Is wind energy a good career choice?

10 reasons why wind energy is a sound career choice

As the world continues to grapple with the growing climate crisis and the urgent need to transition to renewable sources of energy, the wind energy sector has emerged as a beacon of hope. A career in wind energy is not just a job; it’s a commitment to a sustainable future. The question that often arises is, “Is wind energy a good career choice, and how do I get into wind?” The resounding answer to this question is a definitive yes, and in this article, we’ll explore why.

 

Job Growth and Stability:

The wind energy sector has experienced remarkable growth in recent years, with no signs of slowing down. As governments and businesses worldwide commit to renewable energy targets, the demand for wind energy professionals continues to rise. This industry offers job stability and promising career prospects, making it a sound choice for those seeking long-term employment.

Technological Advancements:

Wind energy is not static; it’s a field of constant innovation and technological advancements. This means there are ample opportunities for professionals to learn and grow within the industry. Whether you’re interested in turbine design, maintenance, or grid integration, you’ll find a dynamic and evolving landscape in wind energy.

Global Opportunities:

Wind energy is a global industry, and professionals in this field often have the chance to work on international projects. This provides a unique opportunity to gain experience in diverse settings and cultures while contributing to a worldwide effort to transition to clean energy.

Competitive Salaries:

Wind energy careers offer competitive salaries that are often on par with or even surpassing those in traditional energy sectors. With the increasing demand for skilled professionals, companies are willing to invest in attracting and retaining top talent.

Job Satisfaction:

Many people find great satisfaction in working in an industry that aligns with their values. Knowing that your daily work directly contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change can be deeply rewarding.

Diverse Career Pathways:

Wind energy is a multifaceted field with diverse career pathways. Whether you’re interested in engineering, project management, research and development, or policy advocacy, there’s a role for you in the wind energy sector.

Resilience to Economic Downturns:

Wind energy has shown resilience to economic downturns and market fluctuations. This is due, in part, to its long-term contracts and the essential nature of energy production. As such, careers in wind energy are often insulated from some of the economic uncertainties that affect other industries.

Sustainability and Environmental Impact:

One of the most compelling reasons to consider a career in wind energy is the profound environmental impact it offers. Wind energy is clean and green, producing zero emissions and significantly reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. By working in this industry, you become part of the solution to combat climate change, contributing to a healthier planet for future generations.

Positive Work Environment:

The wind energy sector is known for its collaborative and positive work environment. Teams often share a strong sense of purpose and camaraderie, making it an enjoyable place to work.

Personal Fulfillment:

Finally, a career in wind energy allows you to make a meaningful contribution to society. You’re not just working for a paycheck; you’re helping to create a sustainable and greener future for all.

In conclusion, choosing a career in wind energy is not just a smart decision; it’s a choice that aligns with global efforts to combat climate change and secure a sustainable future. The answer to the question “Is wind energy a good career choice?” is a resounding “yes.” It offers job stability, competitive salaries, and the opportunity to make a positive impact on the environment. So, if you’re passionate about renewable energy and want a career that matters, consider joining the wind energy sector—it’s a path towards a brighter and cleaner future.

 

How can STL USA help?

STL USA has created a program called WindStart, specifically designed to help people transition into the wind industry. WindStart includes a range of vital industry qualifications and a great technical grounding. WindStart has been designed to bridge the gap between other industries and wind energy. Click the link below to find out more.

Find out more about WindStart

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STL USA partnering with colleges

STL USA partnering with colleges

STL USA partnering with colleges to implement GWO training

Watch our latest video explaining how we can help colleges implement GWO and why it’s important.

 

STL USA partnering with colleges has been a constant theme over the last 10 years of operations in the USA. On the back of this STL USA’s parent company has over 20 years of experience working with education providers, military leavers organizations, and other workforce organizations alongside commercial wind technician training. To partner with STL USA could not be more simple.

STL USA has made it a key part of its mission to play a central role in the workforce expansion required to meet the demands of the fast-growing renewable energy sector and working with education is central to this long-term strategy.

What is GWO?

The Global Wind Organization (GWO) was created to implement a set of standards across the industry, initially to improve safety and later to provide a framework for required skills. The GWO was created by its members who include GE, Vestas, Siemens, and a host of large national and multinational businesses. Suffice it to say it’s formed of a who’s who in the wind.

The standards created by GWO are then adapted into training courses which are the default for the wind industry. It’s not an exageration to say it’s very hard to even set foot on a wind farm with GWO certificates.

Why is it important for students?

There are two reasons, employability and salaries. Having GWO makes a prospective employee more attractive to employers and also translates to higher salaries. Put simply it gives new employees a clear advantage.

Other advantages

Once a facility is audited and approved anyone can train there. This opens up commercial opportunities for colleges to train local business customers.

 

 Programs with education follow a simple 4-step process that allows for a fast, low-cost roll-out.. These stages include:

COMPLIANT QUALITY MANAGEMENT SETUP

  • QMS set up for partner site
  • Compliance requirements

FACILITIES

  • Audit existing facilities for GWO compliance
  • Gap analysis
  • Roadmap to Compliance
TRAIN THE TRAINER
 
  • WEEK 1-2 Course attendance and observation
  • WEEK 3 Supported delivery
  • WEEK 4 Observed course delivery
 
GWO AUDITS
 
  • Pre-Audit run through
  • Independent GWO audit

STL USA has refined this process to ensure a fast, low-cost delivery that results in GWO accreditation within 6-8 weeks. Additionally, once audited the college can then take advantage of commercial training opportunities with local businesses.

Working with TSTC

The Texas State Technical College (TSTC) wind program is rightly considered one of the premier courses in the USA. The partnership between STL USA and TSTC dates back over 6 years. Initially developed to service local wind technicians, the program was then extended to students. Incorporating GWO into student studies ensures that graduates are in the best possible position to enter the job market. 

“Working with STL USA has allowed us to quickly integrate industry requirements into our undergraduate programs. Simply put this makes our graduates more employable. STL USA takes care of everything ensuring our faculty can get on with teaching. It’s been a pleasure working together.”

TSTC Wind program lead

As we move forward with renewables across the USA new legislation will fuel the sector’s growth. It’s anticipated that the clean energy sector will double in the next 10 years requiring an additional 250,000 people to fill roles. With this in mind, it’s essential that the commercial and education sectors come together to ensure the next generation of wind professionals are able to meet the demands of this fast-moving industry.

If you lead a wind program talk to us now about how STL USA can support the role out of a GWO program for your college.

 

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Wind Escape Features

wind escape features

Serious features for serious situations

The Wind Escape Features are specifically designed with technician safety in mind. But, more than that they are designed for high-pressure, stressful situations. The Wind Escape personal rescue and Passto pulley system for rescues represent the future of personal rescue. Small light, super intuitive devices with a host of features that prioritise safety. This is a direct reaction to the older, heavier, more complicated devices we have seen throughout the industry and a need to do better. Something that has been demanded by wind technicians for the last few years.

Compact and light

The Wind Escape personal rescue has been designed with technician comfort to the fore. Its super light design makes it the go-to personal rescue device.

Anti-jamming and anti-panic

Even in the event of a technician’s panic situation the device operates either a 2 or 1-handed. Anti-jamming means no one is left dangling.

No overheating

The Technora rope ensures no overheating for the entire length of a descent.

No weight set-up required

Ensuring the device is as simple as possible no set-up is required for the user’s weight. This is essential as who has time to stop and start calculating in a rescue or escape situation.

Simple slack feed and rescue setup

Unlike some devices currently on the market a key Wind Escape feature is its ability to feed through slack. This is vital in rescue situations in combination with the Passto pulley system, making rescue efficient and fast.

Technical Features

Minimum use temperature of -30°C.
– It incorporates a 5mm diameter Technora rope resistant to high temperature and tears.
– Easy maintenance thanks to its vacuum packaging that simplifies the revision.
– Customisable rope length of up to 200m.
– CE EN 341:2011/2D: working load 40 – 120kg.
– ANSI Z359.4-2013: working load 60 – 141kg.
– 200m version’s weight: 4.4kg.

Learn more 

Get in touch with a member of our knowledgeable team and find out how you can test and buy the Wind Escape

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