Getting started
Interviewer: Can you both introduce yourselves and your roles in offshore wind?
Dilraj: My name is Dilraj Singh and I am an Offshore Technician at London Array Offshore Wind Farm. I have been working as an offshore technician for five years.
Gurnoor: My name is Gurnoor Sekhon and I am an Offshore Wind Turbine Technician Apprentice with RWE.
Finding the path into offshore wind
Interviewer: What first attracted you to a career in offshore wind?
Dilraj: After serving in Her Majesty’s Armed Forces for 11 years, I wanted to work in an industry where I could continue learning while making a real difference. Working in offshore wind gives me a strong sense of achievement, knowing that I’m contributing to the betterment of society.
Gurnoor: I was first attracted to a career in offshore wind when my dad would come home and tell us about the amazing things he saw and did at work. Hearing those stories really intrigued me, and I realised it was something I would love to be part of.
Interviewer: When did you realise you wanted to follow in your dad’s footsteps?
Gurnoor: I realised I wanted to follow in my dad’s footsteps when I understood the impact of the work he does and how much of a difference it makes. I knew I wanted to be part of something that positive and meaningful.
Interviewer: How did it feel seeing your daughter choose a similar career path?
Dilraj: It was one of the proudest moments of my life. I’m confident that the path Gurnoor has chosen will give her strong technical qualifications and valuable life experience that will support her throughout her career.
Apprenticeship and early career experiences
Interviewer: What has the offshore wind technician apprenticeship been like so far?
Gurnoor: The apprenticeship has been two of the best years of my life so far. The experiences I’ve had, the knowledge I’ve gained and the people I’ve met are things I never would have experienced otherwise. I’ve also really enjoyed becoming more independent, living away from home and sharing that experience with friends.
Working offshore
Interviewer: What does a typical day offshore look like for each of you?
Dilraj: A typical day involves working in a challenging environment, collaborating closely with your team, and completing tasks safely and efficiently. Every day is different, which keeps the role interesting, and you’re constantly problem-solving and adapting to conditions offshore.
Gurnoor: My day usually starts by arriving on site for my shift and getting ready in the locker room by putting on my PPE. I then head to the control room to see what jobs I’ll be doing and which team I’ll be working with that day. Once everything’s loaded up, we head offshore. After a 40-minute to one-hour boat trip, we transfer onto the turbine and get started on our tasks. We break for lunch part way through the day, then carry on working until the job is safely completed before heading back to site and home.
Interviewer: What are the most challenging — and most rewarding — parts of the job?
Dilraj: Diagnosing and fixing a non-operational turbine can be challenging at times. However, once the issue is resolved and the turbine is operational again, that feeling is incredibly rewarding. Completing the job safely and returning to shore with your team without injuries is always the top priority and the greatest achievement.
Gurnoor: The most challenging part is definitely the weather, as it can be very unpredictable and sometimes change quite quickly. You have to be flexible and patient, and always be ready to adapt your plans. The most rewarding part is getting to see the views from the top of the turbine — it’s something not many people ever get to experience. Being up there really reminds you how unique the job is and makes all the hard work worthwhile.
Interviewer: Is there a moment when you’ve felt particularly proud of one another?
Dilraj: On the first day my daughter transferred from the vessel to the turbine, I was fortunate enough to be on the same vessel. Watching her climb the ladder was one of the proudest moments of my life.
Gurnoor: When I first went offshore and colleagues recognised me as my dad’s daughter, they shared stories about what a brilliant technician he is. Hearing that made me feel incredibly proud.
Looking to the future
Interviewer: How do you see offshore wind evolving over the next decade?
Dilraj: With advances in technology, the potential for offshore wind is enormous. We’re seeing turbines become bigger, more efficient and more reliable, which means we can generate more clean energy than ever before. As the industry continues to grow, there will be even more opportunities for people to build long-term careers, and the sky really is the limit.
Interviewer: Where would you like your career to take you next?
Gurnoor: I’d like to continue developing my skills and knowledge and, in the future, progress into leadership or management roles within the industry.
Interviewer: What advice would you give to other parents and young people considering a career in offshore wind?
Dilraj: Offshore wind is a fantastic industry to build a long-term career in. With excellent training and support, young people can quickly grow their skills, work alongside experienced professionals, and be part of a sector that’s powering a sustainable future.
Gurnoor: I would say go for it. You only live once, and this is an incredible opportunity. It’s a rewarding career where you can make a real difference while learning valuable skills.
Final thoughts
Interviewer: In one sentence, what does working in offshore wind mean to you?
Dilraj: A strong sense of achievement.
Gurnoor: Doing meaningful work that supports a greener and more sustainable future.
