EDF Renewables UK to recruit the next generation of Wind Turbine Technician apprentices

EDF Renewables UK is launching its 2022 apprenticeship scheme, which will offer applicants from all over the country the opportunity to become Onshore & Offshore Wind Turbine Technicians. As part of the scheme, new recruits will spend a 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. 

These include 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 safety of people and the environment is EDF Renewables’ number one priority, so 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, 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.

To complement their time at college, apprentices 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. 

Lucy Cooper (21) from Peterborough, a current apprentice in her second year of the scheme, said: “I was attracted to the EDF Renewables apprenticeship scheme as I knew renewables was a growing industry with exciting possibilities. Working on-site at operational wind farms has been amazing, and I really enjoy learning about turbine technology. I’d certainly encourage more women to consider joining the scheme and becoming turbine technicians, it’s great fun!”

Ross McDonald (19) from Fife, and also in his second year of the apprenticeship scheme, said: “The renewable energy industry has great career prospects, and the apprenticeship scheme has been an invaluable way to get my foot in the door as the sector continues to grow. There’s a good combination of theory and practice, and working on site alongside the technicians teams has allowed me to learn so much in a relatively short space of time.”

Piero Maggio, Asset Operations Director at EDF Renewables, said: “We’re delighted to continue our apprenticeship scheme for wind turbine technicians, which offers a fantastic entry route into the high-growth renewables market. As more EDF Renewables wind farms come online, we are keen to grow our teams to continue operating them to the highest standard. 

“Our scheme gives recruits the opportunity to learn about the latest cutting-edge technologies, before applying that knowledge in real-world scenarios, working on-site alongside our established teams.”

San Johal, Chief People Officer at EDF Renewables, said: “This scheme creates the opportunity for a successful career with EDF Renewables, doing interesting and rewarding work across our portfolio of renewable technology. Our apprentices are an important part of our company from day one and we look forward to welcoming them into our open and inclusive culture.”

Mandy Morris, Principal at Tyne Coast College, said: “We’re delighted to continue this important partnership with EDF Renewables, to offer apprentices high-quality training and allow them to build successful careers as wind turbine technicians.

“Our staff have vast experience when it comes to wind energy and are committed to ensuring the new group of apprentices gain the expertise required to thrive in this rapidly-growing sector. Renewable energy offers so many potential avenues of employment for people of all ages and backgrounds, and we’re looking forward to welcoming the incoming class of apprentices to Tyne Coast College as they take their first steps into the industry.”

For more information and to apply for the 2022 EDF Renewables Wind Turbine Technician Apprenticeship Scheme, see: Wind Turbine Technician Apprenticeship.

About EDF Renewables 
EDF Renewables UK and Ireland (www.edf-re.uk) is a subsidiary of EDF Group’s, 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 36 renewable energy sites including battery, onshore and offshore wind (together totalling 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.