The Journey of Apprentices in the Offshore Wind Industry
The offshore wind sector is evolving into a cornerstone of the UK’s renewable energy industry. With the potential to triple its workforce to over 100,000 professionals by 2030 and supply half of the country’s electricity, the opportunities within this industry are immense. Among those leading this transformation are apprentices who help keep North Sea turbines spinning. What is life like for these young people shaping the future of energy?
Megan Dorsett: From Childhood Curiosity to the World of Turbines
Megan Dorsett, 22, has always had a special connection with the wind sector. Her childhood memories include trips to the beach where the sight of wind turbines became a constant part of her visits. “As a kid, we would always go to the beach, and no matter which route we took from Norwich, we always saw the turbines,” Megan recalls. “I used to ask my parents how they worked. The answer was always something like, ‘The wind makes them spin and that generates electricity.’ But that never seemed like enough to me. I just had to learn more.”
Now approaching the end of her apprenticeship with Siemens Gamesa on the East Anglia One wind farm, Megan’s early fascination has become a reality. The wind farm, located 27 miles off the Suffolk coast in the southern North Sea, consists of 102 turbines and has the capacity to produce 714 MW of electricity. Meeting Megan at the Port of Lowestoft around 7:30 am, it’s clear she’s excited about her work.
A small fleet of service vessels is being loaded with equipment for the hour-long journey to the wind farm. Despite the early start, Megan’s enthusiasm remains undiminished. “I’ve learned so much. It’s hard to pick the best parts. It’s been an amazing experience,” she says.
Her apprenticeship with Siemens Gamesa has involved working on various aspects of turbine maintenance, including electronics, hydraulics, and pneumatics. A typical day begins with an early morning briefing, loading the boats, sailing to the wind farm, and then, as Megan puts it, “getting all the work done, having a bit of lunch with the best view you could think of.”
The East Anglia One wind farm was completed in 2020 and operates from a new £25 million control center at the Port of Lowestoft, where about 100 staff members are based. Lowestoft, a town with a long history of maritime activities, has transitioned from traditional fishing and shipbuilding to the burgeoning offshore wind industry.
Hayden Wright: A Coastal Passion Turned Career
For Hayden Wright, 25, from Lowestoft, the move to the offshore wind sector felt like a natural fit. “I think it’s part of living at the coast. It must be something from my ancestors telling me to work offshore or at sea,” he says. Hayden is now a year and a half into his apprenticeship with Siemens Gamesa.
“I’ve always loved being by the coast and looking out at the sea – it feels familiar, like home,” Hayden explains. According to ScottishPower Renewables, which developed and operates East Anglia One, all the staff working on the wind farm live within 30 miles of its base.
The Offshore Wind Industry Council reports that the sector currently supports 31,000 jobs, with the number expected to rise to 100,000 by 2030. By then, it could provide half of the UK’s electricity needs.
For Hayden, the shift from the declining fishing industry to renewable energy represents a hopeful future. “The fishing industry has left its soul in Lowestoft, but I see my future in energy,” he says. “It’s all about creating green energy – renewables. It’s the way forward for not only my generation but the generation after mine. My kids, my grandkids – they’ll have a future here.”
Jovita Beeston: Embracing a New Era of Energy
Jovita Beeston, 21, from Norfolk, has recently completed her three-year apprenticeship with ScottishPower Renewables and is now working as a technician on the wind farm. Her role involves maintaining the turbine structures, foundations, and equipment at sea, including hydraulic cranes.
“It’s a really exciting job,” Jovita says. “To be able to say I go offshore on a day-to-day basis is such a huge thing.” As for her future, she remains open and enthusiastic. “I don’t think I could pinpoint where I want to be because I’m still experiencing everything there is to offer.”
The East of England, where Lowestoft is located, is home to nearly half – 44% – of the UK’s offshore wind farms. These farms have a combined capacity of around 5 GW, with almost another 10 GW in development. Gillian Noble, who leads offshore development and operations for ScottishPower Renewables, emphasizes the significant impact this growth has on the region.
“Investment, jobs, and opportunities for decades to come are on the horizon,” Noble says. “Our green workforce of the future is still at school, so it’s great to showcase the difference this is making and will continue to make – not just for those at the start of their careers, but also for many of our current colleagues who have transitioned from oil and gas.”
Challenges and Future Prospects
Despite the positive outlook, there are challenges associated with the offshore wind sector. Some in the fishing industry express concerns about the impact of turbines and their cables on fish stocks. Additionally, the National Grid is proposing a Great Grid Upgrade to bring energy generated in the North Sea to onshore communities. This could involve hundreds of miles of new pylons and cabling across the countryside.
Last year, the government increased subsidies for offshore wind farms by up to two-thirds. ScottishPower Renewables is now building East Anglia Three, which will have almost double the generating capacity of East Anglia One, although with slightly fewer turbines but longer blades.
The Port of Lowestoft is gearing up to support this expansion. Associated British Ports, which owns the port, is upgrading the outer harbor to accommodate larger vessels for the energy sector. The Lowestoft Eastern Energy Facility (LEEF) is a £34 million project, with £2.6 million from the previous government’s Towns Fund. Tom Duit, the port’s operations manager, anticipates that this new facility will create between 400 and 700 new jobs in Lowestoft and across the supply chain.
“The port is seeing significant amounts of larger vessels associated with the energy industry,” Duit says. “Profits have increased five-fold over the past decade. For what was a relatively quiet, sleepy port on the east coast, we now have a really prosperous future to look forward to because of the energy industry.”
Local Success Stories: Bailey Woolston and the Realities of Offshore Work
Bailey Woolston, 21, is nearing the end of his apprenticeship with an energy company. For him, the appeal of working in a new industry with opportunities for innovation and learning has been significant. “I’m local to the area, and opportunities like this don’t come up every day for many people,” he says. “The fact that it’s right on my doorstep and I’ve been able to start a career that could last 20 to 30 years – it’s been really good.”
Crews often use the calmer summer conditions for maintenance work on the turbines, preparing them for the harsher winter months. However, the weather at the wind farm can still be challenging. Troy Vallis-Allen, another member of the team, notes, “The July weather wasn’t the greatest. There was a small risk of lightning, lots of rain, mist, and fog.”
Bailey adds, “There are days when it’s rough and you feel your stomach turn, but I’ve never experienced full seasickness so far.” Megan Dorsett’s advice for avoiding queasiness? “Ah – ginger biscuits! I think that’s the best one,” she laughs.
The Future of Offshore Wind: A Bright Horizon
The offshore wind industry is not just a promising career path for young apprentices; it represents a vital part of the UK’s energy future. With significant investment, job creation, and technological advancements, the sector is set to grow exponentially.
For the apprentices working in this field, the rewards are both professional and personal. They are part of a movement towards sustainable energy and are helping to shape a future where renewable sources play a crucial role. As they navigate the challenges and triumphs of their work, they are also contributing to a larger vision of energy transformation and environmental stewardship.
In the coming years, as the sector expands and new projects come online, these young professionals will continue to be at the forefront of an industry that is changing the way the world thinks about energy. Their stories are a testament to the opportunities and challenges of working in the offshore wind sector and highlight the exciting possibilities that lie ahead for the next generation of energy workers.
FAQ: Offshore Wind Industry and Apprenticeships
What is the offshore wind industry?
The offshore wind industry involves the installation and maintenance of wind turbines located in bodies of water, such as seas or oceans. These turbines harness wind energy to generate electricity, contributing significantly to the renewable energy sector.
How many jobs is the offshore wind industry expected to create by 2030?
The offshore wind industry is projected to triple its workforce, potentially creating over 100,000 jobs by 2030.
What role do apprentices play in the offshore wind sector?
Apprentices in the offshore wind sector assist with the installation, maintenance, and operation of wind turbines. They gain hands-on experience with various technical aspects, such as electronics, hydraulics, and pneumatics, while learning from experienced professionals.
Who are some of the apprentices featured in the article?
The article highlights several apprentices:
- Megan Dorsett, who is completing her apprenticeship with Siemens Gamesa on the East Anglia One wind farm.
- Hayden Wright, a 25-year-old apprentice from Lowestoft with Siemens Gamesa.
- Jovita Beeston, a 21-year-old technician who has just finished her apprenticeship with ScottishPower Renewables.
- Bailey Woolston, a 21-year-old apprentice nearing the end of his training with an energy company.
What are the main tasks of apprentices working on offshore wind farms?
Apprentices work on various tasks, including:
- Installing and maintaining turbine structures and components.
- Performing technical maintenance on equipment such as hydraulic cranes.
- Assisting with the day-to-day operations of wind farms.
What challenges do apprentices face in the offshore wind industry?
Challenges include:
- Working in sometimes harsh weather conditions at sea.
- Dealing with potential seasickness and rough sea conditions.
- Adapting to early starts and the physical demands of the job.
How is the offshore wind industry impacting local communities?
The offshore wind industry is creating job opportunities and boosting local economies. For example:
- The Port of Lowestoft is expanding its facilities to accommodate larger vessels for the energy sector, potentially creating hundreds of new jobs.
- Investment in offshore wind projects is leading to increased economic activity and development in coastal towns.
What is the future outlook for the offshore wind sector?
The offshore wind sector is expected to grow significantly, with the potential to provide half of the UK’s electricity by 2030. Continued investment and technological advancements will likely drive this growth, creating more job opportunities and contributing to the transition to renewable energy.
Are there any concerns associated with offshore wind farms?
Some concerns include:
- Potential impacts on local fish stocks and marine ecosystems.
- The need for new infrastructure, such as pylons and cabling, to transport electricity from offshore wind farms to onshore communities.
What measures are being taken to address these concerns?
Efforts are being made to address concerns by:
- Conducting environmental impact assessments and implementing mitigation strategies to protect marine life.
- Upgrading infrastructure and exploring new technologies to improve the efficiency and sustainability of energy transmission.
How can someone become an apprentice in the offshore wind industry?
To become an apprentice, individuals can:
- Apply for apprenticeship programs offered by companies in the offshore wind sector, such as Siemens Gamesa and ScottishPower Renewables.
- Seek out vocational training and educational programs related to renewable energy and wind turbine technology.
- Gain relevant qualifications and skills through technical courses and hands-on experience.
