Q&A with Molly Gifford – Offshore Wind Turbine Technician

Q&A with Molly Gifford

• 1. What inspired you to pursue a career as an offshore wind turbine technician, and how did you come to work at RWE?

  I started my career in a business administration apprenticeship straight after school, working in an office from the age of 17 to 21. Over time, I realised that I couldn’t see myself sitting at a desk for the rest of my life - it just wasn’t for me. I wanted something more active and challenging, but I wasn’t sure what options were out there.

  I started looking into more “hands-on” jobs, but many of the apprenticeships I came across weren’t financially viable for me at the time. A lot of my male friends worked in the industry, but I had never considered it for myself - until my friend’s brother-in-law, who works for RWE, sent over a link to their apprenticeship programme. It wasn’t something I would have come across on my own, so I’m really glad he passed it along.

  I applied, went through the interview and assessment day, and was lucky enough to get the job. Offshore wind wasn’t necessarily my original goal - I was just looking for something more hands-on -but it turned out to be the perfect fit.

• 2. What does a typical day look like for you working on an RWE offshore wind farm?

  I typically work on an SOV (Service Operation Vessel), which means I do a two-week on, two-week off rotation, living on a boat while working offshore. Each morning, we have a team briefing, then transfer to the turbine we’re working on for the day. If it’s a full-service task, we might spend two full days on the same turbine, returning to the boat each evening.

  Life on the SOV is really well set up - there’s a gym, a canteen with plenty of food, a cinema room, and common areas where everyone can relax. Right now, though, I’m working on a site closer to shore, so instead of living on a boat, we stay in apartments provided by RWE and travel out to the turbines each day via CTV (Crew Transfer Vessel).

  A typical working day starts at 5:30 AM, with a morning briefing before heading out. Our contractual working day is 12 hours, but we’re usually back by 4 or 5 PM. The work is varied and rewarding, and no two days are the same.

• 3. Working offshore is a unique experience - what do you enjoy most about your job?

  It’s hard to choose just one thing, but for me, it’s definitely the teamwork. In an office, you might work in a team, but you still have your own workload. Offshore, you’re completely reliant on your team, and communication and coordination are key. We work closely together every day, supporting one another to get the job done.

  I also really enjoy the “hands-on” and practical side of the job - it’s what drew me to this career in the first place.

   

• 4. What are some of the biggest challenges you've had to overcome in your role, and how has RWE supported you in overcoming them?

  One of the biggest challenges was something I hadn’t expected – having to stay offshore due to bad weather. It’s mentally challenging, as you’re eager to work but completely dependent on the weather.

  Another challenge has been constantly being the new person. I’ve worked at multiple sites, and every time I moved, I had to learn new processes, ways of working, and site layouts. Every wind farm is different, so adapting quickly is key. That said, I’ve found that everyone has been really supportive, and you settle in quickly with the right guidance!

• 5. What’s one thing people assume about your job that totally isn’t true?

  People always ask if it’s scary being so high up on a turbine, but the reality is you don’t even feel the height. Offshore turbines have fencing and barriers, so you don’t really get a sense of how high you are. Another misconception is that every single day is physically demanding. Some days can be, but others are more relaxed - there are even days when we can’t go offshore at all due to bad weather.

• 6. What has been your proudest moment working at RWE, and how has the company helped you grow in your career?

  It might sound simple, but my proudest moment was overcoming my fear of heights. When I applied for the job, I was afraid of heights - but I wanted the job so badly that I didn’t mention it. I told myself that it was all in my head and that the safety equipment would keep me secure. The first few climbs were nerve-wracking, but I got through it, and now I don’t even think about it.

• 7. How does it feel to work in a typically male-dominated industry, and what has your experience been like?

  Offshore wind is still very male-dominated, but I’ve never felt excluded or faced challenges because I’m a woman. In fact, in my experience, people go out of their way to make sure I feel comfortable, included, and supported.

  RWE has also made a real effort to encourage more women into the industry, and I’ve noticed changes over time. When I joined, my apprenticeship intake was 50/50 male and female, and they’ve continued that balanced approach in recruitment.

• 8. What do you think can be done to encourage more women to pursue careers in energy?

  I think the biggest thing is visibility - showing that women are already in these roles. RWE has been great at this, from networking events to promotional materials that feature female apprentices and technicians.

  Another issue is awareness of apprenticeships. When I was in school, I had no idea that apprenticeships in engineering were an option. I thought the only path was college or university. If more young women knew about engineering apprenticeships earlier, I think we’d see more applying.

• 9. How does RWE foster a diverse and inclusive workplace, and have you seen a shift in gender diversity since joining?

  RWE has been proactive in making the industry more inclusive. The apprenticeship intake has consistently maintained a 50/50 gender split, and I’ve felt supported at every stage. That said, there are still challenges. For example, when hiring qualified technicians, the applicant pool is overwhelmingly male - there simply aren’t enough women applying. That’s why apprenticeships are key - they create opportunities for women who may not have an engineering background but are eager to enter the industry.

• 10. What does International Women’s Day mean to you, and how do you see RWE contributing to a more inclusive future in energy?

  To be honest, I’ve never personally faced challenges in my career because of my gender, which I know is a privileged position to be in. I’ve always felt included, supported, and given the same opportunities at RWE as my colleagues. That said, this hasn’t always been the case for women in traditionally male-dominated industries like offshore wind, and that’s why International Women’s Day is important - it’s a chance to reflect on both the progress that’s been made and the work still to be done.

• 11. What advice would you give to women considering a career in offshore wind or other STEM fields, especially at a company like RWE?

  Go for it! If you’re interested in engineering, consider starting with an engineering college - I didn’t even know that was an option when I was younger. And if you like an active, hands-on job, offshore wind is a great industry to get into. You don’t have to be a technician forever, either. There are opportunities to move into planning, coordination, or management roles, and RWE will fund your further education if you choose to pursue it.