The next generation of EDF Renewables Wind Turbine Technicians have begun their journey, as nine (9) apprentices from across England and Scotland start their new roles. As part of the scheme, the new recruits will spend their first year and a half at Tyne Coast College at the Wallsend Campus, before learning the practical elements of the job at a number of EDF Renewables sites across the UK.
These are operational wind farms such as Dorenell and Fallago Rig Wind Farm in Scotland, and service centres in Livingston, Meadowfield, Goole, Hartlepool and the Fenlands.
The new apprentices are: Conor Maver, who will be based At Dorenell Wind Farm, Matthew Moran and Chloe Atchison, who will be based at Durham Service Centre; Harry McDowell and Christopher Matthews, who will be based at Teesside Wind Farm; Camilla Home, Rory Morrison and Cameron Stark, who will be based at Fallago Rig Wind Farm and Livingston Service Centre; and Jack Spinks, who will be based at Goole Service Centre.
In addition to the Wind Turbine Technician apprentices, Adam Parry has joined EDF Renewables as part of its Environmental Management Degree Apprenticeship Scheme, and will be based in the Rainton Bridge office. Harry Grey has also joined as Marine and Access Coordinator apprentice, and will be based at Teesside Wind Farm, and complete his academic training at South Shields Marine School.
Once they have settled into college, the first task for the apprentices will be a ten day training course in North Tyneside where they will be put through their paces to ensure they can safely work on-site. This will cover working at height, manual handling, and first aid and fire awareness, as well as other topics which are standard to the wind industry and which must be completed by all EDF Renewables technicians.
During their time at college, they will also complete a number of work placements at operational wind farms, before going on to spend 12-18 months working full-time alongside EDF Renewables’ technician teams.
San Johal, Chief People Officer at EDF Renewables, said: “Apprenticeship schemes provide a fantastic introduction into the renewable energy industry and we’re excited to support this new class of apprentices as they acquire the skills to go on and have successful careers in this fast-growing sector. Apprentices in previous cohorts of the scheme are looking forward to exciting roles within EDF Renewables and other companies, and we look forward to doing everything we can to help them achieve their goals.”
Matthew Moran , EDF Renewables Turbines Technician Apprentice at Tyne Metropolitan College, said: “I left school at 16 to join the Navy. After four years, I wanted a career change and saw that renewable energy was a growing sector which also interested me. When I saw EDF Renewables’ turbine technician apprenticeship programme I thought that would be a great opportunity.”
Chloe Atchison, EDF Renewables Turbines Technician Apprentice said: “I was enthused by this programme as it is so hands on and I will get paid as I learn. I am really looking forward to climbing the turbines and learning to descend them. When I am older, I also want to say that I directly helped towards net zero and encouraging more women to work in this field.”
Mandy Morris, Principal at Tyne Coast College, said: “We’re very excited to welcome this new cohort of apprentices as they take their first steps into the wind energy industry. Through this partnership with EDF Renewables, and the vast experience of our staff when it comes to renewable energy, we’re able to provide the high-quality training that will allow them to build their careers as turbine technicians.
“New sources of energy are more urgently needed than ever before, and we’re proud to prepare these apprentice turbine technicians to go on and make a significant contribution to meeting this need.”
About EDF Renewables
EDF Renewables UK and Ireland (www.edf-re.uk) is a subsidiary of EDF Group, one of the world’s largest low carbon electricity companies, and our investment and innovation is reducing costs for consumers and bringing significant benefits for communities. With our operating portfolio of 38 renewable energy sites including battery, onshore and offshore wind (together totalling more than 1 GW) we are providing much needed affordable, low carbon electricity. We have an expanding portfolio with almost 5 GW of projects in planning and development, including wind, battery and solar PV. We have 700 MW in construction.
