city. Like Dallas it’s hugely encouraging to see this and for a city to be setting such ambitious targets. Let’s hope we see even more US cities follow suit.

 

Getting inside the GWO accreditations.

We take a look at the main GWO accreditations. Basic Safety Training and Basic Technical Training. Each is made up of a series of specialist modules which combined make up the two cornerstones of GWO training. In our latest insight into the training standards we take you through the main points and what you should expect from a training course.

Read More

 

Next month we’ll be bringin you all the best news and more information on GWO training. If you need to know more now then get in touch as we’d love to help.

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Overview of GWO accreditations

GWO accreditations fall into the two basic standards created by the industry to ensure consistency in safety systems and processes. Each is a vital qualification for technicians looking to work in the wind energy industry.

This week we take a look at the two basic standards and the modules that make up the the GWO accreditations. All of STL USA’s GWO training courses  cover the modules that make up the two standards.

 

About GWO

GWO – Global Wind Organisation was founded by its constituent members including wind turbine manufacturers, owners and training providers. The first safety standard was published in 2012 and refreshed in 2017 in response to industry demand for a recognisable standard for the sector. This was followed by the technical standard with both GWO accreditations becoming the industry norm for technicians in the industry.

Basic Safety Training modules

Each module in the Basic Safety Training accreditation covers essential aspects of safety for technicians in the wind energy sector. The modules are designed to equip the technician with a strong safety baseline and are essential to work on turbines operated by GWO members. Basic Safety Training was introduced in 2012 as a direct result of the wind energy sector coming together to agree uniform safety standards.

Modules included in Basic Safety Training include those below as well as refreshers for each which are required to be taken annually.

  • First Aid
  • Working at Height
  • Manual Handling
  • Fire Awareness
  • Sea Survival

Basic Technical Training modules

The Basic Technical Training accreditation is designed to equip technicians with with a strong practical knowledge of the key technical aspects of wind turbines. Introduced in 2017, the Basic Technical Training Standard consists of three core modules and an additional installation module which can be taken after certification in the mechanical module. From 31st March 2018 all new technicians working for GWO member companies and their suppliers are expected to complete Basic Technical Training. Modules include:

  • Mechanical
  • Electrical
  • Hydraulic
  • Installation

These two GWO accreditations form the backbone of technicians required knowledge for performing their jobs in a safe best practice environment. STL USA have over 15 years experience training technicians in the USA, UK and Europe in all of the modules. Training takes place at very locations around the world with two key centers in the USA; Texas and Iowa.

For more information and to book your GWO training course click the button below.

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GWO training snapshot

This weeks blog is a GWO training snapshot. All the info you need to know in one quick post!!

 

We get asked so many questions about GWO training courses that this week we thought we’d post a GWO training snapshot. All the info you need in one handy post. There’s quite a lot to get through, the courses, where they happen and what makes the STL team so great at delivering them.

 

Courses

The basic GWO accreditations cover Basic Safety Training and Basic Technical Training. STL then offers various training modules within this:

Basic Safety Training modules

  • First Aid
  • Working at Height
  • Manual Handling
  • Fire Awareness
  • Sea Survival

Basic Technical Training modules

  • Mechanical
  • Electrical
  • Hydraulic
  • Installation

All modules come with refresher courses that can be taken annually every year after gaining your accreditation. In every case the technician will learn to perform to the standards as set out by the GWO. GWO training qualifications are vital for technicians as the majority of operators are GWO members and require anyone working on site to have the correct accreditations.

Training centres

Safety Technology USA operate from three training locations in the USA, with the main GWO training taking place in Iowa and Texas. In both cases the facilities we use are widely recognised as being some of the best in not just the USA but the world.

Texas State Technical College

TSTC as it is known is located in Sweetwater Texas, part of the Technical College the center boasts a huge range of facilities:

  • The Building; Roof Height 30’ X Width 50’ X Depth 50’
  • Climbing Structure Height 25’ and one Platform at other end.
  • 2 Fall arrest ladders. (Wind Energy, Telecoms & Industrial Use)
  • Evacuation Hatch (Wind Energy Use)
  • 20’ Edge Negations for Rope Access and Wind Energy Evacuation.
  • Training Rooms X 1. With Projector
  • 25’ Mobile Training UNIT with classroom

Courses covered at TSTC include all GWO modules and refreshers. Part of the centre of excellence for wind energy training we are extremely lucky to have access to such an amazing site to conduct GWO training.

Iowa Lakes Community College

Iowa Lakes has been a leader in wind energy education since 2004. Facilities at the center include:

  • The Building; Roof Height 30’ X Width 50’ X Depth 50’
  • Climbing Structure Height 25’ and one Platform at other end.
  • 2 Fall arrest ladders. (Wind Energy, Telecoms & Industrial Use)
  • Evacuation Hatch (Wind Energy Use)
  • 20’ Edge Negations for Rope Access and Wind Energy Evacuation.
  • Training Rooms X 1. With Projector

As well as hosting our accredited courses the Iowa Lakes also offers the nation’s first Associate in Applied Science Degree in Wind Energy and Turbine Technology. Starting in 2004, Iowa Lakes has been a leader in delivering training and education to meet a rapidly growing demand for operations and maintenance (O&M) technicians across the country and abroad.

 

STL’s skills and experience

The STL team has been at the forefront of innovation in wind energy safety for over 15 years. Built on simple principles, STL strive to maintain their global reputation for excellence, collaboration and flexibility through hard work and a true commitment to the safety of workers at height.

For STL the mission has always been simple, to ensure the safety of workers at height. It’s something that as a company every member of staff takes seriously because team STL know the dangers that the technicians we train face on a  daily basis.

The STL training team have a collective 50+ years teaching technicians how to work safely at height and have trained litterally thousands of individuals. STL are relied on for safety training by some of the biggest global energy companies such as E.on but, regardless of who you work for what matters is that when you finish an STL course we are confident you will be safe in the field.

 

For more information on STL training get in touch.

 

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The state of Wind Energy in the USA

As the sector continues to grow we thought it was a great opportunity to look at the state of Wind energy in the USA this year and what lies ahead.

Wind Energy has had a lot of press coverage recently, not everything that has been said is great for the sector. However most of what has come out from certain people is in stark contrast to the actual facts! With this in mind we thought it was a great opportunity to look at the state of Wind Energy in the USA and what lies ahead in 2019 and beyond.

 

Offshore Wind Energy takes off

A recent white paper by the Special Initiative on Offshore Wind (SIOW) indicates that off shore wind will generate in excess of 20 Gigawatts of cost efficient power from 2030. Alongside nearly $70 billion in revenue opportunities for US companies in the supply chain. With 3 operational sites and a further in development it’s not just revenue that will be created for US companies but jobs for US workers. Wind Energy is already one of the fastest growing jobs markets in the USA and this is set to continue as demand increases for cleaner energy with wind well placed to deliver.

 

Corporate wind deals benefit the wider community

As companies look to secure their energy needs for now and the future there is a clear drive towards renewable energy sources as opposed to traditional power generation methods. The deals have far reaching benefits for the communities and workers who support the wind energy sector. Well known organisations like Facebook have made a clear commitment to wind energy creating hundreds of jobs in the process with other well know organisations following such as AT&T and Google. These forward thinking companies have set themselves impressive targets, in Facebooks respect to use 100% renewable energy by 2050. On the face of it these deals may be perceived as good PR but there’s underlying sentiment regarding companies with forward thinking energy and sustainability policies, they perform better. Which all ads up to good news for wind.

 

The jobs market

As a sector renewable energy employs over 750,000 people in the USA. Compare this to coal with 160,000 employees and it’s clear where the smart money is these days.Wind energy has seen double digit job creation for the last few years and as new wind farm developments get green lighted driven by demand from both private and corporate America this is unlikely to slow. From STL’s perspective we have seen a dramatic increase in GWO training enquiries as technicians strive to gain the qualifications needed for a successful career in wind energy.

 

Where is wind going?

The short answer, despite what you might here, is nowhere. The sector is enjoying amazing growth despite shifting national energy policy. Cities and States continue to push towards their greener energy targets in spite of what the national executive is focussing on. Corporate America is also playing it’s role. Large companies continue to favour wind as they aim to shift their usage from traditional supply methods to sustainable sources. All in all it’s an exciting time to be working in Wind Energy.

 

 

Texas GWO training. May, June 2019 course dates.

2019 is going fast! We’ve just released the latest dates for Texas GWO training in May and June.

Courses cover all aspects of the GWO Basic Safety and Basic Technical Standards. If you can’t see what you’re looking for or have a particular GWO training requirement get in touch, we’ll be glad to help.

 

Texas State Technical College

May

GWO Working at Height Refresher; May 7th, May 14th, May 21st
GWO First Aid Refresher; May 8th, May 15th, May 22nd
GWO Fire Awareness; May 9th, May 16th, May 23rd
GWO Manual Handling; May 9th, May 16th, May 23rd
GWO Working at height; May 27th to May 28th
GWO First Aid; May 29th to May 30th

 

June

GWO Working at Height Refresher; June 18th, June 25th
GWO First Aid Refresher; June 19th, June 26th
GWO Fire Awareness; June 7th, June 20th, June 27th
GWO Manual Handling; June 7th, June 20th, June 27th
GWO Working at height; June 3rd to June 4th
GWO First Aid; June 5ht to June 6th

 

Texas State Technical College facilities

 

GWO training center Texas

 

Facilities in detail

The Building; Roof Height 30’ X Width 50’ X Depth 50’

Climbing Structure Height 25’ and one Platform at other end.

2 Fall arrest ladders. (Wind Energy, Telecoms & Industrial Use)

Evacuation Hatch (Wind Energy Use)

20’ Edge Negations for Rope Access and Wind Energy Evacuation.

Training Rooms X 1. With Projector

25’ Mobile Training UNIT with classroom

 

Services

Open plan Seating Area.

Men’s Restrooms.

Women’s Restrooms.

Vending Machine.

Smoking area External to the building

 

 

Enquire about a GWO training course now and let our experienced team help you through the booking process.

 

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The vital role of GWO training for a career in wind energy.

A career in wind energy is a smart choice. Wind energy is one of the fastest growing sectors in the USA. We look at why GWO training and accreditations are a vital cornerstone of a successful career.

GWO training has become a required part of a career in wind energy for any inspiring wind turbine technicians portfolio. With the majority of providers in the sector members it is a requirement to have the GWO Basic accreditations to work on a site they operate.

Why does GWO matter?

 

 

The Global Wind Organisation was created by it’s members to create and consistently improve safety standards across the industry. Members represent the majority of installed wind energy capacity and include the likes of; E.on, GE, Goldwind, Innogy and Vestas. It’s very likely that if you been to a wind farm you’ve had contact with a turbine that was built, is owned or operated by a GWO member. This kind of makes GWO safety training essential for technicians.

 

The main GWO training accreditations

GWO Basic Safety Training

The original GWO training standard and a stalwart of our GWO training course portfolio. The Basic Safety Training standard was introduced in 2012. Consisting of five modules:

  • First Aid
  • Manual Handling
  • Fire Awareness
  • Working at Heights
  • Sea Survival

the training standard is designed to equip the worker with a broad and sufficient safety knowledge base to operate safely when working with wind turbines and in the wind energy sector.

GWO Basic Technical Training

The GWO training basics the Basic Technical Training standard was introduced in 2017. It’s the second fundamental for a career in wind energy. The Basic Technical Training Standard consists of three modules and an additional installation module which can be taken after certification in the mechanical module. From 31st March 2018 all new technicians working for GWO member companies and their suppliers are expected to complete Basic Technical Training. Modules include:

  • Mechanical
  • Electrical
  • Hydraulic
  • Installation

The Basic Technical Training standard is designed to equip technicians with a strong practical knowledge of the key technical aspects of wind turbines.

Wind energy, a rewarding career

As we’ve discussed in detail on this blog, 2019 is set to be a bumper year for wind energy. The sector is one of the fastest growing jobs markets in the USA. In the last 10 years output has tripled and over 24,000 people are employed in wind energy in Texas alone. These figures all stack up to make a career in wind energy not only rewarding but lucrative as the sector goes from strength to strength. Are own training centers in Iowa and Texas are set amongst a backdrop of some of the worlds leading wind energy education facilities. With various undergraduate and professional qualifications on offer. Central to this though will always be GWO for those looking to become technicians and embark on a career working directly with wind turbines.

For more information on GWO training get in touch we’d love to tell you more about what’s available to future proof your career in wind.

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Latest April GWO training dates.

Wow, we’re already into the second quarter of 2019! We’ve just released our latest April GWO training dates.

We have courses available to cover all the main GWO standards. If you can’t find what you’re looking for get in touch and we can help you further.

 

Texas State Technical College

GWO Basic Safety Training, W/C 8th April
GWO Basic Safety Training Refresher, 23rd, 24th & 25th April

 

IOWA Lakes

GWO Basic Safety Training ,W/C 15th April
GWO Basic Safety Training Refresher, 22nd, 23rd & 24th April

 

 

Enquire about a GWO training course now and let our experienced team help you through the booking process.

 

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GWO training center Texas

Our GWO training center Texas is the second in our roster of centers in the USA. A truly amazing facility housed within the Texas State Technical College.

Located in Sweetwater our second GWO training center Texas is a modern, state-of-the-art training facility and works in conjunction with our headquarters in Abilene, Texas just an hour down the road. Providing some of the best GWO Training in Texas.

Home to a renowned Wind Energy program the center provides; climbing structures, fall-arrest ladders, and various facilities for rope access.

GWO training center Texas

Facilities in detail

The Building; Roof Height 30’ X Width 50’ X Depth 50’

Climbing Structure Height 25’ and one Platform at other end.

2 Fall arrest ladders. (Wind Energy, Telecoms & Industrial Use)

Evacuation Hatch (Wind Energy Use)

20’ Edge Negations for Rope Access and Wind Energy Evacuation.

Training Rooms X 1. With Projector

25’ Mobile Training UNIT with classroom

Services

Open plan Seating Area.

Men’s Restrooms.

Women’s Restrooms.

Vending Machine.

Smoking area External to the building

Courses

We offer the full suite of GWO Basic Safety training courses at our GWO training center in Texas. Including modules for both the Basic Safety Standard and Basic Technical Standard. Including:

  • Working at Height
  • Manual Handling
  • First Aid
  • Fire Awareness

Training is managed and delivered by our highly qualified team.

What to expect

One thing you are assured of is a warm Texas welcome! Our GWO training center in Texas is one of the premier sites in the USA. A recognized center of excellence for training Wind Energy technicians the center’s facilities provide us with everything we need to ensure we deliver best-in-class training to our regular cohorts. The center is proud to have launched and nurtured many careers in the wind sector. The center also boasts a mobile training unit which enables us to deliver onsite training at applicable sites in the vicinity.

Texas itself is widely recognized as one of the USA’s premier wind energy states. Texas dominates wind energy production with wind accounting for 15% of electricity produced, surpassing coal in 2018. Texas has an enviable location with vast wind resources in West Texas and the Panhandle, which account for most of the state’s wind-generating capacity. texas is responsible for a large chunk of the stellar growth of the sector across the USA, the output is nearly double in other states and this means many jobs are created.

All in all, it’s one of the best places to train!

Find out more by contacting us, just click here.

GWO training center Iowa.

Our GWO training centre Iowa is a truly world class facility. In fact we’re very lucky that all our locations are widely recognised as some of the best in the USA. This week we shine a spotlight on Iowa, looking at the courses and facilities available for our trainee technicians.

 

Our GWO training centre Iowa is run in partnership with Iowa Lakes community college. It is recognised as one of the best wind energy training centres in the country. The training center is home to a host of facilities including climbing structures, fall arrest ladders, evacuation hatches and various lecture rooms.

 

GWO training centre Iowa

Facilities in detail

The Building; Roof Height 30’ X Width 50’ X Depth 50’

Climbing Structure Height 25’ and one Platform at other end.

2 Fall arrest ladders. (Wind Energy, Telecoms & Industrial Use)

Evacuation Hatch (Wind Energy Use)

20’ Edge Negations for Rope Access and Wind Energy Evacuation.

Training Rooms X 1. With Projector

Services

Open plan Seating Area

Men’s Restrooms

Women’s Restrooms

Vending Machine

Smoking area External to the building

 

 

Courses

We offer the full suite of GWO training courses at our GWO training center in Iowa. Including modules for both the Basic Safety Standard and Basic Technical Standard. Including:

  • Working at Height
  • Manual Handling
  • First Aid
  • Fire Awareness

Training is managed and delivered by our highly qualified team.

What to expect

First and foremost you can expect a warm welcome at our GWO training center Iowa. Second you can expect to find yourself in the midst of one of the USA’s premier training facilities. As well as hosting our accredited courses the center also offers the nation’s first Associate in Applied Science Degree in Wind Energy and Turbine Technology. Starting in 2004, Iowa Lakes has been a leader in delivering training and education to meet a rapidly growing demand for operations and maintenance (O&M) technicians across the country and abroad.

In January 2011, Iowa Lakes was one of the first three programs nationwide to earn the American Wind Energy Association’s Seal of Approval for Wind Turbine Service Technician Programs, It truly is a mecca for wind energy. But don’t just take our word for it this is from a former student:

“Because of Iowa Lakes’s Wind program having so much prestige in the wind industry, we had a lot of wind companies come in and meet with us. This allowed us to have great job opportunities once we graduated. Without Iowa Lakes I would not have the career I do now.”

We’re super proud to call this home in Iowa for our GWO training if you’d like to find out more about the full range of courses on offer get in touch via the button below.

 

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