Category: Wind technician training

The Cleanpower 2024 exhibition, held from May 13-16 at the Minneapolis Convention Center, was a remarkable convergence of industry leaders, innovators, policymakers, and sustainability enthusiasts. Organized by the American Clean Power Association, the event showcased the latest advancements in clean energy technology, providing a platform for networking, collaboration, and the exchange of groundbreaking ideas. This year’s exhibition underscored the significant strides being made in the clean energy sector and highlighted the crucial role of renewable energy in combating climate change and promoting sustainable development. Wind tech training specialist STL USA were delighted to attend, meet up with old friends and make new ones along the way.

Venue and Organization

The Minneapolis Convention Center proved to be an ideal venue for Cleanpower 2024. Its spacious halls and state-of-the-art facilities accommodated over 10,000 attendees and 450 exhibitors from across the globe. The organizers managed the event with precision, ensuring smooth registration processes, clear signage, and a well-coordinated schedule of presentations, workshops, and networking sessions. The layout of the exhibition hall facilitated easy navigation, allowing participants to engage with exhibitors and attend sessions without feeling overwhelmed.

Keynote Sessions and Panels

The keynote sessions set the tone for the exhibition, featuring influential speakers who provided insights into the current state and future prospects of the clean energy industry. Notable among the keynote speakers was Gina McCarthy, the former White House National Climate Advisor, who delivered an inspiring address on the urgent need for policy frameworks that support renewable energy adoption. Her speech emphasized the importance of collaboration between government and private sectors to achieve climate goals.

Another highlight was the panel discussion on “The Future of Renewable Energy,” which brought together industry giants like Vestas, Siemens Gamesa, and NextEra Energy. The panelists discussed the latest technological innovations, challenges in the supply chain, and the role of policy in accelerating renewable energy deployment. The discussion provided valuable perspectives on how the industry can navigate the complexities of transitioning to a sustainable energy future.

Exhibition Highlights

The exhibition floor was a hive of activity, with companies showcasing a diverse array of products and solutions. Wind, solar, and energy storage technologies dominated the displays, reflecting the broad spectrum of advancements within the sector. Vestas and GE Renewable Energy unveiled their latest wind turbine models, which promise increased efficiency and reduced costs. These innovations are set to play a critical role in expanding the adoption of wind energy globally.

Solar technology also made significant waves at the exhibition. SunPower and First Solar showcased their high-efficiency photovoltaic panels designed for both residential and commercial applications. These panels incorporate cutting-edge materials and designs to maximize energy capture and durability, highlighting the ongoing evolution of solar technology.

Energy storage, a pivotal component of the renewable energy puzzle, was another major focus. Tesla and Fluence presented their latest battery storage solutions, emphasizing scalability and efficiency. The ability to store and manage energy effectively is crucial for addressing the intermittency of renewable sources, and these advancements are crucial for the broader adoption of clean energy.

Workforce Growth

Cleanpower 2024 also served to highlight one of the biggest challenges faced in wind and the wider renewable sector. We all know the wind energy sector is rapidly growing, driven by increasing demand for renewable energy and supportive government policies. This expansion requires a corresponding growth in the workforce to design, build, operate, and maintain new wind farms. Without a robust influx of new workers, the industry may struggle to keep up with its growth trajectory, potentially hindering the progress toward renewable energy goals. This should be an industry wide initiative but to date it seems limited traction has been achieved. STL USA is playing it’s own part in delivering on these growth ambitions, WindStart is a program designed specifically for those wanting to get into wind. Windtech.careers are STL USA’s recruitment partner in this venture helping those who graduate move straight into employment.

Policy and Financing

The intersection of policy and finance was another critical theme at the exhibition. Workshops and sessions dedicated to these topics attracted substantial interest, reflecting the understanding that financial and regulatory frameworks are essential for the growth of renewable energy. The session on “Financing the Energy Transition” featured representatives from leading financial institutions like Goldman Sachs and BlackRock. They discussed innovative financing models and investment strategies that can support large-scale renewable energy projects.

On the policy front, discussions emphasized the need for stable and supportive regulatory environments. Representatives from various governmental agencies and advocacy groups highlighted successful policies from around the world and discussed how these could be adapted and implemented more broadly. The consensus was clear: supportive policies and incentives are indispensable for accelerating the transition to clean energy.

Networking and Collaboration

Cleanpower 2024 provided ample opportunities for networking and collaboration. The event’s structure included numerous networking breaks, social events, and an exhibition floor designed to facilitate connections. One of the standout features was the matchmaking service, which helped attendees schedule meetings with potential partners, clients, and investors. This service was particularly beneficial for startups and smaller companies looking to establish connections in the industry.

Sustainability and Environmental Impact

Sustainability was not just a theme but a practice at Cleanpower 2024. The organizers made concerted efforts to minimize the environmental impact of the event. Measures included using recyclable materials for badges and promotional items, implementing a comprehensive recycling program, and encouraging the use of public transportation. Additionally, the convention center itself adheres to green building standards, further aligning the event with its sustainability goals.

Conclusion

Cleanpower 2024 was more than just an exhibition; it was a powerful statement about the direction and potential of the renewable energy industry. The event highlighted significant technological advancements, fostered critical discussions on policy and finance, and provided a platform for innovation and collaboration. It reinforced the notion that the clean energy transition is not only possible but already underway, driven by the combined efforts of industry leaders, innovators, policymakers, and advocates.

The enthusiasm and optimism that permeated the exhibition were palpable, reflecting a collective commitment to a sustainable future. Cleanpower 2024 in Minneapolis not only showcased the current state of the clean energy industry but also set the stage for future advancements and collaborations that will shape the energy landscape for years to come.Work

Meet STL USA’s Marshall Miller – nominated for GWO Instructor of the Year 2024

The GWO Safety & Training Awards are returning for a 3rd edition. The awards are the world’s first programme of its kind recognising the skills and impact of training providers and instructors keeping the wind workforce safe.

This year, GWO will be introducing a new category: “Instructor of the Year”. The instructor of the year award will shine a light on the excellent instructors delivering GWO training each and every day. The award will highlight the vital role GWO instructors play in ensuring a safe future for the wind workforce.

STL USA is immensely proud to announce that our very own Marshall Miller has been nominated for GWO Instructor of the Year, thanks to so many of the technicians he’s trained over the past few months clamouring to sing his praises on the entry form.

Marshall was born and raised in Idalou, Texas. Having worked as a Nursing Assistant and EMT for 7 years, Marshall joined the United States Army in 2007 as an Apache Helicopter Mechanic and served his country for 6 years, including multplie tours in Afghanistan, earning him numourous commendations, awards and medals.

Upon leaving the Army, Marshall trained as a wind turbine technician and was recruited by Upwind Solutions. He then went on to develop his career working at numourous wind farm before undertaking STL USA’s Train the Trainer program as well as multiple safety and rescue training programs, before joining the STL USA team in early 2022.

“I love teaching wind techs because it’s where I come from. There is nothing better than getting techs in my classes and watching them leave thinking differently about the risks and hazards in their real world workplaces. Many techs get complacent regarding their safety and that of those working alongside them. I love to shake up their thinking, risks and hazards are around every corner and you cannot overtrain when it comes to one of the most hazardous workplaces in the world.

I love teaching for STL USA as they share the same passion and vision I do in the importance of quality training for wind techs. We are different to the average training provider. We provide exceptional levels of training, going above and beyond the standard requirements, because we know it’s about more than just getting certified. It’s about protecting people’s lives.”  – Marshall Miller Lead Instructor, STL USA.

Here’s what some of the technicians that Marshall has trained have to say about him:

“I’ve been through all types of training and Marshall is the best trainer I’ve ever seen. On a scale of 1 to 5 stars, I give him 10!”

“Marshall and the team were very professional, everything was 100%, you could tell how much effort the instructors put in and Marshall is a hell of an ambassador”

“Marshall is the best instructor I’ve had in 5 years, I learned so much more than other training programs I’ve attended”

Marshall lives in Abilene, TX with his wife and 4 children. He also serves as a Volunteer Fire Fighter in his local community.

Onsite wind tech training 2024 

Having already conducted over 10 onsite GWO training courses this year it feels kind of weird discussing the summer program. But, the summer months are when STL USA traditionally tours the USA visiting wind farms to deliver GWO and QEW training for our customers.

This year we will be touring the northern Mid-West, North Eastern States, California, Oregon, and Washington state as well as delivering courses closer to home in Texas and the surrounding states.

Save money training onsite

Training onsite is a perfect way to reduce the costs associated with training. Cut down on hotel and travel costs by having your technicians train at their usual workplace.

Technicians like onsite

Training onsite means your crews don’t have to be away from home for extended periods. Once training is finished they can pack up and head home as usual. Training onsite also means your people are onsite if and or when they may be required to jump into something. They can’t do this if they’re halfway across the country.

Practice on the turbine

STL USA takes a custom training trailer for onsite course delivery but this doesn’t mean the turbine is off-limits. In fact STL USA instructors favor an approach whereby rescues are taught using the trailer and practiced in the turbine to ensure the technicians are totally familiar with their working environment and how to implement a rescue on the equipment they use.

Rescue plans

As an extension of turbine practice, the STL USA team can also work closely with the technicians to create a detailed rescue plan, using the skills they’ve learned in the environment they work in. This value added on top of the GWO rescue training ensures an extra layer of safety for those technicians taking part.

Flexibility built-in

We know things happen, and that’s why STL USA builds flexibility for onsite training to ensure attendees complete their course and get their certs. Our onsite GWO training courses, and delivered by highly experienced instructors with years of field experience, they are more than happy to adapt to every situation whether that be the weather, an issue onsite or anything else! 

Izac’s story 

Izac is one of the first students to graduate through the get into wind STL USA WindStart program.

Like many people Izac’s story is something we hear regularly, a young keen individual looking to break into the wind industry but struggling to find his first break. After applying for positions directly and not making any progress Izac was introduced to us by another technician.

Izac began his WindStart journey in March completing his GWO certs (BST, BTT, ART), Confined Space Awareness and finally Qualified Electrical Worker and his technical introduction.

STL USA via our recruitment partner WindTech.Careers have passed his resume to over 100 employers in wind and Izac is now well on way to gaining his first position in the industry.

The goal of WindStart is to help people exactly like Izac, with no experience, get into the wind sector. Izac now has a full list of industry certifications, something that makes him an extremely attractive new hire for any organisation. 

Why? There are a number of reasons why WindStart graduates are perfect new hires:

• They come with over $10,000 worth of certs employers would otherwise have to pay an external provider for
• They come with a basic technical grounding in wind
• They’re keen, WindStart is a big commitment

WindStart certification

WindStart courses include:

• GWO Basic Safety Training
• GWO Basic Technical Training
• GWO Advanced Rescue Training
• Qualified Electrical worker to NFPA 70E Low & High Voltage
• GWO Control of Hazardous Energies
• Confined Space Awareness
• Technical introduction to wind

Employment

Working alongside 100+ customers in wind gives STL USA unrivalled access to employers across the country. Coupled to the massive demand for new hires in the wind sector, WindStart graduates find themselves in high demand the minute they finish their course.

A key aspect of the WindStart program is helping the students to complete a resume, adding this to our partner company WindTech.Careers database and helping to apply for jobs.

Funding

Funding options are available from a range of areas to support students with course fees. From State level WIOA funding, Sallie Mae loans, Federal funding and more. Talk to us about your situation and we will support you with the most applicable funding solution.

The WindStart program is gathering pace

WindStart has been designed to help people get into wind. As the program grows and develops we wanted to take an opportunity to introduce the driving force behind WindStart, Jeremy McKelvain. Jeremy has been working tirelessly to secure funding, getting on the road to meet the next generation of potential wind technicians and building out the program. 

WindStart is all about delivering on the industry needs, but more accurately, ambitions for growth over the coming years. To get to where we all want to be, we need to grow the workforce and that’s something STL USA is well positioned to do through our training, access to funding for ‘new to the sector’ people and our links to employers across the industry.

It may seem like a big ambition but STL USA is all about solutions. We’ve been to way too many conferences where, time and again, key players talk to us about the challenges they are facing in recruitment. STL USA as a team relish the opportunity to play a key role in providing a solution to this and Jeremy is the man tasked with making that happen!

With this in mind, we thought it was a great opportunity to shine a light on what makes Jeremy tick. So we’ve asked him a few questions to give you some insight into his background and his thoughts on WindStart.

Tell us about your background?

“I retired as a Master Sergeant after 20 years of service in the US Air Force, where I gained extensive experience in technical and leadership roles. Post-military, I was drawn to the renewable energy sector due to its growth potential and the opportunity to apply my skills in a meaningful way. With WindStart, I’ve been focusing on technical training and certification for new wind technicians.”

You served for several years; what attracted you to the wind industry?

“What attracted me to the wind industry was the dynamic nature of the work and the opportunity to continue serving in a capacity that benefits society. The industry’s focus on sustainability and innovation aligns well with my personal values and my professional skills in managing complex technical operations and training programs.”

You get to meet lots of people keen on wind; what do you enjoy most?

“I most enjoy sharing my knowledge and helping to shape the careers of aspiring wind technicians. It’s rewarding to see new technicians grow and succeed. The enthusiasm and commitment they bring are inspiring, and it reminds me of the camaraderie and dedication I valued in the Air Force.”

Any career fairs coming up where people can meet you?

“Yes, WindStart will be participating in several career fairs across the nation in the coming months. These events are great opportunities for those interested in entering the wind industry to learn more about our training programs and career opportunities.”

What do you see as the future of WindStart?

“The future of WindStart is incredibly promising. As the wind sector continues to expand, the demand for skilled technicians will only grow. We aim to be at the forefront of training excellence, helping to meet the industry’s needs with well-prepared, certified technicians. I believe WindStart will play a crucial role in supporting the renewable energy goals of the nation through quality education and training.”