GEV is further investing in its network of training facilities to help bridge the global skills gap for technicians.
The group has established the North American Wind Academy at its U.S. headquarters in Texas. One of the first of its kind, the facility sees GEV become the first independent service provider of in-house accredited Global Wind Organisation (GWO) blade repair courses and trade testing programs to assess technician competence.
GEV has also built on the success of its U.K. training academy in Hull by introducing a new turbine training initiative that will allow technicians to conduct rope access procedures and technology applications at the Port of Blyth’s Wind Turbine Training Facility.
With almost 600,000 technicians needed by 2027 to support the growth of the global wind industry, and wind-turbine technicians predicted to be one of the fastest-growing occupations in the U.S., GEV’s new training facilities underline how it is working to meet the demand.
The company, which also has a training academy in Australia, has more than 1,000 technicians worldwide and has trained more than 300 people globally.
“The launch of these facilities is another significant development for GEV,” said David Fletcher, CEO at GEV. “It is part of our wider global mission to further invest in and up-skill our dedicated technician pool while also building confidence for both technicians and clients on future projects. Offering certified training for newly qualified technicians and ensuring technicians possess the specific in-field skills to excel on client projects globally is pivotal to enhancing technical competence and offering the best possible readiness for technicians.
The ability to offer in-house GWO courses has also been highly anticipated and is playing a crucial role in accelerating efforts to meet 2050 net zero targets.”
The North American Wind Academy in Fort Worth was created in direct response to the rapid industry growth taking place across North America. Having recently installed a new platform structure and dedicated training equipment, GEV has successfully completed its first blade repair training, which involves assessing competence through dedicated blade repair scenarios. The training at the Wind Turbine Training Facility, which is run by Port of Byth’s training division, helps address one of the biggest challenges voiced by technicians wanting to join the industry — gaining relevant turbine experience, including rope access training.
GEV intends training technicians at its U.K. academy before using the 33 meter high turbine at Blyth to put their skills into practice in a real-world environment. The training reflects the practices and techniques expected for upcoming projects.
More info www.gevwindpower.com
