1. When will the demand for offshore wind jobs start to increase?
The first step is to achieve Planning Consent for the Wind Farms through stakeholder consultation. Without planning consent there will be no projects to build and fewer job opportunities. SMart Wind aims to submit its Development Consent Order application at the end of 2012, and then, subject to approval, commence construction in 2014. The people needed to construct and then operate & maintain these projects will need to be ready for 2014.
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2. In the short term, how many jobs will this entail and what types?
Employees will be required at virtually every level ranging from those with vocational (hands-on) skills, right through to Chartered Engineers with PhD's. Information about the types of jobs often associated with Renewable Energy projects can be found by visiting the Resources area of this website and by following the link to The Crown Estate's Careers Guide.
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3. In the longer term, what are the prospects for the future of offshore
wind energy?
The development and construction of the exiting programme of offshore wind farms will be completed by 2020, and the wind turbines themselves are design to run for a further twenty-five years thereafter. However, in the mean time, it is conceivable that future large-scale projects in UK & European coastal water will also gain momentum and also move forward to development & construction. A pre-requisite of this scenario is the ongoing development of the Supergrid, an offshore electricity transmission system, designed to take energy large-scale sustainable power generation in remote areas and transmit it to centres of consumption. Information about the Supergrid can be found by visiting the Resources area of the SMart Wind Website and following the link to The Friends of the Supergrid.
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4. Geographically, where might the jobs be concentrated?
Due to the geographic location & scale of future offshore wind farm developments, most of the job-creation and growth is likely to take place in and around Port-locations where Super Clusters will emerge including wind turbine manufacturing businesses, as well as many of their direct and indirect supply chain and service companies. As a result, socio-economic development will be required to ensure that these areas develop as good locations to both work and live, including all the relevant social infrastructure including health, education, and retail facilities.
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5. Will locals be able to access the jobs?
Historically, the technologies associated with wind energy have been developed overseas and as a result, so have many of the jobs. However, over recent years, the UK has become the worldwide focus for offshore wind energy, leading to technology companies committing to develop and deliver their equipment from within the UK, resulting in excellent career prospects for local and UK national individuals.
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6. What provision have you made for training local people?
During 2010, a curriculum was pioneered and agreed for the UK first Wind Turbine Technician Modern Apprenticeship. The three-year engineering qualification is split evenly between college-based learning and on-the-job training with the employers. Fifteen candidates have become the first young people to start the full-time scheme at Fife’s Carnegie College. The qualification holds the quality hallmark of City & Guilds and meets the standards of the National Skills Academy for Power. During 2011 & 2012, the Apprenticeship will be rolled out selected regional colleagues and education & skills providers in locations strategically relevant to concentrations of wind energy employers.
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7. How can I register an interest as a supplier of products or services ahead of contracts being awarded?
Since the formal announcement of The Crown Estate’s Round3 Offshore Wind Programme on 8th January 2010 and the confirmation of SMart Wind as the successful consortium awarded the exclusive development license for Hornsea (Zone 4), SMart Wind has been approached by a large number of organisations offering their products and services. In order to ensure that such approaches are considered fairly, appropriately and on a timely basis, SMart Wind is encouraging registration via this website where facilities exist to input your full contact details and upload your relevant company & contact details literature. During registration, you will also have the opportunity to confirm your approval to receive updates from us about our company and our projects.
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