UK: RWE Launches Wind Apprenticeship Programme in Wales

RWE npower renewables has launched an apprenticeship scheme, the company announced at the Renewables UK Cymru Conference in Cardiff. The First Minister of Wales welcomed the announcement that offers skilled, long-term jobs in the renewables industry for the first time in Wales.

 “In March I announced the Welsh government’s commitment to work with business to drive forward the long-term economic benefit for Wales from the investment being made in our low carbon energy sector,” First Minister, Rt Hon Carwyn Jones AM, said.

“Today’s announcement by RWE is a clear demonstration of how they are maximising the job potential and community benefits from their activities across Wales.”

RWE’s Large Scale Wind Apprenticeship programme recruits 6 trainee wind turbine technicians who will complete a three-year course. Besides the company’s biggest onshore and offshore projects in Wales, they will also work on one of the largest offshore wind farms under construction in Europe, namely inGwynt y Môr.

The aim is to move into a full-time engineering post with one of the largest renewable energy developers in the UK, and the programme is also of interest to other companies in Wales. A mechanical engineering contractor, ISOFab, is offering 2 further apprentice positions through the scheme.

RWE’s close work with the Landrillo College in North Wales, the representatives from EU Skills and the National Skills Academy for Power resulted in bringing these apprentice opportunities to Wales.

Siemens launched the Large Scale Wind Apprenticeship programme last year in England, which attracted over 1, 500 applicants. It is expected that the programme in Wales will not be any less popular than the one in England.

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Offshore WIND staff, May 07, 2012; Image: wales