SKILLS GAP
WIND INDUSTRY PROVES UPLIFTING CAREER CHOICE FOR EX-SOLDIER
After three tours of duty in Iraq, a former soldier is now flying high in a new career in the wind industry thanks to Maersk Training, Newcastle.
JOEY CALLAGHAN Joey Callaghan, 28, from Pemmaenmawr in North Wales joined the army at 16 after leaving school with few qualifications. However after seven years service, including three tours of duty in Iraq, Joey felt he had seen enough and left the army to look for a new career.
CAREER CHOICES
When weighing up his career options, a friend recommended Joey contact Maersk Training in Newcastle, which specialises in wind, renewable and offshore training and is the first and only centre in the UK to offer courses approved by the Global Wind Organisation (GWO).
GLOBAL WIND ORGANISATION PROGRAMME The GWO programme is a globally recognised standard and is often the first step for those wanting a worldwide career in wind power - currently only a few centres globally have GWO approval.
In just two weeks, Joey had completed a suite of specialist wind training courses including electrical awareness, rope access and Siemens level 2 and 3 technical training. With Maersk Training’s help, Joey then applied for a number of related jobs and within just six weeks got his first job working in the wind industry.
PROGRESS
Five months on, Joey is working offshore on a wind turbine and has never been happier.
“After having a varied and hard-working career in the armed forces I was unsure what employment I would find in the civilian world. I knew that the wind and renewable industry was expanding fast, but with no direct experience or qualifications I didn’t know where to begin. The staff at Maersk Training really helped me by putting together a suite of wind courses which would maximise my chances of employment. Once I completed my courses they even helped suggest companies they knew were recruiting.
“It only took me a few weeks to get my first job in the wind sector and the fantastic experience I gained meant I could move very quickly into my dream job, working on an offshore wind farm.
“The benefits in the industry are good, you are part of a close team and I am learning and developing my skills every day. Maersk was incredibly helpful and provided me with a superb standard of training. They spent a lot of time going over the little things with me, which has made a huge difference in helping me
He said: “Although I had to invest my own money in the training courses, I’ve never looked back and have made that money up, as well as much more, in just four months working in the wind industry. It’s a fantastic career to be in - the opportunities are endless and with great shift patterns I end up spending one week at home out of every three.
get into the industry and develop my career quickly. Five months ago I never thought I would be where I am now.”
MAERSK TRAINING
Alison Isbister from Maersk Training, who worked with Joey to help him find his first wind sector job, said: “The global wind industry is experiencing unprecedented growth and there are many resulting skills shortages that need to be plugged. This means the opportunities are endless for both business and individuals, with some people earning salaries of up to £1,500 per week. We are delighted that we have been able to help Joey and many others like him get into the industry. Many people are taking advantage of the fact that they can get certified in a GWO approved course and be ready for the possible upcoming certification changes in the industry as early as first quarter 2013.”
Maersk Training Newcastle
www.maersktraining.com
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WIND ENERGY TRAINEES – SHERINGHAM SHOAL OFFSHORE WINDFARM
Norfolk based wind farm operator Scira Offshore Energy has employed its first trainee and now begins the search for its second as Scira prepares to take over the full operation of the 88 turbine Sheringham Shoal Offshore Wind Farm now that construction is virtually complete.
LOCAL FOCUS
With its focus clearly on encouraging local people into a career in the growing renewables industry, Scira welcomed 22 year old Gary Lorimer from South Creake, to its marine co-ordination team and is now advertising a new opportunity.
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www.windenergynetwork.co.uk
Advertisements will appear in the local Norfolk press for a trainee mechanical engineer, with East Anglian agency Cooper Lomaz co-ordinating the recruitment campaign on Scira’s behalf. The successful candidate will benefit from a comprehensive structured two year training programme.
COMMITMENT
HR & Communication Manager Liz Hancock said, “Gary’s appointment, and the creation of a second trainee opportunity, shows we are committed to supporting the development of local people, to ensure they are well positioned
to be able to take advantage of the varied skilled positions that will be created by the offshore wind industry in this region.”
GARY LORIMER
Gary began working with Scira in September 2012 and came to the role with experience on fishing vessels working out of Wells, as a deckhand on a survey vessel based in Edinburgh and also a period at London Array Offshore Wind Farm.
He is thrilled with the appointment and said: “This is a great opportunity for me and I’m going to work hard to make the most of it.”
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