The President of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) announced on a visit to Kent that DONG Energy’s wind technician apprenticeship scheme has been fully accredited by the IMechE.
The President, Professor Isobel Pollock, visited the DONG Energy apprentices at the Swale Skills Centre as part of a day long tour of the South East. She also visited the London Array Operations Building at the London Array Offshore Wind Farm in Ramsgate.
The apprenticeship scheme, which kicked off in September 2011, consists of 8 young apprentices receiving a mix of hands on and academic experience. They are sponsored by DONG Energy to complete the course over the next three years.
Benj Sykes , Director of UK Operations at DONG Energy said:
“DONG Energy is proud to be supporting these eight talented students through their apprenticeships. We are one of the biggest offshore wind farm companies investing in the UK and for us that means investing in skills and creating jobs as well as building projects.”
Swale Skills Centre, based in Kent, are working alongside DONG Energy to devise and deliver the programme. Their facility offers purpose built workshops for the apprentices to gain the range of technical skills and knowledge needed to work as technicians on large wind turbines.
Some of the subjects they cover include electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, control and instrumentation and hydraulics. The programme also incorporates a „personal development‟ aspect which has seen the DONG Energy apprentices volunteer in the community, working with local primary school children.
Brent van der Merwe , Head of the Swale Skills Centre said:
“Developing young people and supporting industry is what we are all about. This programme is a testament to what can be achieved when industry and education work together. It has been a joy to watch the apprentices grow and develop and seeing the positive effect it has had on other young people.”
The apprentices are nearing completion of their first year which has included wind specific courses such as working at height and working in a confined space as well as a trip offshore to see a DONG Energy wind farm.
DONG Energy is now in the process of finding suitable placements across projects for the apprentices for their second year.
The 8 apprentices are mainly from Kent and the surrounding area with two who are from the North West, near Barrow, where DONG Energy has several projects.
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Offshore WIND staff, July 3, 2012; Image: Swale Skills Centre