Global Wind Organisation (GWO) is to launch an entry level technician training scheme in October to support the onboarding of thousands of new recruits into the industry.
Three routes to employment will be prioritised – pre-assembly, installation, and operations and maintenance.
GWO estimates 142,100 new workers will be required over the next five years to deliver the 557GW global pipeline of new wind projects and to service the existing fleet.
The additional workforce will be recruited from full time education or from people moving into wind from other sectors, said the organisation, which counts the world’s largest manufacturers and owners of wind energy among its membership.
Chairwoman of GWO executive committee and global executive leader for onshore wind at GE Renewable Energy Lisa Mallon said: “Wind turbine technician is one of the fastest growing professions globally.
“If we are to smooth the pathway for people joining our sector as technicians, we must provide a clear entry level training standard.
“The three job profiles of the Entry Level Framework give new wind technicians a transparent and valid set of skills to aim for.
“This will make the jump into the wind industry easier for those with no wind experience and clarify the entry level standard for people with existing skills who want to join our industry.”