Category: Renewable energy

The wind energy industry in the United States is on the brink of a major transformation. As the country shifts towards sustainable and renewable energy sources to combat climate change and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, the demand for skilled workers in the wind energy sector is poised to explode. This growing demand presents a unique challenge and opportunity for colleges and universities across the nation. How can these institutions prepare their students to enter the workforce of this booming industry, which promises a brighter, greener future for the United States?

The Wind Energy Boom in the USA

The United States has witnessed a remarkable expansion in wind energy production in recent years. With a rapidly increasing number of wind farms across the country, wind energy has become a major contributor to the nation’s energy mix. According to the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA), the wind industry has created over 120,000 jobs, and wind energy capacity has grown by 6% in 2020 alone. This remarkable growth is largely attributed to the renewable energy initiatives that aim to achieve 100% clean energy in various states.

The reasons behind this surge are multifaceted. Wind energy is not only environmentally friendly but also economically viable. It offers a means of generating power with minimal greenhouse gas emissions, making it a critical part of the clean energy landscape. Additionally, the U.S. government has provided incentives and tax credits for wind energy projects, further driving investment in the sector. This combination of environmental responsibility and economic incentives positions wind energy as a powerhouse of opportunity for the job market.

The Skills Gap in Wind Energy

While the wind energy industry is poised to expand exponentially, there is a significant challenge to overcome: the skills gap. As the demand for skilled workers surges, there is a scarcity of qualified individuals to fill these positions. The skills required for careers in the wind energy sector are specialized and demand a unique blend of knowledge and hands-on experience.

Roles in wind energy include wind turbine technicians, engineers, project managers, environmental consultants, and more. These positions require skills in areas such as mechanical and electrical engineering, data analysis, project management, environmental science, and renewable energy technologies. With the specialized nature of these roles, colleges and universities must address the gap by developing targeted programs that equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge.

How Colleges Can Prepare Students for the Wind Energy Workforce?

To address the growing demand for skilled workers in the wind energy sector, colleges and universities need to take proactive steps. Here are some key strategies they can employ:

Tailored Curriculum: Colleges should develop and offer specialized programs and courses in renewable energy and wind technology. These programs should provide students with a strong foundation in the principles of wind energy, including wind turbine technology, energy generation, and environmental impact assessments.

Hands-On Experience: Practical training is crucial in preparing students for the workforce. Collaborations with wind energy companies, internships, and apprenticeships can offer students the hands-on experience they need to thrive in the field. Colleges can also consider establishing their own wind energy labs or partnerships with existing facilities.

Industry Partnerships: Collaborating with wind energy companies and industry associations can help colleges stay updated on the latest trends, technologies, and job requirements. These partnerships can also lead to research opportunities and job placement programs. A number of institutions already partner with STL USA to help deliver industry accreditations that improve student’s employability in the sector.

Renewable Energy Research: Encouraging research in renewable energy and wind technology can not only contribute to the field but also provide students with opportunities to engage in real-world problem-solving. By working on cutting-edge projects, students can gain valuable experience and expertise.

Inclusivity and Diversity: To ensure a well-rounded and diverse workforce in the wind energy sector, colleges should focus on inclusivity and diversity in their programs. Encouraging underrepresented groups to pursue careers in renewable energy is essential for building a workforce that reflects the broader population.

Continuing Education: Wind energy is an ever-evolving field, with new technologies and practices emerging regularly. Colleges should offer continuing education and professional development programs to help current industry professionals stay up-to-date and adapt to changing requirements.

Sustainability Education: Given the environmental nature of wind energy, it is essential for colleges to incorporate sustainability education into their programs. Students should understand not only how wind energy works but also the broader environmental implications and benefits of renewable energy sources.

The role of colleges and universities in preparing students for the booming wind energy workforce is pivotal. As the United States continues its transition towards sustainable energy sources, educational institutions have a unique opportunity to nurture the talent needed to drive this transformation. By offering specialized programs, fostering industry partnerships, and promoting hands-on experience, colleges can equip their students with the skills and knowledge to thrive in the growing wind energy sector. In doing so, they play a vital role in accelerating the nation’s transition to a greener and more sustainable future.

STL USA has launched another new range of courses. GWO Lift Training (all modules) and 3S Climb Autosystem and Climb assist user training. The STL USA team has also created a combined course for companies looking to gain a GWO certification and qualify their personnel to operate 3S systems.

Both training courses, combined, are available from STL USA’s Abilene, TX headquarters. Additionally these courses will become available onsite from 2024.

As lift systems become ever more popular and the requirements to have GWO certification expand STL USA is well-positioned to help customers achieve these qualifications. 

GWO Lift user training

GWO Lift Training comprises of 3 modules:

User, 1/2 day course

Commissioning and inspection, 1 day course 

Commission, inspection, installation and maintenance, 2 day course

Modules can be taken individually or in combination, 3S certificates can additionally be added to these courses with no significant increase in training time.

3S Climb Auto system user training

The 3S user training allows technicians to safely operate the 3S assisted systems. It’s a requirement that anyone using these systems takes user training. Normally this is delivered at installation and then at maintenance periods throughtout the lifetime. That means however that anyone who misses this training, new hires, visiting contractors for example will be unable to gain this certificate from 3S. That’s why STL USA has partnered with 3S to offer the training course year round.

Training covers:

1. Climb Auto System Simple Operation Guide

2. Explanation of Symbols

3. Pre-Operation Considerations

4. Product Description

5. Product Structure

6. Product Operation

7. Inspection and Maintenance

8. Annual Inspection and Maintenance

9. Spare Parts Ordering

10. Storage

11. Environmental Protection Requirements

12. Emergency Evacuation Instruction

13. Troubleshooting

The combined course

Many of the lesson areas overlap between these two training courses. With that in mind STL USA has created a combined course to cover both. This can be taken by technicians in the same timescale as the GWO courses.

Scheduling

As a dedicated wind technician training company STL USA aims to have course availability every month for all the courses delivered. The easiest way to get more information and to book a course is to speak to a member of the STL USA team, Follow the link below to get started.

STL USA have expanded our onsite GWO training for 2023 and as we look ahead we are planning the states we will visit in 2024 we thought it was a great opportunity to detail all the aspects of onsite training in this blog. 

When you train GWO onsite with STL USA you can rest assured that you receive exactly the same course content and exercises you would in a training environment. To this end, and to improve onsite teaching, STL USA employs a mobile training unit that is used for GWO Basic Safety Training – Working at Height and GWO Advanced Rescue Training modules. 

Alongside this we encourage the use of actual turbines, which allows us to practice rescue exercises in the environment where technicians actually work. As an added bonus we work with the technicians to help with rescue plans and have worked with local first responders to familiarise them with the wind turbine and potential rescue situations.

How does onsite GWO training work?

Onsite training is very straightforward. STL USA arrive onsite with our mobile training unit, conduct a risk assessment and then commence training. If the onsite team want to use a turbine for certain exercises then this needs to be shut down for use, classroom portions of training are usually conducted in a meeting or conference room, and that’s about it.

Why train GWO onsite?

The obvious benefits of onsite training are the cost and time savings for travel and lodging usually associated with a trip to the training center. Beyond that logistically onsite training can be much easier for sites to plan around, with technicians able to jump off training if absolutely necessary to deal with issues at the site. This is of course impossible if they’re 1,000 miles away at training.

The final benefit, and in our opinion the most important from a skills development perspective is the ability to train in the live environment. No matter how good a training center may be it will never be as good as the actual wind turbines that technicians work on. Through our blended onsite approach technicians get to learn in the mobile training environment and then practice exercises in a turbine. Simply put this ensures they have the skills and knowledge to deal with problem scenarios on the equipment they use in the real world.

GWO onsite courses available

STL USA trains a range of GWO and non-GWO courses onsite, including GWO Basic Safety Training and GWO Advanced Rescue Training as well as NFPA 70E electrical safety training.

Which states are covered

STL USA trains GWO onsite across the USA focussing on the main wind States. Our annual program focuses on regions through particular times of the year. For example, North Eastern and Northern states are covered from April to October (weather permitting ) with a focus on the warmer States from October to March. The map below gives an indication of areas, if you can’t see yours just give us a call.

As the world continues to grapple with the growing climate crisis and the urgent need to transition to renewable sources of energy, the wind energy sector has emerged as a beacon of hope. A career in wind energy is not just a job; it’s a commitment to a sustainable future. The question that often arises is, “Is wind energy a good career choice, and how do I get into wind?” The resounding answer to this question is a definitive yes, and in this article, we’ll explore why.

Job Growth and Stability:

The wind energy sector has experienced remarkable growth in recent years, with no signs of slowing down. As governments and businesses worldwide commit to renewable energy targets, the demand for wind energy professionals continues to rise. This industry offers job stability and promising career prospects, making it a sound choice for those seeking long-term employment.

Technological Advancements:

Wind energy is not static; it’s a field of constant innovation and technological advancements. This means there are ample opportunities for professionals to learn and grow within the industry. Whether you’re interested in turbine design, maintenance, or grid integration, you’ll find a dynamic and evolving landscape in wind energy.

Global Opportunities:

Wind energy is a global industry, and professionals in this field often have the chance to work on international projects. This provides a unique opportunity to gain experience in diverse settings and cultures while contributing to a worldwide effort to transition to clean energy.

Competitive Salaries:

Wind energy careers offer competitive salaries that are often on par with or even surpassing those in traditional energy sectors. With the increasing demand for skilled professionals, companies are willing to invest in attracting and retaining top talent.

Job Satisfaction:

Many people find great satisfaction in working in an industry that aligns with their values. Knowing that your daily work directly contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change can be deeply rewarding.

Diverse Career Pathways:

Wind energy is a multifaceted field with diverse career pathways. Whether you’re interested in engineering, project management, research and development, or policy advocacy, there’s a role for you in the wind energy sector.

Resilience to Economic Downturns:

Wind energy has shown resilience to economic downturns and market fluctuations. This is due, in part, to its long-term contracts and the essential nature of energy production. As such, careers in wind energy are often insulated from some of the economic uncertainties that affect other industries.

Sustainability and Environmental Impact:

One of the most compelling reasons to consider a career in wind energy is the profound environmental impact it offers. Wind energy is clean and green, producing zero emissions and significantly reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. By working in this industry, you become part of the solution to combat climate change, contributing to a healthier planet for future generations.

Positive Work Environment:

The wind energy sector is known for its collaborative and positive work environment. Teams often share a strong sense of purpose and camaraderie, making it an enjoyable place to work.

Personal Fulfillment:

Finally, a career in wind energy allows you to make a meaningful contribution to society. You’re not just working for a paycheck; you’re helping to create a sustainable and greener future for all.

In conclusion, choosing a career in wind energy is not just a smart decision; it’s a choice that aligns with global efforts to combat climate change and secure a sustainable future. The answer to the question “Is wind energy a good career choice?” is a resounding “yes.” It offers job stability, competitive salaries, and the opportunity to make a positive impact on the environment. So, if you’re passionate about renewable energy and want a career that matters, consider joining the wind energy sector—it’s a path towards a brighter and cleaner future.

How can STL USA help?

STL USA has created a program called WindStart, specifically designed to help people transition into the wind industry. WindStart includes a range of vital industry qualifications and a great technical grounding. WindStart has been designed to bridge the gap between other industries and wind energy. Click the link below to find out more.