Newcastle College has installed a virtual reality offshore wind training facility at its energy academy in Wallsend, north-east England.
The immersive hybrid reality system was delivered by the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult in partnership with Scotland’s Energy Skills Partnership, Heriot Watt University and Animmersion VR.
It replicates working conditions experienced by wind turbine engineers operating on offshore wind farms.
The technology allows users to virtually find and diagnose faults, in a realistic but safe environment that helps them to develop the skills needed to work in the wind industry.
Potential future engineers will start training with the new system immediately.
ORE Catapult operations director Tony Quinn said: “The immersive hybrid reality installation at Newcastle College is a huge, innovative step in training and skills development for the next generation of offshore wind technicians.
“We are delighted to see this project come to fruition as a dedicated training facility, provided by a high-quality education and skills provider here in the North East.”
Newcastle College director of business partnerships Marc McPake said: “Newcastle College has always been aligned to north east LEP priorities and our training and development here at the energy academy is centred around the skills required by industry.
“Collaboration with employers is at the centre of everything we do and our partnership with ORE Catapult is a fantastic example of a relationship which will benefit our students and an entire industry.
“Technology and innovation are changing the future of education and training and we hope that this facility will create a lasting legacy by supporting the creation of highly skilled jobs and employment for our region.”
The energy academy has trained over 1200 students since it opened in 2012 and works with industry stakeholders to deliver courses, degrees and apprenticeships for subsea and renewable energy.