Two of the renewable industry’s biggest names are joining forces in a bid to help address gender imbalance in the wind sector.
The ‘Women into Wind’ initiative lead by developer Orsted and training provider, 3t Training Services (3t), previously known as AIS Survivex until a recent rebrand, is offering twelve women the opportunity to train and work in one of the world’s fastest growing sectors with guaranteed interviews and numerous potential work placements and employment opportunities on offer.
Currently around 5% of people working offshore in wind are female and 21% across the wider wind sector. The industry is missing out on the huge contribution female workers can bring.
As part of the initiative, full training approved by the Global Wind Organisation (GWO) will be provided to the cohort. Orsted and 3t Training are collaborating with other leading offshore wind farm developers and supply chain companies to line up guaranteed interviews, work placements and employment opportunities for the cohort.
Women are being encouraged to apply to the scheme by completing the short application form via this link. Candidates will then go through a pre-selection and interview process lead by Orsted before being taken onto the programme – with GWO training taking place during February and March.
Coleen Forde, National Skills Lead from Orsted said: “As an industry leader, we are committed to boosting diversity throughout the offshore wind sector and this pioneering initiative is a proactive and positive way of helping that happen.
“The UK has tough targets to meet to achieve the Government’s net-zero ambitions, along with our transition to a green economy, and by showcasing the exciting career opportunities within wind to women, we can help ensure the industry is robust, diverse and fully equipped to take on the challenge.”
Charlie Guthrie, Head of Renewables at 3t, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for any woman who is interested in working in a new, fast-growing, exciting industry.
“As the UK’s largest wind energy training provider, one in five of wind industry’s trainees come through our doors. Wind is largely male dominated but this exciting initiative with Orsted, will hopefully change that and contribute to redressing the balance.
“According to the Global Wind Energy Council, the wind industry is expected to create 3.3 million new jobs worldwide over the next five years. We need to widen the talent pool. As well as providing greater diversity, talented female minds will help to inject new innovation and creativity into the industry.”