The traditional energy sector has been dominated by fossil fuels for many years, but with the increasing demand for clean energy, wind energy jobs are on the rise as wind turbines become a major source of power across the world. The amount of electricity generated by wind increased by almost 17% to 273TWh in 2021. Wind continues to be the leading source of non-hydro renewable technology, generating 1870TWh by the end of 2021, an amount rivalling all other renewable energies combined.
Job Opportunities
Onshore wind is currently present in 115 countries worldwide, while offshore wind can be found in only 19 countries. Whilst both onshore and offshore installations are scaling up globally, there is significant room for growth in the offshore industry meaning that demand for offshore wind energy jobs will continue to grow.
With more opportunities available than ever before, many workers in the traditional energy sector are now seeking to transition into wind energy jobs, with a requirement for new skillsets being part of their ongoing development.
Key roles in the wind energy industry
Technical & Engineering Roles
Technical expertise is one of the most essential transferable skills for those looking to move into wind energy jobs.
Traditional energy sector contractors experienced in working with complex energy systems will have a head start in developing necessary technical and engineering skills, but additional training and education may be necessary to gain a deeper understanding of wind power.
Key transferrable skills
Those interested in transitioning into wind energy jobs will require a strong understanding of renewable energy systems and the technical aspects of wind turbines. This includes knowledge of electrical systems, mechanical systems, and control systems.
Safety & HSEQ Roles
The second transferable skill that is essential for traditional energy sector workers is safety awareness. Wind energy jobs require a strong focus on safety, as working at height or in confined spaces can pose significant risks to workers.
Traditional energy sector contractors should be able to demonstrate a strong commitment to safety and be familiar with the policies and procedures that are in place to protect workers.
Key transferrable skills
Knowledge of health and safety legislation, risk assessments, and emergency procedures.
Project Management Roles
Project management roles will be vital in continuing the rapid growth of the wind energy sector. The wind industry involves complex projects, and project managers in wind energy jobs must be able to manage and coordinate various aspects of those projects, including design, construction, and commissioning phases.
This requires strong leadership skills, effective communication, and the ability to work well with teams.
Key transferrable skills
Project management skills are essential for success in wind energy jobs, as workers must be able to manage and prioritise tasks, work effectively under pressure, and meet deadlines.
Environmental Roles
Traditional energy sector workers who take up wind energy jobs must be environmentally aware. New advances in the industry are focused on sustainability and reducing the impact of energy production on the environment.
Workers must be able to understand and support the environmental goals of the wind energy industry and must be willing to work in an environmentally responsible manner. This includes being aware of the environmental impact of wind turbines and working sustainably to reduce the impact on the local environment.
Key transferrable skills
Environmental science, surveying or consultancy work in previous roles will provide the necessary skills to work on reducing the environmental impact of new and existing wind energy projects.
Qualifications & Education
To be able to work on a wind turbine, all technicians must hold a valid GWO basic safety training certificate. This certificate comprises four modules for onshore wind turbine work – Working at Height, First Aid, Fire Safety and Manual Handling.
There is also an additional fifth module for technicians who will be working offshore – Sea Survival.
University degrees may also be required, or give an advantage, when applying for wind energy jobs. Degrees or qualifications in renewable energy engineering, electrical and mechanical engineering, or electrical power engineering provides vital knowledge and training for anyone looking to start a career in the wind industry.
The future of wind energy
While wind energy has been around for many years now, there is still room for vast growth in the sector. Workers from other energy sectors bring valuable skills to drive innovation and continue to create and manage new wind projects.
By embracing the diverse range of experiences and backgrounds that workers bring to the industry, wind energy companies increase efficiency, explore new avenues for growth and build a strong and sustainable energy production industry.
The wind energy sector presents exciting opportunities for energy workers, and as the industry continues to expand, so too will the demand for skilled and talented individuals.
Transitioning into renewables jobs in different sectors
It’s not just wind energy jobs that provide an opportunity to transition from a traditional oil and gas job into the renewables industry. You may also be interested in transitioning into carbon capture, hydrogen or battery jobs.
Looking to transition into a wind energy job?
Finding the perfect wind energy job is about a lot more than doing a search on the internet. At Energy Resourcing, we’re proud to offer support and job advice to our candidates and connect them to the best wind energy jobs in the industry.
Why not take a look at our latest jobs and kick-start your transition into the green energy sector?
