Author: STL USA team

Why a career in wind energy could be a smart move?

It’s hard to avoid the constant good news stories in wind energy. This week we look at why a career in wind energy could be a smart move.

Wind energy is one of the fastest growing job sectors in the USA. Wind energy output recently surpassed coal in the USA and the jobs market is booming. Renewables jobs also come with high wages. Virtually all wind farms and turbine operators are GWO members and we see first hand from demand for our GWO training courses that the sector is growing fast. Creating stable and high-wage employment for blue-collar workers in some of the country’s most fossil fuel-heavy states, just as the coal industry is poised for another downturn.

Simple economics are are driving both sides of this equation:

Building new sources of renewable energy is cheaper than running existing coal plants and prices get cheaper every year. By 2025, virtually every existing coal plant in the US will cost more to operate and run than building replacement wind and solar within 35 miles of each plant.

On the demand side states are pushing hard to set 100% clean energy goals, creating new demand for workers to build wind turbines and other renewable sources. Planning for the inevitable shift from coal-to-clean is creating economic opportunities in every corner of the country – and some forward-thinking policymakers are already heeding this lesson.

Fast-growing renewable energy jobs offer higher wages

The renewable energy sector has become a major U.S. employer. E2’s recent Clean Jobs America report found nearly 3.3 million Americans working in clean energy – outnumbering fossil fuel workers by 3-to-1. 111,000 work in the wind industry with triple that in solar, compared to 211,000 working in coal mining or other fossil fuel extraction. Renewable energy employment grew 3.6% in 2018, adding 110,000 net new jobs (4.2% of all jobs added nationally in 2018), and employers expect 6% job growth in 2019.

E2 reports the fastest-growing jobs across 12 states were in clean energy during 2018, and renewable energy is already the fastest-growing source of new U.S. electricity generation, leading the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics to forecast America’s two fastest-growing jobs through 2026 will be solar installer (105% growth) and wind technician (96% growth).

Green jobs grow in red states

But the best aspect of renewable energy job growth is that it doesn’t matter how states voted in the last election. The American Wind Energy Association identifies wind farms and manufacturing facilities in all 50 states and 69% of congressional districts (78% of GOP districts, 62% of Democratic districts) paying more than $1 billion in state/local taxes and landowner leases, and supporting 24,000 manufacturing or supply chain jobs across 42 states.

The future’s looking bright

Fundamentally the future is certain. At least certain in the fact that fossil fuels will run out over time and will become increasingly expensive as we head towards that point. The simple economics are already pushing in favour of renewables and the reality is that this will be the key driver of growth. Texas is a great example of this, the quintessential oil state is now a leader in wind energy. Regardless of political views money talks and the Texans are a smart bunch they go where the profits are.

So who are we to argue, of course we have a vested interest but all things considered a career in wind energy is a smart move.

STL USA are currently recruiting for new Course Instructors, click the link below to view the job spec.

We’re hiring! Want to become a GWO trainer?

We’re hiring! Want to become a GWO trainer?

Want to become a GWO trainer? We have a great opportunity to join the USA’s fastest growing industry, wind energy.

STL USA are recruiting for new GWO trainers as demand for GWO training courses increases. the wind energy sector in the USA is one of the fastest growing markets with double digit job creation happening yearly. Growth is being driven by cities, states and corporations committing to clean energy, fuelling the boom we are at the center of. There’s no better time to become a GWO trainer.

GWO, Global Wind Organisation, is the industry body responsible for setting common safety standards for technicians in the wind energy sector. Created by its members the GWO have two main safety standards which STL train. The Basic Safety Standard and Basic Technical Standard. Course content covers all aspects of safety for onshore and offshore turbines as well as regular refreshers.

STL deliver training from two main hubs, Texas and Iowa. The facilities at each are world class with extensive climbing systems and turbine mock-ups to practice training.

As a course instructor, you will be delivering GWO and other courses to wind energy technicians at Safety Technology USA’s main training locations in Texas and Iowa as well as remotely onsite with clients.

Friendly and outgoing you will lead training courses of small groups of students. Instructing them on the key safety elements required for them to gain GWO accreditation.

Working with the course delivery teams in the USA and at our UK head office you will deliver training courses to the latest standards.

The following qualifications would be desirable

SPRAT or IRATA Level 2
OSHA 10 / OSHA 30
NFPA Fire Fighter Qual
Ergonomics/Material Handling Certified

As would previous teaching experience (military, safety training, climbing or mountaineering). Strong Verbal and written communication skills and proficiency with Microsoft Powerpoint, Excel, Word, Outlook

It’s really important that you can travel as this role requires lots within the USA.

Please forward a full CV along with availability to interview/ start and salary expectations for immediate feedback and a confidential chat.

info@safetytechnologyusa.com

Latest Texas and Iowa GWO training courses

We’ve just released the latest Texas and Iowa GWO training courses. Dates below.

Iowa

GWO Basic Safety Training

Week commencing July 29th 2019, week commencing August 5th 2019

GWO Basic Safety Training refresher

August 12th – 14th 2019

Texas

GWO Basic Safety Training

Week commencing July 1st 2019, week commencing August 19th 2019

GWO Basic Safety Training refresher

July 9th to 11th, July 16th to 18th, July 23rd to 25th , July 30th to August 1st, August 27th – 29th

Get in touch to book a course:

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Texas the Wind Energy state.

When you think of energy wind isn’t the first source that springs to mind when you say Texas. But given Texas’ is the leading state in wind energy so we thought we’d explore in more detail.

Texas produces the most wind power of any US state, it’s also home to one of our premier GWO training centers. In 2017, 16% of electricity generated was from wind. Texas has over 40 projects the largest of which is the Roscoe wind farm others include the Hollow Wind Energy Center, Sherbino WInd Farm and the Capricorn Ridge Wind Farm.

Texas is well positioned for a thriving wind sector, west and southern areas benefit from strong predictable winds especially during the day when consumption is at its highest. This is heavily reflected in the jobs market. Wind energy is one of the fastest growing sectors in the USA and a large percentage of those jobs are in Texas. In fact Texas has become somewhat of a mecca for people looking for the steady paycheck that wind energy can provide. There are an estimate 230,000+ jobs in clean energy as a sector (solar, wind, energy efficiency) and an estimated 10,000+ jobs were created in 2018 alone.

Put into context if Texas were a country it would be the sixth largest wind energy producer in the world, the bulk of which is generated in Nolan county. At peak output wind energy has contributed as much as 50% of the states power needs although this normally sits around the 15% mark. It’s these kind of figures that show just what an important role Texas has to play.

It’s not just the turbines themselves that have contributed to job creation it’s the supply chain businesses that are cropping up as part of the wider ecosystem that will continue the growth. From blade manufacturers and components manufacturers through to companies recycling older parts and turning them into building panels the entire sector is awash with opportunity.

Texas’ position as the nation’s wind energy jobs leader is also driving changes in education with many technical and four-year colleges now offering degrees and certificates related to the wind industry. These include turbine service technicians, wind energy project managers, engineers and operations managers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Texas employs 1,440 wind turbine service technicians, with the average technician making approximately $53,650 annually.

It’s also good news for consumers who enjoy lower costs with the growth of this energy industry with residential power rates approximately 10 percent lower than the national average and industrial power rates approximately 20 percent lower than the national average.

As the leading state for wind energy Texas is the perfect place for our GWO training facility. Located in Sweetwater the center is a modern, state of the art training facility. For more information and to book a training course click the link below:

Linking to Texas training centres, focussing on Texas as the leading state for wind energy in the USA.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.