How do i become a GWO trainer?

Becoming a Global Wind Organization (GWO) training instructor is an exciting and rewarding career choice for individuals passionate about renewable energy and safety training. The wind energy sector is rapidly growing, and so is the demand for skilled professionals capable of providing high-quality GWO training is an internationally recognized organization that develops safety training standards for the wind industry. To become a GWO training instructor, there are several steps, qualifications, and skills you need to acquire. This guide will walk you through the process, from understanding GWO’s role to the certifications and experience necessary to succeed in this field.

1. Understanding the Role of the Global Wind Organization

Before diving into how to become a GWO training instructor, it’s essential to understand the organization’s role and the significance of its standards.

The Global Wind Organization is a non-profit organization established by leading wind turbine manufacturers and operators. Its primary goal is to create a safe work environment for workers in the wind energy sector by developing internationally accepted training standards. These standards are designed to ensure that workers have the necessary skills to work safely in wind turbines and other wind energy facilities.

The core GWO training modules focus on areas such as:

• Basic Safety Training (BST), which covers First Aid, Manual Handling, Fire Awareness, and Working at Heights.
• Basic Technical Training (BTT), which includes mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic technical skills.

As a GWO training instructor, your responsibility will be to deliver these training modules to professionals working in the wind industry, ensuring they meet safety and technical standards.

2. Prerequisites and Qualifications

A. Relevant Background and Experience

To become a GWO instructor, you must possess relevant experience in either the wind energy sector or other related industries. A background in fields such as mechanical or electrical engineering, health and safety, emergency response, or rescue operations would be particularly valuable.

Typically, GWO instructors come from one or more of the following backgrounds:

• Wind Turbine Technician: Having hands-on experience with wind turbines, including maintenance and installation, provides a strong foundation for delivering GWO training.
• Health and Safety Specialist: A background in occupational health and safety gives you an advantage, especially when training individuals in safety procedures and standards.
• Emergency Services Professional: Experience as a firefighter, paramedic, or search and rescue worker can be beneficial, particularly for teaching modules like First Aid and Fire Awareness.

B. Education and Certifications

While there isn’t a strict educational requirement, many GWO training instructors have formal education in engineering, safety management, or a related technical field. A bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline is helpful but not mandatory.

In terms of certifications, you need to complete the relevant GWO training yourself before teaching it. This includes obtaining certifications in the courses you plan to instruct, such as:

• GWO Basic Safety Training (BST)
• GWO Basic Technical Training (BTT)
• GWO Advanced Rescue Training (ART), if applicable

Many instructors also hold additional safety certifications, such as NEBOSH (National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health) or IOSH (Institution of Occupational Safety and Health) qualifications, which demonstrate a commitment to health and safety best practices.

3. Completing Instructor Qualification Training

Once you have the necessary background and certifications, the next step is to undergo instructor qualification training. GWO has strict requirements for instructors, and you must meet these standards before you are eligible to train others. This training is usually offered by GWO-certified training providers and focuses on two main areas:

A. GWO Instructor Certification

To deliver GWO-certified courses, you must first become a certified GWO instructor. This certification typically involves:

• Attending a Train-the-Trainer course: These courses are designed to teach you how to deliver GWO modules effectively. You will learn about adult learning techniques, instructional design, and practical delivery methods.
• Passing an assessment: After completing the instructor training, you must pass an assessment to demonstrate your ability to deliver the course material. This often includes both theoretical knowledge and practical teaching demonstrations.

B. Familiarization with GWO Standards and Guidelines

You will need to familiarize yourself with GWO standards, guidelines, and updates regularly. GWO is committed to maintaining high safety standards, and as an instructor, you are responsible for ensuring that your training complies with the latest guidelines. This means staying up-to-date with new course materials, changes to existing modules, and any other relevant developments.

4. Working for a GWO-Certified Training Provider

To officially deliver GWO training, you must work for or be affiliated with a GWO-certified training provider. These are organizations accredited by GWO to deliver their approved courses. Becoming an instructor for a certified provider gives you access to the resources, facilities, and equipment necessary to conduct high-quality training sessions.

A. Choosing a Training Provider

When selecting a training provider to work with, consider factors such as:

• Reputation: Look for providers with a solid track record of delivering GWO-certified training and a commitment to maintaining high standards.
• Facilities and Equipment: Ensure the training provider has the appropriate facilities, such as towers for working at heights or simulation equipment for rescue training. High-quality facilities enhance the learning experience for trainees and provide you with the tools needed to teach effectively.
• Support and Development: Choose a provider that offers ongoing professional development opportunities. This may include access to advanced courses, additional certifications, or workshops that help you stay current with industry trends and GWO standards.

B. Freelancing vs. Employment

As a GWO instructor, you may have the option to work as a full-time employee for a training provider or offer your services as a freelancer. Both paths have their advantages:

• Full-time employment provides job security, a steady income, and access to a wide range of training resources and support.
• Freelancing offers flexibility and the ability to work with multiple training providers or clients. This option might appeal to experienced professionals who want to take control of their schedules.

5. Maintaining Your Instructor Status

Once you are a certified GWO instructor, you must maintain your qualifications through ongoing professional development and recertification.

A. Continuous Professional Development (CPD)

CPD is critical in ensuring that you remain competent and up-to-date with the latest safety standards and teaching methods. As a GWO instructor, you should participate in regular refresher courses, attend industry conferences, and keep abreast of technological advancements in the wind energy sector.

B. Recertification

GWO instructor certifications are valid for a set period (usually two years), after which you must undergo recertification to continue delivering training. This process involves completing refresher courses and reassessments to ensure that you still meet GWO’s high standards.

6. Building a Strong Career as a GWO Instructor

Finally, becoming a successful GWO training instructor goes beyond meeting the basic qualifications. To build a strong career, you need to focus on the following:

• Effective Communication: Being able to clearly convey complex technical information in an understandable way is essential to your success as an instructor.
• Passion for Safety: As a GWO instructor, you are responsible for the safety and well-being of your trainees. A genuine commitment to safety and high standards is crucial.
• Networking: Building connections within the wind energy sector, including other instructors, industry experts, and employers, can open doors to new opportunities and career growth.

By following these steps and dedicating yourself to the field, you can establish yourself as a trusted, knowledgeable GWO training instructor.