Madrid reflections: why the GWO Safety & Training Forum matters — and how STL USA is answering the call
By Ben Dickens, CEO/President — STL USA
This October I had the privilege of joining the Global Wind Organisation’s (GWO) Safety & Training Forum & Awards in Madrid — an essential two-day convening where training providers, OEMs, employers, policymakers and educators come together to tackle a challenge that will determine whether the renewable energy transition succeeds: workforce development. The Forum isn’t just a conference — it’s where standards are discussed, real problems are aired, and practical partnerships form to prepare the next generation of technicians.
Why this Forum matters
The energy sector is scaling faster than at any time in history. That’s great — but growth without skilled people is growth that stalls. The Forum’s opening sessions made this plain: the industry still has a structural problem attracting and retaining skilled people, and we collectively need better pathways from training into meaningful, long-term careers. These conversations set the tone for everything else at the event, from standards development to cross-sector collaboration.
Key topics and takeaways from Madrid
Across the two days the debate moved from diagnosis to delivery. A few topics stood out:
Workforce development as the central issue. Panels and speakers emphasised that recruitment alone won’t solve the skills gap — we need integrated career pipelines, apprenticeships and industry-aligned curricula. That’s exactly the kind of conversation we’ve been having at STL USA for years.
Major updates to GWO standards. GWO announced important revisions affecting training providers, including an updated instructor assessment and qualification process and course restructures such as changes to the CoHE pathway and how basic content is distributed across BST/BTT/BTT-related training. These updates will raise the bar — and require training organisations to adapt quickly.
Solar’s rise — and the challenge of adoption. Day two broadened the lens beyond wind: GWO’s tie-up with the Global Solar Council and the launch of new GWO Solar standards underline the opportunity, but also the friction. Solar is a much more fragmented market than wind; adoption of standards will depend on clear incentives for training providers and credible revenue forecasts for course delivery. The industry must design those incentives or risk a slow uptake.
New opportunities across utility-scale solar, battery storage and transmission. These growth areas are opening new roles for technicians — but they will need tailored training pathways and competency frameworks just like wind.
What I’m proud STL USA is doing about it
At STL USA we don’t just talk about these problems — we build practical solutions that employers and trainees can use right now.
WindStart: entry routes that work. Our WindStart programme is designed as a fast, industry-aligned entry pathway that combines GWO foundations with additional technical exposure so new starters are job-ready. It’s a concrete example of the kind of program the Forum highlighted as effective at scale.
Total Wind Training: long-term competency, not just certificates. Where many programmes stop at certification, our Total Wind Training pathway builds competency across the technician lifecycle — from basic electrical and mechanical fundamentals through OEM-level modules and skills assessments. This is the model we see as essential to close the experience gap between new hires and the field competence employers need. Learn more about Total Wind Training on our site.
Apprenticeships and higher contact hours. We’ve worked with community colleges and employers to design apprenticeship frameworks that go beyond minimal hours and focus on measurable competency — a theme the Forum reinforced as central to long-term workforce quality. Our apprenticeship work demonstrates how employers and trainers can collaborate to invest in people and outcomes, not just headcount.
New technical courses and industry partnerships. From gearbox and borescope training to platform-specific competency modules, we’ve expanded our catalogue to meet the on-the-job needs I heard so clearly in Madrid. We’ll continue to align those offerings with updated GWO requirements and emerging solar technical needs. See our course catalogue and recent course updates for details.
On standards — the “ask” and the reality
A frank moment at the Forum was about incentives: GWO and the solar community can set brilliant standards, but real industry adoption needs training providers to invest time and capital — and that requires predictable demand. My message in Madrid, and what I’m pushing for within our partnerships, is simple: standards must be accompanied by practical adoption roadmaps, funding mechanisms and employer commitments so providers can scale delivery without unreasonable commercial risk.
A proud moment for STL USA
I’m also proud incredibly that STL USA was Highly Commended in the GWO Training Provider of the Year — North America category. Awards like this recognise our team’s relentless focus on safety, competency and workforce pathways, but they are also a reminder: recognition is only meaningful if it drives more learning opportunities for people. Thanks to the GWO and to everyone who shared experiences and best practice in Madrid.
Next steps — collaboration, scale, impact
The Forum made one thing clear: solving the workforce challenge requires industry alignment. STL USA will continue to invest in curriculum development, apprenticeship scale-up, employer partnerships and the technical products that make training safer and more effective. If you’re an employer, college or policymaker interested in partnering on Total Wind Training, WindStart cohorts, onsite GWO delivery or apprenticeship programmes — let’s talk. Explore our courses, Total Wind Training pathway and WindStart programme to find the right entry point for your organisation.
Madrid was energising because it brought voices from across the industry into a single room — and out of that room came practical priorities we can act on today: better entry routes, longer competency journeys, clearer incentives for standard adoption, and cross-sector training strategies that include wind, solar and storage. At STL USA we’re committed to turning those priorities into trained, competent people powering the energy transition.
Want to discuss partnerships, recruit trained technicians, or bring STL USA onsite for GWO courses?
Let’s build the workforce needed to deliver clean energy — together.
