UK: AREVA Launches Pre-Apprenticeship Programme for Offshore Wind Turbine Technicians

The Scottish Minister for Energy, Tourism and Enterprise, Fergus Ewing MSP, officially launched the AREVA Wind sponsored Pre-Apprenticeship programme for wind turbine technician training in partnership with Fife College.

This programme is specifically designed to provide the training and skills required for the offshore wind industry and serves as a precursor for further training opportunities to become AREVA Turbine Technicians.

The course includes classroom and workshop education in key technical skills so that students can potentially continue their training at the AREVA manufacturing facility in Bremerhaven, Germany. As part of the announcement, Minister Ewing met with the 16 students who have been selected to participate in this opening year of the programme.

Energy Minister Fergus Ewing said: “The Scottish Government is committed to supporting continued growth in Scotland’s energy sector and to allowing our young people to benefit from the tremendous opportunities that this sector presents now and in the future. AREVA’s engagement in this programme shows their commitment to invest in making young people their business and allowing them the opportunity to fulfil their potential with specifically designed training required to support the UK offshore wind industry.”

Lena Wilson, chief executive of Scottish Enterprise, which has been working closely with AREVA on its proposed plans to locate its UK turbine manufacturing site in Scotland, added: “This programme will not only help develop individuals with the right knowledge and skills to work in this exciting industry, but also increase Scotland’s growing reputation on the global stage as a leading location in the development of the offshore wind sector.”

Julian Brown, UK country director for AREVA Wind, commented: “The AREVA Wind Pre-apprenticeship program reinforces our commitment to Scotland as an industrial base for our activities and will prepare these students for opportunities in the future offshore wind market in the United Kingdom.”

About Fife College

Situated in the lowlands of Scotland, Fife’s position between the Edinburgh and Tayside regions makes it ideally placed for being a front runner as an enterprising area.

With the Scottish Government making clear its intention to increase sustainable economic growth, future economic success will depend on the ability to develop a culture in Fife that both encourages and values enterprise.

Fife has a lot of opportunities and strengths on which to build including the broad range of initiatives aimed at supporting enterprise across the region. From educational initiatives in schools, colleges and the university, to general business start-up support, key sector networks and infrastructure investments in incubation facilities, enterprise support is spread across a broad range of partners both in the private and public sectors.

Manufacturing and engineering remains a specialist core strength in Fife due to its long experience in the sectors. Technology innovation is driving the pace of change within the industry and Fife is at the heart of it.

The expertise in Fife for manufacturing and engineering is very much a key asset.

The uses and end products have changed – but there is still a need for precision engineering and manufacturing knowledge. One such area of advancement is within the area of wind energy with many wind turbines, energy parks and unique specialist qualifications being available and leading the way in this emerging market.

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Press release, October 9, 2013