RWE, one of the world’s leading offshore wind companies, and the UK’s leading power generator has recruited its biggest-ever cohort of wind turbine technician apprentices to serve on its growing fleet of offshore wind farms.
The group of 16 apprentices will study at Grŵp Llandrillo Menai’s recently opened, state-of-the-art, engineering training site in Rhyl, North Wales. This latest intake brings the total number who have started the course to more than 100.
RWE has been pioneering commercial offshore wind in the UK for more than two decades, and has an ambitious pipeline of 10 projects in the coming years. Trainee technicians have been recruited to work on a number of RWE’s offshore wind farms around the UK, including Gwynt y Môr and Rhyl Flats, which sit close to the consented Awel y Môr Offshore Wind Farm, off the north Wales coast.
Three of the new intake have specificially been recruited to work on RWE’s under construction flagship Sofia Offshore Wind Farm, which is pioneering the use of some of the world’s most advanced turbines and recyclable blades.
Luke Skeffington, RWE’s Offshore Operations Training Specialist, said: “Now is a fantastic time for this group of apprentices to be starting what will be a long and rewarding career in the renewable energy industry. Alongside their training, now underway at Grŵp Llandrillo Menai, they will experience on the job challenges at our operational offshore wind farms around the UK.”
Noah Carey, one of three apprentices recruited to work on Rhyl Flats Offshore Wind Farm, said: “I’m looking forward to getting hands-on with the equipment, getting out there and progressing. I did a power engineering course last year, after some work experience with RWE where I was lucky to go offshore from the Port of Mostyn and see the turbines themselves up close.”
Tudur Evans, who comes from Corwen in Denbighshire, is another of those set to work on Rhyl Flats. He said: “Before this, I spent four years working as a mechanic on tractors and motorbikes, but this offers something on a completely different scale with a real opportunity to progress. My father has worked in renewables for the last decade, and has always told me how good a career it’s been. With the new projects being developed with cutting edge technology, it’s growing industry and it’s right here in north Wales.”
Paul Flanagan, Principal of Coleg Llandrillo, said, "RWE has been a valued partner of Grŵp Llandrillo Menai for over a decade, and we are proud to celebrate this significant milestone of over 100 apprentices receiving outstanding education and training through our collaboration.
The success of this programme not only reflects the quality of education provided at our state-of-the-art Rhyl Engineering Centre but also highlights the college's vital role in equipping apprentices with the essential skills needed to excel in a high-demand sector.
Together with RWE, we are committed to supporting the development of the next generation of wind turbine technicians, ensuring they progress with the fundamental work skills required in today's rapidly growing renewable energy industry."
RWE has a longstanding relationship with the college, having established its wind technician apprentice programme and national apprentice training hub at the facility in 2012. Apprentices from around the country are supported through the hub, and have gone on to secure roles with the company’s wind fleet both onshore and offshore, including in North Wales.
The Rhyl Engineering Centre is a state-of-the-art, three-floor facility spanning 3000m², featuring a comprehensive range of highly specialised training equipment valued at over £2 million. From robotics and rapid prototyping to industrial-scale CNC machines, the facility is equipped to offer a world-class learning experience.
For more information on RWE careers and apprenticeship programmes go to the careers pages here https://uk.rwe.com/career/
