Introduction
The UK is currently facing a critical shortage of skilled wind technicians in the onshore wind industry. This comes at a time when the government has set ambitious targets to double the country's onshore wind capacity by 2030.
To achieve this goal, the government has established an Onshore Wind Industry Taskforce and removed planning barriers to wind farm development. However, significant challenges remain, particularly regarding the availability of qualified labour.
What Is Causing Labour Shortages in the Wind Energy Industry?
Several factors have contributed to the shortage of skilled wind technicians in the UK:
- The swift expansion of the onshore wind sector has outpaced the availability of trained professionals.
- Wind turbine maintenance and operation require highly specialised skills and qualifications.
- The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted training schedules and slowed down the entry of new technicians into the workforce.
- Brexit has exacerbated the labour shortage by reducing the availability of skilled workers from the EU.
The Critical Importance of Health and Safety
The current skill shortage makes health and safety even more critical in the renewable energy sector as:
- the reported danger of working on wind turbines can deter suitable individuals from pursuing a career in the industry.
- We need to protect established specialist workforces.
How Much Energy Does Wind Power Produce in the UK?
In 2023, wind power in the UK accounted for about 28% of the nation’s electricity generation. This includes both onshore and offshore wind farms. The UK’s onshore wind energy industry growth target is to double production from 15 to 30 GW by 2030.
Combined with offshore plans, the percentage of wind power in the UK is set to increase by 300%.
This means there are going to be hundreds more jobs in the wind energy industry — and you can learn how to get one in our guide.
The Role of MRS Training and Rescue
At MRS Training and Rescue, we recognise the urgency of addressing the skills shortage in the onshore wind industry.
Our facilities in Cowdenbeath, Scotland, and the Rhondda, South Wales, offer the Global Wind Organisation (GWO) Onshore Basic Safety Training (BST) courses.
These courses equip technicians with the essential skills and knowledge required for safe operations in the onshore wind energy industry.
GWO Onshore Basic Safety Training
The GWO Onshore BST course covers a range of critical areas, including:
- First Aid - Providing immediate care in the event of an accident or emergency.
- Manual Handling - techniques to safely handle and transport equipment and materials.
- Fire Awareness - how to prevent and respond to fire incidents.
- Working at Heights - ensuring safety when working on turbines or in other elevated positions.
Enhancing Safety and Competence
The UK's onshore wind industry is poised for significant expansion, driven by ambitious government targets and supportive policies. However, the shortage of skilled wind technicians remains a critical hurdle.
Through targeted training programmes like the GWO Onshore Basic Safety Training offered by MRS Training and Rescue, we can help bridge the skills gap, enhance safety standards, and support the industry's sustainable growth.
For more information about our GWO Onshore Basic Safety Training and other specialised courses, please visit our website or contact our training centres in Cowdenbeath and the Rhondda. Together, we can build a safer and more efficient onshore wind energy industry.
