The wind energy industry is a rapidly growing sector, and with it comes the increasing need for a skilled workforce. To ensure safety and competency at wind farms, Global Wind Organisation (GWO) training standards have been established. But navigating the different GWO courses and certifications can seem complex. This blog post is here to demystify GWO training and explain the essential certifications you need to kickstart your wind energy career.
What is GWO Training?
GWO training provides internationally recognized qualifications for personnel working in the wind energy industry, specifically offshore wind farms. These standardized programs ensure that workers possess the necessary knowledge and skills to perform their jobs safely and effectively.
Why is GWO Training Important?
GWO training is not just a recommendation; it's mandatory for most roles within offshore wind farms. Here's why it's important:
- Safety First: GWO training emphasizes safe working practices at wind farms, which can be inherently risky environments.
- Standardized Qualifications: GWO certifications ensure a globally recognized level of competency, improving employability.
- Career Progression: Many wind energy employers require specific GWO certifications for different job roles and career advancement.
Essential GWO Training Bundles:
Here's a breakdown of some of the most common GWO training bundles you might encounter:
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Basic Safety Training (BST): Basic Safety Training (BST) is a cornerstone GWO training program designed to equip individuals with the essential safety procedures required to work safely and effectively in wind farm environments. This course bundle covers fundamental safety procedures for working at wind farms, including first aid, fire awareness, and sea survival (for offshore wind).
- Basic Safety Training (BTT): Basic Technical Training (BTT) is a GWO training program focused on equipping individuals with the foundational technical skills necessary for wind turbine maintenance tasks. Unlike Basic Safety Training (BST) which emphasizes safety procedures, BTT delves into the technical aspects of wind turbine operation and maintenance.
- Working at Height: This training equips individuals with the knowledge and skills for safe working practices when working at heights on wind turbines.
- Manual Handling: This course focuses on safe lifting techniques to prevent injuries when handling equipment in wind farms.
- Slinger Signaller: This specialized training prepares individuals to communicate effectively and ensure safety during lifting operations.
- First Aid: GWO First Aid ensures wind farm workers possess the skills to administer basic first aid in remote wind turbine environments.
- Sea Survival: This course equips wind farm personnel with the knowledge and skills to stay safe if they need to abandon an offshore wind turbine at sea.
- Fire Awareness: GWO Fire Awareness trains wind farm workers to identify fire hazards, use extinguishers effectively, and safely evacuate wind turbines in case of fire.
Advanced GWO Training Courses:
As you progress in your wind energy career, you may consider pursuing advanced GWO training to further specialize your skillset and open doors to leadership roles. Here are some examples:
- Advanced Rescue Training: This advanced training equips personnel with the skills and knowledge to perform safe and effective rescue operations in the event of an incident on a wind turbine. This can include hub, nacelle, and blade rescue techniques.
- Enhanced First Aid Training: GWO Enhanced First Aid (EFA) goes beyond basic first aid, equipping wind farm personnel with advanced skills for remote locations. This training prepares them to handle more complex medical emergencies, administer medications in certain situations, and stabilize patients until medical evacuation arrives. EFA certification is crucial for some wind farm roles and demonstrates a higher level of emergency response readiness.
- Train the Trainer: For experienced wind energy professionals, GWO Train the Trainer programs allow them to qualify to deliver GWO training to others.
Validity and Refresher Programs:
GWO certifications hold validity for a specific period, typically 24 months. To maintain your certification and remain employable in the wind energy sector, you'll need to complete GWO refresher training programs before your current certification expires. These refresher programs are designed to keep your skills sharp and ensure you stay up-to-date on the latest safety protocols and procedures.
WINDA Registration: Keeping Your Training Record Up-to-Date
Once you've completed your GWO training, you'll need to register your certifications with WINDA (Global Wind Industry Training Records Database). WINDA serves as a central repository for wind turbine training records, allowing employers to verify your qualifications. Here's how it works:
- Visit the WINDA website: https://winda.globalwindsafety.org/
- Register for a free course participant account.
- Once registered, you can enter your GWO training certificates and qualifications.
- Employers can then access and verify your WINDA profile to confirm your GWO certifications.
Finding the Right GWO Training Course:
Maersk Training offers a comprehensive suite of GWO training courses delivered by experienced instructors at our state-of-the-art facilities. We can help you identify the most relevant GWO certifications for your career goals in the wind energy industry, whether you're just starting out or seeking to advance your skillset.
Ready to Take the First Step?
GWO training opens doors to exciting opportunities in the wind energy sector. Contact Maersk Training today to discuss your GWO training needs and embark on a rewarding career in clean energy!
