AOF Vestlandet-Agder and local offshore wind companies have developed three short and practical modules on offshore wind. Deep Wind Offshore has supported the initiative from the start and has contributed as leader of the working group.
The need forskilled workers
The report "Gigawatt krever megaløft' (2023) from Menon Economics, commissioned by Tekna and Norwegian Offshore Wind, states that in 2035, it is estimated that there will be 24,800 employees in the offshore wind sector compared to 4,300 today. Among players in the value chain, which includes various suppliers, skilled workers, and employees with higher vocational education, will account for about half of the industry's labour force needs in 2035. The offshore wind players surveyed say that continuing education and training will be crucial to ensure the necessary expertise.
There will be a need for skilled workers and people with higher vocational education in the supplier industry. This education will give access to relevant competence and strengthen the supplier's ability to deliver in a growing offshore wind market. If we want to succeed in making the green transition happen, then continuous skills development is essential, says John Sverre Rønnevik, head of the working group and head of sustainability at Deep Wind Offshore.
Education created by and for the industry
Deep Wind Offshore has been part of a working group of companies from various parts of the value chain, such as RWE, Aker Solutions, Moreld Ocean Wind, Marine Aluminium, and Utsira Municipality. The group has developed three modules relevant to the supplier industry, focusing on legal frameworks, environmental impacts, and sustainability.
The modules have been developed in close collaboration with the industry, with representatives from developers, suppliers, and Utsira Municipality helping to make the content as relevant and practical as possible. These are practical modules in offshore wind power created by and for the industry to ensure that the content is relevant, says Elin Brekke from AOF Vestlandet-Agder.
The Norwegian supplier industry has solid expertise and experience in oil and gas, much of which is transferable to offshore wind. Nevertheless, there is a need for flexible training programmes and increased knowledge of the offshore wind sector. Therefore, we are pleased to contribute to developing these modules regionally, which will be essential to meet the future need for labour and relevant expertise, says John Sverre Rønnevik.
Gain knowledge for free
Module 1, "Offshore Wind Introduction," will start in September 2024, and the other two modules will follow. Each module attended will give 10 credits and is free of charge.
AOF Vestlandet-Agder covers the gap between vocational certificates and higher education with modules that will provide the right skills for those with avocational background. The courses are offered online or physically at AOF's institutions in Western Norway.
There is great interest in the modules so far, so if you want to secure a spot in all three modules, you should not wait long before applying.
Read the full story here (in Norwegian)
