Author: STL USA team

As the market is ramping up hiring and growth STL USA has worked hard to develop a range of GWO Bundle training courses. GWO Bundle training combines the well know GWO courses with a range of additional certification. 

What are the courses?

Courses include

1. GWO BST & Confined Space Awareness
2. GWO ART & Confined space rescue
3. GWO BTT & Schematics
4. GWO CoHE & NFPA &70E
5. GWO Lift & 3s Lift User

Does this mean more training time?

In most cases no. We’ve taken the requirements from each part of the bundle and created a combined curricullum that meets both. Crucially we’ve done this in a way that requires no additional training time for the technician. This means more value and more skills and knowledge for participants.

Where can I take these courses?

Bundle courses can be taken at an STL USA facility or onsite at your wind farm of office location. Don’t have a tower? No problem we can come to you with our mobile training trailer and offer you a complete training experience at your site.

What about cost savings?

We know technicians need to acquire more than just GWO certificates. That’s why we’ve bundled GWO training with a range of universally popular training courses. Like GWO Control of Hazardous energies and NFPA 70E electrical safety training. Both are must-haves for technicians in the field. 

By creating a curriculum that meets the requirements of both we’ve been able to keep contact time down to purely the GWO timeframe. That means no additional training days and no more additional overheads.

Course delivery can be done in a variety of formats that combine both digital and face-to-face formats. This is a great way to further reduce time away from site by taking the theory elements of the courses online in advance of purely practical face-to-face training to complete the course.

As the requirements for certifications increase across the industry, it’s never been more vital that training solutions are sensitive to costs and time impacts for employers.

With this in mind, STL USA is expanding its mobile/onsite training offer for 2024 on the back of a highly successful series of onsite GWO training courses delivered across the US this year.

Why train with STL USA?

The STL USA team has years of wind tech teaching experience, plus they have all spent time in the field doing the same jobs as the technicians they teach. STL USA is at the forefront of wind tech training, often the first to bring new courses to the industry. STL USA is trusted by the biggest companies in wind to deliver. The team has trained onsite for people like GE and Siemens throughout 2023.

Why train onsite?

Onsite training is a great option if you have access to a wind site. You can cut out the need for travel and accomodation costs if your techs are local to the site, and because your team remains onsite they are available if they are needed.

How does it work?

The STL USA team can visit your site with a mobile training rig for rescue and working at height modules, the rest of the course can run in a meeting room or similar that will serve as a classroom, and that’s it.

The wind energy industry in the United States is on the brink of a major transformation. As the country shifts towards sustainable and renewable energy sources to combat climate change and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, the demand for skilled workers in the wind energy sector is poised to explode. This growing demand presents a unique challenge and opportunity for colleges and universities across the nation. How can these institutions prepare their students to enter the workforce of this booming industry, which promises a brighter, greener future for the United States?

The Wind Energy Boom in the USA

The United States has witnessed a remarkable expansion in wind energy production in recent years. With a rapidly increasing number of wind farms across the country, wind energy has become a major contributor to the nation’s energy mix. According to the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA), the wind industry has created over 120,000 jobs, and wind energy capacity has grown by 6% in 2020 alone. This remarkable growth is largely attributed to the renewable energy initiatives that aim to achieve 100% clean energy in various states.

The reasons behind this surge are multifaceted. Wind energy is not only environmentally friendly but also economically viable. It offers a means of generating power with minimal greenhouse gas emissions, making it a critical part of the clean energy landscape. Additionally, the U.S. government has provided incentives and tax credits for wind energy projects, further driving investment in the sector. This combination of environmental responsibility and economic incentives positions wind energy as a powerhouse of opportunity for the job market.

The Skills Gap in Wind Energy

While the wind energy industry is poised to expand exponentially, there is a significant challenge to overcome: the skills gap. As the demand for skilled workers surges, there is a scarcity of qualified individuals to fill these positions. The skills required for careers in the wind energy sector are specialized and demand a unique blend of knowledge and hands-on experience.

Roles in wind energy include wind turbine technicians, engineers, project managers, environmental consultants, and more. These positions require skills in areas such as mechanical and electrical engineering, data analysis, project management, environmental science, and renewable energy technologies. With the specialized nature of these roles, colleges and universities must address the gap by developing targeted programs that equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge.

How Colleges Can Prepare Students for the Wind Energy Workforce?

To address the growing demand for skilled workers in the wind energy sector, colleges and universities need to take proactive steps. Here are some key strategies they can employ:

Tailored Curriculum: Colleges should develop and offer specialized programs and courses in renewable energy and wind technology. These programs should provide students with a strong foundation in the principles of wind energy, including wind turbine technology, energy generation, and environmental impact assessments.

Hands-On Experience: Practical training is crucial in preparing students for the workforce. Collaborations with wind energy companies, internships, and apprenticeships can offer students the hands-on experience they need to thrive in the field. Colleges can also consider establishing their own wind energy labs or partnerships with existing facilities.

Industry Partnerships: Collaborating with wind energy companies and industry associations can help colleges stay updated on the latest trends, technologies, and job requirements. These partnerships can also lead to research opportunities and job placement programs. A number of institutions already partner with STL USA to help deliver industry accreditations that improve student’s employability in the sector.

Renewable Energy Research: Encouraging research in renewable energy and wind technology can not only contribute to the field but also provide students with opportunities to engage in real-world problem-solving. By working on cutting-edge projects, students can gain valuable experience and expertise.

Inclusivity and Diversity: To ensure a well-rounded and diverse workforce in the wind energy sector, colleges should focus on inclusivity and diversity in their programs. Encouraging underrepresented groups to pursue careers in renewable energy is essential for building a workforce that reflects the broader population.

Continuing Education: Wind energy is an ever-evolving field, with new technologies and practices emerging regularly. Colleges should offer continuing education and professional development programs to help current industry professionals stay up-to-date and adapt to changing requirements.

Sustainability Education: Given the environmental nature of wind energy, it is essential for colleges to incorporate sustainability education into their programs. Students should understand not only how wind energy works but also the broader environmental implications and benefits of renewable energy sources.

The role of colleges and universities in preparing students for the booming wind energy workforce is pivotal. As the United States continues its transition towards sustainable energy sources, educational institutions have a unique opportunity to nurture the talent needed to drive this transformation. By offering specialized programs, fostering industry partnerships, and promoting hands-on experience, colleges can equip their students with the skills and knowledge to thrive in the growing wind energy sector. In doing so, they play a vital role in accelerating the nation’s transition to a greener and more sustainable future.

STL USA has launched another new range of courses. GWO Lift Training (all modules) and 3S Climb Autosystem and Climb assist user training. The STL USA team has also created a combined course for companies looking to gain a GWO certification and qualify their personnel to operate 3S systems.

Both training courses, combined, are available from STL USA’s Abilene, TX headquarters. Additionally these courses will become available onsite from 2024.

As lift systems become ever more popular and the requirements to have GWO certification expand STL USA is well-positioned to help customers achieve these qualifications. 

GWO Lift user training

GWO Lift Training comprises of 3 modules:

User, 1/2 day course

Commissioning and inspection, 1 day course 

Commission, inspection, installation and maintenance, 2 day course

Modules can be taken individually or in combination, 3S certificates can additionally be added to these courses with no significant increase in training time.

3S Climb Auto system user training

The 3S user training allows technicians to safely operate the 3S assisted systems. It’s a requirement that anyone using these systems takes user training. Normally this is delivered at installation and then at maintenance periods throughtout the lifetime. That means however that anyone who misses this training, new hires, visiting contractors for example will be unable to gain this certificate from 3S. That’s why STL USA has partnered with 3S to offer the training course year round.

Training covers:

1. Climb Auto System Simple Operation Guide

2. Explanation of Symbols

3. Pre-Operation Considerations

4. Product Description

5. Product Structure

6. Product Operation

7. Inspection and Maintenance

8. Annual Inspection and Maintenance

9. Spare Parts Ordering

10. Storage

11. Environmental Protection Requirements

12. Emergency Evacuation Instruction

13. Troubleshooting

The combined course

Many of the lesson areas overlap between these two training courses. With that in mind STL USA has created a combined course to cover both. This can be taken by technicians in the same timescale as the GWO courses.

Scheduling

As a dedicated wind technician training company STL USA aims to have course availability every month for all the courses delivered. The easiest way to get more information and to book a course is to speak to a member of the STL USA team, Follow the link below to get started.