Veterans finding fulfilling careers in wind energy.

Safety Technology has a long history of transitioning veterans into the wind industry through training courses.

Safety Technology are proud to have been at the forefront of training veterans for new careers in the wind energy industry. Starting as the first working at height provider to offer ELCAS (UK Ministry of Defence) approved training courses helping ex-service men retrain and transition to the civilian workforce. STL have continued to prioritise veterans onto courses, particularly GWO training.

UK based initiatives provide funding for veterans and we are delighted to announce we are bringing this scheme to Safety Technology USA. Details will be released over the coming months but the basics will mean veterans can apply for assisted places on a GWO training course.

As a dynamic industry, wind energy calls upon talented individuals with a wide range of skills. Veterans bring value and experience to the wind energy industry workforce as the skills learnt serving their country are perfect to transition to the demanding careers in wind. These skills include; a strong work ethic, functioning well as part of a team, existing training using machinery and working at height, being used to the outdoors in all weathers and the ability to not loose focus on their goals and get the job done.

These attributes are perfectly aligned to the demands of life in the field working on wind turbines and in logistical roles.

For more information on GWO courses and transitioning into the wind sector click below.

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GWO Basic Safety Training modules

The GWO Basic Safety Training modules comprise four core modules and Sea Survival aimed at offshore technicians. Find out more about the modules below.

The GWO Basic Safety Training modules comprise; First Aid, Fire Awareness, Manual Handling, Working at Height and Sea Survival. Each module can be taken as a separate training course although most technicians opt to take the core modules as one course with refreshers at two yearly intervals. Collectively designed to provide technicians with a solid safety baseline across a number of scenarios GWO Basic Safety training is rightly considered the industry benchmark and a requirement for all technicians working in wind energy.

The core modules comprise:

GWO Fire Awareness

GWO First Aid

GWO Manual Handling

GWO Working at Height

 

Safety Technology USA run a variety of courses including all the GWO Basic Safety Training modules at locations in Texas, Iowa and onsite at clients wind facilities. In addition we run GWO Working at Height courses at a new center located in Kansa City. Courses run over five days for all the GWO Basic Safety Training modules. With individual modules taking place over a half day, single day or two days for the working at height and first aid elements. Refresher courses are a little shorter but still ensure that technicians are trained in the latest standard.

THE STL USA curse calendar runs Monday to Friday most weeks of the year, with courses starting on Mondays. Technicians train with an instructor at a ratio of 1:6. We are lucky to have access to some of the premier training facilities in the USa. Our Texas and Iowa training centers have a variety of climbing structures and simulated nascelles to ensure that training is conducted in an environment as close to the real thing as possible. We also offer the options for onsite GWO training.  We were keen to develop an onsite option after consultation with our clients. The logistics of moving technicians across country and more importantly taking them out of the field of work for extended periods is an obvious problem. Onsite training allows us to conduct a risk assessment and then perform the training on familiar equipment. This helps keep costs down and ensures that should the technicians be called away they are in the right place to handle any emergencies. We’ve adapted onsite so that a certain amount of flexibility exists in how the modules are delivered in order to cope with last minute attendance issues.

 

If you are interested in finding out more about a GWO Training course get in touch via the link below.

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GWO training USA

GWO training USA by Safety Technology, covering the key standards Basic Safety Training and Basic Technical training.

Safety Technology GWO Training USA is carried out at key locations across the US. Training centers are located in Iowa, Texas and Kansas City. In addition we offer on site training, subject to a site risk assessment so we really can conduct training anywhere.

GWO Training in the USA is quickly becoming the industry standard. Safety Technology have been training in the US for nearly three years on the back of 20 years of global training delivery for technicians in wind energy.

With a head office in the UK and operations across Europe and beyond Safety Technology have a long history of excellence and innovation when it comes to working at height. Our USA GWO training operations have grown rapidly as the North American sector quickly adopts the popular global safety standards as set out by the Global Wind Organisation. The organisation is made up of industry members at all levels. Safety standards are of paramount importance to the sector and the rise in technicians taking the course shows no sign of slowing.

GWO training USA is somewhat of a barometer for an industry that is in the ascendancy. Renewables have recently overtaken coal as a supplier of energy into the countries power grid. Costs have come down for renewable energy and they are now matching more traditional sources. This is a real turning point as money talks.

Demand for renewable energy and wind in particular is being driven by cities and corporates. Some of the biggest companies in the USA are committing their futures to renewable energy as are major cities like Dallas. Setting ambitious targets to be carbon neutral in the coming years.

We see a bright future for renewables in the USA and full GWO trainingUSA courses full of technicians as they flock to this strong jobs market.

 

Find out more about the training courses we offer.

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November GWO training dates, Iowa & Texas.

As ever there are November GWO training dates through the month at centers in Iowa and Texas.

We aim to offer the most comprehensive program of training courses in the USA. Alongside the fixed-date courses at our GWO training center Texas facilities in Abilene, Texas we also offer on-demand GWO Working at Height from our new Kansas city GWO training facility.

If travelling to a center is difficult and you are interested in a more flexible option we can also train on sIte subject to a risk assessment, just get in touch for more details.

Course dates by center:

November GWO training Iowa

GWO training center Iowa

Iowa Lakes is rightly regarded as one of the premier wind energy training centers in the USA. With wide ranging facilities the center plays host to not only GWO training but a variety of qualifications in renewable and wind energy.

GWO Working at Height

November 11th and 12th

GWO First Aid

November 13th and 14th

GWO Fire Awareness

November 15th and 21st

GWO Manual Handling

November 15th and 21st

GWO Working at Height Refresher

November 19th

GWO First Aid Refresher

November 21st

November GWO training Texas

GWO training center Texas

The Sweetwater campus at TSTC sits at the heart of Texas’ booming wind sector. College facilities include a number of climbing structures and simulated turbines.

November

GWO Working at Height

November 18th and 129th

GWO First Aid

November 20th and 21st

GWO Fire Awareness

November 7th, 14th and 22nd

GWO Manual Handling

November 7th, 14th and 22nd

GWO Working at Height Refresher

November 5th and 12th

GWO First Aid Refresher

November 6th and 13th

If you would like to book a November GWO training course follow the link below and we’d be delighted to talk through your requirements.

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New Kansas City GWO training venue

STL USA are pleased to announce the addition of a new Kansas City GWO training venue.

The new Kansas City GWO training center will initially offer GWO Working at Height training.

Technicians taking the GWO Working at Height course will be able to demonstrate:

  • knowledge of hazards and risks associated with working at heights, specific to a WTG
  • understanding of current national legislation regarding working at heights.
  • correct identification of PPE, including identification of European/Global standard markings e.g. harness, hard hat, lanyards, etc.
  • the knowledge and skills to correctly inspect, service, store and don the relevant PPE, e.g. harness, lanyards, fall arresters and work positioning equipment.
  • correct use of the relevant PPE, e.g. harnesses lanyards, fall arresters and work positioning equipment. This includes correct identification of anchor points and correct ladder conduct.
  • correct use of evacuation devices.
  • how to approach rescue situations in WTGs and use rescue equipment efficiently.

We are now taking bookings for the center, follow the link below to find out more.

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Introducing onsite GWO training

We’re pleased to announce STL USA as the first GWO training provider to offer onsite training services in the USA.

 

 

Onsite training allows us to increase the flexibility of STL USA’s GWO training solutions. The solution is very simple, STL can now certify a client site for training purposes and then train technicians directly on the equipment they maintain.

The USA is a big country and whilst it has some of the best training facilities in the world it can be logistically challenging to send technicians across country for training, especially when it takes them away from their vital work. Onsite is therefore the perfect training option for smaller teams and technicians working in areas a long way from training centres. Subject to an initial risk assesment and certification which can happen a few days before or on the day training starts if we don’t encounter any surprises, both first time trainees on GWO and technicians refreshing their accreditations can be trained.

The ability to train directly on the equipment used everyday provides trainees with an an “in-country” knowledge of safety applications tailored to their specific environment. However as with all our GWO training courses this doesn’t mean they are only accredited to work on their own turbines the accreditation is universal.

Running an onsite course couldn’t be easier:

  • STL trainers come to your site
  • STL completes a full risk assessment with the customer to ensure candidate and trainer safety to complete the works on site and ensuring GWO standards are met.
  • STL issues the relevant accreditation certificates subject to successfully passing the course

Courses last the same amount of time as those run at STL’s training centers with the following Basic Safety Training modules on offer:

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

If you’d like to talk to us about how we can “come to you” to run GWO training get in touch via the link below:

Learn More

October GWO training dates

We have a a full program of October GWO training dates coming up. Modules are taking place at STL USA’s training locations in Iowa and Texas. See below for the full breakdown of courses available and get in touch if you’d like more information or to book.

 

Basic Safety Training

Iowa October

GWO Working at Height

October 14th and 15th

GWO First Aid

October 16th and 17th

GWO Fire Awareness

October 18th and 24th

GWO Manual Handling

October 18th and 24th

GWO Working at Height Refresher

October 22nd

GWO First Aid Refresher

October 23rd

Texas October

GWO Working at Height

October 14th and 15th

GWO First Aid

October 16th and 17th

GWO Fire Awareness

October 3rd and 18th

GWO Manual Handling

October 3rd and 18th

GWO Working at Height Refresher

October 1st

GWO First Aid Refresher

October 2nd

 

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Updates to GWO training standards

GWO training standards are regularly updated. The most recent took place on July 1st this year. We explore what this means for technicians seeking accreditation and those renewing.

 

GWO standards are continually improving ensuring that all modules are at the cutting edge of safety and process. With a recent update taking place on the 1st of July this year we thought it was a great opportunity to explore what this means from a trainer and technician perspective and how this might affect your GWO training and accreditations.

 

What’s changed?

GWO training standards are frequently updated. Both BST and BTT have recently been updated, moving from version 11 and version 4 respectively to 12 and 5. Training providers, that’s us, can continue to use the old standard for a 3 month grace period, which ended on July the 1st this year, at which point delivery needs to move to the new version.

 

How does this affect technicians?

It’s important to know whether your training provider is delivering the correct standard. Outside of the grace period accreditations to obsolete standards with be considered non-compliant and this affects your ability to work at GWO accredited locations. As the grace, or handover, period has now finished all courses should be delivered to BST v12 or BTT v5.

 

Is STL compliant?

In a word, yes. It’s of paramount importance to STL USA that we are delivering training to the correct training standard and are completely compliant with the GWO in respect of this.

 

When is the next round of updates?

GWO regularly review and update the training standards with the next round scheduled for the second half of 2020 and first half of 2021. We’ll ensure to keep you  informed of developments via the website and social media.

 

Should I worry about compliance?

As we’ve mentioned it’s important to verify if you’re trainer is delivering the correct version of the BST or BTT. You can be assured that this is the case with STL USA courses but we can’t speak for other providers. If in doubt or if you have questions please reach out to us and we can hopefully help.

 

Book a GWO training course

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September, October and November GWO training course dates

We’ve just released GWO training course dates for both Texas and Iowa training centers. there’s a comprehensive program for the next 3 months.

If you’re interested in booking a GWO training course or have any questions regarding availability and course content just follow the link at the bottom of this page.

Course dates by center:

 

Iowa

GWO training center Iowa

September

GWO Working at Height 

September 9th and 10th

GWO First Aid

September 11th and 12th

GWO Fire Awareness

September 13th, 19th and 26th

GWO Manual Handling

September 13th

GWO Working at Height Refresher

September 24th

GWO First Aid Refresher

September 25th

October

GWO Working at Height

October 14th and 15th

GWO First Aid

October 16th and 17th

GWO Fire Awareness

October 18th and 24th

GWO Manual Handling

October 18th and 24th

GWO Working at Height Refresher

October 22nd

GWO First Aid Refresher

October 23rd

November

GWO Working at Height

November 11th and 12th

GWO First Aid

November 13th and 14th

GWO Fire Awareness

November 15th and 21st

GWO Manual Handling

November 15th and 21st

GWO Working at Height Refresher

November 19th

GWO First Aid Refresher

November 21st

 

Texas

GWO training center Texas

September

GWO Working at Height 

September 9th and 10th

GWO First Aid

September 11th and 12th

GWO Fire Awareness

September 13th, 19th and 26th

GWO Manual Handling

September 13th

GWO Working at Height Refresher

September 17th and 24th

GWO First Aid Refresher

September 18th and 25th

October

GWO Working at Height

October 14th and 15th

GWO First Aid

October 16th and 17th

GWO Fire Awareness

October 3rd and 18th

GWO Manual Handling

October 3rd and 18th

GWO Working at Height Refresher

October 1st

GWO First Aid Refresher

October 2nd

November

GWO Working at Height

November 18th and 129th

GWO First Aid

November 20th and 21st

GWO Fire Awareness

November 7th, 14th and 22nd

GWO Manual Handling

November 7th, 14th and 22nd

GWO Working at Height Refresher

November 5th and 12th

GWO First Aid Refresher

November 6th and 13th

 

If you would like to book a training course follow the link below and we’d be delighted to talk through your requirements.

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2019 Wind Energy review, so far..

2019 has already been a huge year for wind energy so we thought we’d look back on some of the big developments so far and those still to come.

2019 has gone so quickly, with so many major developments taking place it feels like we’ve had a full year already and it’s only July! This week’s blog looks at the major sector developments and looks ahead to what’s to come in the sector for the rest of the year. As a GWO trainer we’re well placed to see what is really happening in the sector from an infrastructure and employment perspective and one thing is for certain that wind energy continues to grow, fast.

2019 a year for firsts

Wind energy generated more electricity than coal for the first time this year. April saw wind surpass coal for the first time ever and indications suggest that this will only accelerate the decline in the coal industry. As it becomes ever cheaper to generate power via renewables less profitable fossil fuels are surely on the way out. Much of this demand has been driven by states, cities and corporations commiting to clean energy despite the national backdrop.

New projects show no sign of slowing

Big wind farm news has been coming through at regular intervals. So far this year we have seen the Vinyard offshore farm, Ocean wind off the coast of Atlantic City and two major projects off the Long Island coast announced. This comes against a backdrop of numerous new onshore farms being awarded contracts. The sector is moving fast as the USA catches up with the rest of the world.

Corporates and cities leading the way

Major cities like Dallas and Chicago have made bold commitments to renewable energy. In both cases they have set targets to use 100% clean energy. Despite a national backdrop at odds with renewable energy these are just two examples of cities, states and municipalities taking action into their own hands where energy is concerned.

Corporates are also doing their bit. There is a clear drive towards clean energy as corporates look to secure their energy needs now and in the future. 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 companies have set impressive targets and on the face of it it’s great PR but there’s more to it than that. These companies know that renewable costs are steadily reducing vs. increasingly expensive fossil fules. They also know companies who take an active role in managing their energy efficiency perform better over the long term.

STL USA’s year so far

It’s been a super busy year so far at STL USA. 2019 is on course to be a record year for students trained and accredited with GWO qualifications. We’ve attended some great industry events particularly AWEA’s conference in San Diego and we hope to make more friends in the industry over the next months and years.

What’s in store at STL USA

The rest of 2019 is about cementing STL USA’s place as the leading provider of GWO training solutions in the USA. We’re actively recruiting for new trainers and we hope to have secured an additional world class training facility by year end.

 

 

STL USA are taking course bookings for August & September GWO training, click below to find out more

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