Bristol Community College in Massachusetts is offering international offshore wind training through a partnership with Maersk Training.
The partnership will establish the skills development training portion of Bristol Community College’s National Offshore Wind Institute (NOWI).
NOWI already provides basic safety training modules in areas that include first aid and working at heights, as well as basic technical training courses on hydraulics, mechanical and electrical concepts in relation to offshore wind.
Maersk Training specialises in offshore wind skills development.
The partnership will establish the skills development training portion of NOWI and develop new Global Wind Organisation-certified courses offered by Bristol Community College that are currently tailored to in-demand industry skills and knowledge.
Bristol Community College president Laura Douglas said: “Bristol is proud to partner with globally recognised Maersk Training, whose expertise and experience will elevate the college’s leadership in training the workforce needed for the emerging offshore wind industry.
“This partnership will connect the college’s faculty and staff with the expertise of industry experts throughout Maersk Training’s expansive global network and will strengthen the development of employment opportunities for Bristol students in the offshore wind supply chain.”
Maersk Training CEO Johan Uggla added: “We are really excited about this partnership with Bristol Community College and the wind energy developments in Massachusetts on the East Coast of the United States.
“Having a local workforce that has a strong level of competencies, technical skills and safety, that drives operational and safety performance, is essential for the industry and the success of these projects.
“This is an important milestone that supports creating further job opportunities and being a strong provider for the local economy.”
In addition, Bristol Community College is offering dedicated certificate and associate level programmes to become an offshore wind power technician.
Students learn aspects of engineering technology such as electrical machinery, fluid systems, materials science and strength of materials, and they gain hands-on experience with assembly, installation, operation and maintenance of wind power systems.