Due to its scale and ambition, offshore wind is an incredibly exciting field to be in, particularly as the world hurtles forward to achieve net zero. The market is expanding; worldwide, 162 offshore wind farms are currently in action, and 26 more under construction.
With a pressure to reach targets by 2030, increased installations of new offshore wind farms across the globe are resulting in a huge demand for skilled labour. Predictions from the Global Wind Energy Council estimate 900,000 jobs to be generated across the various life stages of a wind farm in the next decade, which encompass a diversity of roles.
Interested in applying for an offshore wind job, or want to find out a little more what roles are on offer in the field? We have put together a checklist to help you through the process.
Project Management
Installing and commissioning an offshore windfarm is an enormous task, requiring a vast and highly skilled workforce. Project management is an essential attribute and highly sought for the construction process of offshore wind farms to oversee the entire building process. From site selection to the installation of wind turbines, project managers are responsible for directing activities to ensure the farm is completed on schedule, and within budget. Whilst experience of construction management is vital to become an offshore wind farm project manager, it is easily transferrable from many industry backgrounds.
Health and Safety
As more turbines are built, more accidents occur, meaning that offshore windfarms are increasingly considered a high-risk industry. Therefore, extensive and demonstrable knowledge of health and safety is pivotal to working within an offshore wind environment. Relevant health and safety qualifications are highly regarded skills in the eyes of a hiring manager, so ensure that you highlight your relevant qualifications on your application. If you want to give yourself a competitive edge over other candidates in the field, investing in a safety course provided by the Global Wind Organisation is an excellent way to further your knowledge ahead of a career in offshore wind.
Specified Engineering and Technical Knowledge
The labour that is involved in offshore wind is hugely technical and demands a myriad of specialist knowledge. Although there is great variation across the skills needed within a wind farm’s lifecycle, largely, the roles require professional and degree-level qualifications (or equivalent). Fortunately, the necessary areas of expertise are highly transferrable from other disciplines. Intersecting specialisms that lend well into a new career in offshore wind include electrical and mechanical engineering, IT, construction and environmental science.
Team Working
Complex installation projects that carry significant hazards require team members to work effectively, and safely, together. Maintaining open communication and establishing respectful relationships build a healthy team environment and result in an efficient job done. On top of this, the nature of working offshore means extended periods of time are spent away from home; day in and day out, your colleagues and fellow contractors are your only company. Outside of work, it is likely that communal living areas are shared on your accommodation vessel, so being able to work and live as a team is a great soft skill to spotlight, and fundamental to your success in the offshore industry.
Let Us Help
Here at QCS Staffing, we have a talented team of consultants with excellent industry knowledge who are dedicated to recruiting within the offshore wind industry. If you would like the opportunities that the offshore wind market holds, get in contact with the team today.
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