GWO Basic Safety Training course dates

GWO Basic Safety Training course dates for October and November are out.

 

Join us in Abilene, Texas for a GWO Basic Safety Training course. Courses run over 5 days including modules; first aid, fire awareness, manual handling and working at height. The GWO Basic Safety Training course is a must have for technicians looking to get ahead in the wind energy market. Safety Technology USa train hundreds of technicians every year in the global GWO Basic Safety Ttaining standard. Safety Technology USa trainers are considered some of the most experienced trainers globally and we consistently get great feedback:

 

“I want to let you know that your instructors Brandon and Jerry were GREAT, they were very professional, I would highly recommend them, your course, and your company.”

 

The next GWO Basic Safety Training courses with availability take place on

  • October 26th
  • November 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th

Places are limited for all courses so we encourage you to speak to us about reserving a spot as soon as you know you need training.

 

 

Get in touch to book a course

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GWO course dates September

GWO course dates for September are out.

 

The latest GWO course dates for September have just been released. Courses available are for GWO BAsic Safety training. This course runs over 5 days and includes the modules; fire awareness, first aid, manual handling and working at height.

 

We have a detailed procedure in place to ensure that any technicians visiting our sites are safe and can visit us and train in confidence.

 

STL USA’s procedures include:

  • All candidates will be pre-screened with a detailed health questionnaire including contact and symptoms for 3 weeks proceeding the course.
  • We reserve the right to refuse anyone access to the course on health and safety grounds
  • Hand sanitiser, masks, gloves and face visors will be handed to candidates on arrival to the facility and replaced each day
  • Sanitiser stations are available within the areas used to deliver the course including climbing facilities and classrooms
  • In a classroom setting desks will be positioned so as to have a 6 feet gap between students at all times
  • In a climbing lab setting equipment will be cleaned between use by individual students and sanitised at the end of the day
  • Aspects of training that would normally require physical contact between students have been modified in line with GWO requirements

 

Please see below for the GWO course dates for September in Texas and Iowa.

Texas

GWO Basic Safety Training

September 21st, 28th

 

Iowa

GWO Basic Safety Training

September 21st and 28th

 

In addition we will be slotting GWO Basic Safety Training Refreshers around our full course timetable. If you need refreshers please contact us. We also have the option to train onsite where STL USA instructors can visit your site and perform a training course.

 

Get in touch to book a course

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Latest GWO course dates

It’s awesome to be able to release the latest GWO course dates for July and August.

 

The latest GWO course dates in July and August will be managed around the current state guidance on social distancing. We have a detailed procedure in place to ensure that any technicians visiting our sites are safe and can visit us and train in confidence.

 

STL USA’s procedures include:

  • All candidates will be pre-screened with a detailed health questionnaire including contact and symptoms for 3 weeks proceeding the course.
  • We reserve the right to refuse anyone access to the course on health and safety grounds
  • Hand sanitiser, masks, gloves and face visors will be handed to candidates on arrival to the facility and replaced each day
  • Sanitiser stations are available within the areas used to deliver the course including climbing facilities and classrooms
  • In a classroom setting desks will be positioned so as to have a 6 feet gap between students at all times
  • In a climbing lab setting equipment will be cleaned between use by individual students and sanitised at the end of the day
  • Aspects of training that would normally require physical contact between students have been modified in line with GWO requirements

 

Please see below for the latest GWO course dates for Texas and Iowa.

Texas

GWO Basic Safety Training

July 20th July 27th

August 10th, 17th, 24th

 

Iowa

GWO Basic Safety Training

July 27th

August 10th, 24th

 

In addition we will be slotting GWO Basic Safety Training Refreshers around our full course timetable. If you need refreshers please contact us. We also have the option to train onsite where STL USA instructors can visit your site and perform a training course.

 

Get in touch to book a course

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Training GWO onsite

Training GWO onsite has been a real lifeline during lockdown.

Training GWO onsite over the last couple of months has meant we’ve been able to keep courses ticking over and also help out our customers, many of whom had technicians who would have otherwise not been able to work. At a global level it’s a key priority for STL to deliver flexible training solutions for our clients and this has certainly been put to the test recently. For some time STL have prioritised gaining accreditation to deliver onsite courses and this will soon be augmented with a blended course option mixing online with face to face training. STL are committed to offering customers solutions that work with their needs and training GWO onsite forms a key component of this. Onsite GWO courses run much the same as courses staged at our location in Texas and Iowa. The course format comprises the main onshore modules for GWO BAsic Safety Training and GWO BAsic Safety Training Refreshers. This includes the modules First Aid, Fire Awareness, Manual Handling and Working at Height.

 

Practicalities of training GWO onsite

The course curriculum follow is exactly the same and technicians have to demonstrate all the skills and knowledge required in each module. Where the course differs, and some would say is improved, is that the technicians train practical elements in the environment they will be working in. This means working at height is usually run on a turbine allowing for the most realistic training your ever likely to get. other course elements such as the first aid and fire are conducted in a classroom or suitable meeting room on the wind farm or close by.

 

Bringing the course to you

Your technicians and your turbines will already have PPE and safety systems installed. Our trainers are comfortable working with all the commercially available devices. We do however bring with us a small selection of kit in case anything is needed. We also travel with all the equipment needed for both First Aid and Fire Awareness. Having run 30+ onsite courses our logistics and well practised and getting equipment and our trainers to locations in even the remotest parts of the USA on time to ensure courses run smoothly.

 

What about the weather?

Given that training for working at heights is outdoors the weather can also be a factor. For this reason we keep the course programme flexible for the training week, fitting in the practical elements when the conditions allow. However, we will train to the weather conditions that technicians would be expected to work within. It adds to the realism of the course and let’s face it not everyday is going to be sunny and warm.

 

How do I book training GWO onsite?

Booking is simple, like all of our GWO training courses. Simply contact us and let us know how many technicians will be attending the course and where the course location is. Onsite training is delivered on a ratio of one instructor to four technicians and we can send up to three instructors for a course if required. Due to the logistics involved we ideally required 2-3 weeks notice to set-up an onsite training course, apart from this the rest is simple.

 

What about costs?

All of STL USA’s GWO courses are charged on a per technician basis, this is exactly the same onsite as it would be at one of our training centers. For onsite we do charge an additional fee for instructor travel and equipment logistics plus a small daily subsistence fee for instructors accommodation. However, this is nornally far cheaper than it would be to send a group of techs to a course at one of our sites, when you consider flights, hotels, car rental and daily expenses.

 

For those companies who have the facilities and capacity to run onsite it really is the perfect flexible training option.

 

To find out more and to book a course click the link below.

 

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Join the STL USA team.

Would you like to join the STL USA team?

We have three opportunities to join the STL USA team. We’re currently recruiting for two trainers and a back office role at STL USA as we continue to grow across the country.

 

About STL USA

STL USA has been operating in the USA since 2015, with two main training facilities located in Texas and Iowa. Part of the Safety Technology group of companies headquartered in the UK and with operations across Europe, STL USA extends the knowledge and experience built up over 20 years in wind energy delivering training and safety solutions for the largest global companies. STL USA is exclusively focussed on delivering GWO training across a range of standards to technicians working across the country. Thousands of techs have passed through STL USA training courses and the company ambition is to to grow rapidly in the coming years in line with the huge growth the wind sector is experiencing in the USA.

 

Job description: GWO Training Instructor x2

Location: Texas, flexible

Subject to an initial training period of 2-3 months depending on competency and experience. The training instructor will be expected to deliver company training programmes within the specified training procedures and accredited standards, for GWO. This includes a number of theory, discussion and practical elements across the modules; fire awareness, first aid, manual handling and working at height. The nature of GWO training is very practical and the instructor is therefore required to be able to demonstrate a number of course elements in a simulated wind turbine environment, therefore requiring a level of climbing competency and fitness.

The key tasks include:

  • Carry out company and Accredited training programmes and provision of training procedures as required.
  • Complete training documentation and records as required
  • Develop and improve training equipment and facilities as appropriate in line with the Technical Director.
  • Maintain training facilities and training equipment
  • Carry out product inspections, maintenance and re-certification of products.
  • Assist with the organisation and participation in exhibitions when required
  • Liaise with partner companies, specialist suppliers and organisations as required.
  • Implement effective health and safety including, writing, updating and following risk assessments, safe systems of work and company procedures.
  • Act as Fire Marshalls and First Aiders, and implement the company Health and Safety practices at all times.
  • Provide effective support and communication to customers and other team members especially internal sales administration, sales and directors.
  • Maintain company systems and procedures including enquiries, quotations and quality and training procedures. Auditing and review of customer feedback.
  • Carry out other duties as requested by the company such as site inspections, onsite training, overseas training and audits.

Experience:

The role would suit somebody already working in wind energy, ideally in a supervisory role, safety role or with suitable turbine experience. GWO certifications are an advantage but anyone with a teaching/training background and the relevant working at height experience would be considered. It goes without saying the person must be comfortable working at height.

Salary and benefits: To be discussed (in line with market rates)

 

Job description: Office Administrator

Location: Texas, flexible

Responsible for the booking, administration and logistics of all training courses. Working with the Lead Trainer and VP USA and other members in the wider group company the Office Administrator is responsible for maintaining administrative policies and procedures, customert service and some basic finance duties.

The key tasks include:

  • Follow the 3 pillars or responsibility for training Admin, Facility Booking/Trainer Booking/Customer Scheduling and Admin
  • Upkeep of the USA training calendars
  • Organising trainer allocation
  • Ensuring all accredited practices are adhered to in terms of training admin and customer support following course booking, in relation to joining instructions, medical or dietary requirements (following medical guidelines for Doctor sign off if any specific boxes are ticked) and certification on completion of the courses
  • Data entry and continual communication with Training Manager/Sales Manager/Technical Director on courses and staffing
  • Liaise with the Inspection Manager on scheduling of trainer training courses from the skills matrix
  • Assist in audits internal/external bodies.
  • Raising customer invoices via Quickbooks
  • Booking and admin of lunches for training candidates and trainers
  • Booking of trainer accommodation and travel to onsite training
  • Archive all information necessary for annual auditing process
  • Audit training folders to ensure all documents for courses are completed, in particular onsite
  • Carry out other duties as requested by the company

Experience:

The role would suit somebody in an existing administrative position, comfortable multi-tasking with a keen attention to detail.

Salary and benefits: To be discussed (inline with market rate)

 

If you’re interested in joining us please contact us via the link below or email us at info@safetytechnologyusa.com

 

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June GWO training course dates

Announcing the latest June GWO training course dates.

 

We super delighted to be announcing June GWO training course dates. It feels like we’ve been in lockdown for an age, although we’ve been keeping busy training onsite and at a backup center in Houston. But, as we start to emerge from our lockdowns it’s amazing to be able to announce our first GWO training course dates in June.

Courses will be:

 

GWO BST, Abilene Texas, starting June 22nd

GWO BST, Abilene Texas, starting June 29th

 

In order to ensure maximum safety for the course attendees, the working at height training will be conducted outdoors using our mobile rig, fire awareness will be outdoors and the remainder of the course will be indoors in a classroom setting with adequate social distancing.

We will be taking a range of safety measures to ensure that all surfaces are cleaned between use, masks, gloves, visors and other PPE will be available as well as hand sanitizer and wipes. In addition all technicians will be required to fill in a health questionnaire prior to starting the course.

All courses will include the following modules:

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

 

Booking a course is simple just get in touch via the button below

 

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We’re back in business

We’re back in business. Training at our core locations will begin again in June.

 

It’s awesome to be back in business. The truth is we never really went away as we’ve been able to continue supporting customers with GWO training at their sites via our onsite training services. But, getting back into our main training facilities will be a welcome change and we look forward to seeing techs on our courses.

As part of our reopening strategy we will be adhering to strict social distancing. This includes capping courses to no more than 6 attendees, ensuring desks are 6 feet apart in classrooms, wearing gloves and masks for practical exercises.

Suffice to say we take the safety measures seriously and will ensure that we have adequate supplies of PPE available at all times. Where special requirements are needed we will work with our customers to ensure, where possible, that these are implemented.

 

If you’d like to talk about how we can support your GWO training and you’d like more information get in touch.

 

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The state of wind energy in lockdown.

With many of us in wind energy in lockdown this weeks post speculates on where we’re heading.

 

So what is the state of wind energy in lockdown? So let’s get this out of the way the wind is still blowing, turbines are still turning and I have to say that most people I’m speaking with are continuing to operate, albeit under strict distancing guidelines. Of course a lot of us are classed as essential workers so we’ve had to adapt quickly to this situation. For STL USA in particular this has meant moving courses to an onsite format where we can but of course not every customer has access to a turbine or tower to conduct a training course.

On this note I’d like to give a major shout out to the guys at Cotech who’ve let us use their training facility in Houston whilst ours is shut.

The GWO have played their part by quickly developing a new partial online course for Basic Safety training refreshers. This course allows for 100% delivery online over the space of a few days via a virtual classroom format. The course is built around interaction and requires both instructors and technicians to demonstrate a series of actions within the curriculum as well as theory elements to gain the 6 month interim accreditation.

This is an exciting development for STL USA as we’ve been eagerly awaiting the launch of an online, blended course format to broaden our course offering across the USA. We’ve also spent some of our lockdown time accelerating our plans to bring the GWO ART course to the USA. This is something we’re particularly keen to have sit alongside our standard GWO safety training courses.

Our wider outlook for wind is still very positive despite the current lockdown. Wind energy is proving itself to be a cost effective source of energy generation and with numerous new developments in the pipeline including the major offshore farms we still believe well end 2020 in an upbeat mood.

The second half of the year will see us looking further afield from our traditional mid-West base in the “wind corridor”. The next stage of our growth will be focussed on the offshore market, our longer term goal is to begin delivering GWO Sea Survival from a strategically located training center by the end of 2020. This is about 4-6 months behind our initial plan but hey Covid-19 came along so we hope you’ll forgive us.

All that’s left for us to do is say a big thank you to all our people who have worked tirelessly during this difficult time, for our clients patience and to the wider wind community for hanging in there.

 

If you’d like to talk about how we can support you GWO training get in touch.

 

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Beat the GWO refresher backlog

You can beat the GWO refresher backlog with STL USA.

There’s a big GWO refresher backlog building right now. To tackle this we are building a roster of technicians who require GWO refresher training so we can manage course places and allocate these on the basis of those closest to their expiry dates.

 

Adding your technicians to the roster is very easy.

  1. Add you contact details
  2. Add your technicians and their certification expiry dates
  3. We will contact you to allocate a training place before certs lapse

 

You can join the roster here:

 

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March news round up

Welcome to the March news round up.

I promised myself i would write this news round up without mentioning the C-word, but I don’t think that’s going to be possible. Covid-19 has dominated March and looks set to have an impact on the wind sector for the next few months. We are lucky as a business to be able to continue, albeit on a reduced basis, training during this crisis. We’ve taken significant steps to mitigate risks for our trainers and course attendees during the outbreak. This has meant the closure of our training facilities and a move to 100% onsite training until we feel we it is 100% safe to reopen the centers.

March started so differently

At the very start of March we were packing up after attending the AWEA O&M conference in San Diego. It was a great conference, we met up with clients and connected with new potential clients across the week. The weather was great and we had a small opportunity to enjoy some of the Southern California coastline. What a difference 30 days make! We moved quickly to ensure we could react to our client needs but most importantly to ensure the safety of our people and our attendees.

Moving onsite

The big story of the last 30 days has been our transition to 100% GWO onsite training. We regularly run training courses for customers at their wind farms but we’ve never had to run 100% of our courses in this fashion. The safety advantages are obvious, less interaction between people and less travel for course attendees. As training centers have closed across the country demand has grown exponentially. A big thank you to all the STL USA team for stepping up as in many cases we’ve been the last resort for clients.

Looking ahead

One thing is for certain this outbreak won’t last forever. When we come out of the back of this there will be a number of challenges that we will have to cover. Firstly there’s going to be a major backlog of refresher training that will need to be completed, second it’s likely there will be a rush of new hires. These will likely have been postponed during the lockdown. It’s going to mean a lot of training is required in a short space of time. To tackle this we’re working with all our customers to create a schedule for refreshers starting in May, we’re committed to running these back to back for as long as required so nobody’s certs lapse. It’s important we do this as lapsed certs require the tech to complete a full training course, keeping them out of the field for a full 5 days. We are working on a way for you to log your techs and their expiry dates into a schedule so we can then provide you training options, more to follow…

 

Stay Safe Everyone.

 

In the meantime if you want to add technicians to our refresher schedule you can get in touch below.

 

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