EDF Renewables UK To Recruit The Next Generation Of Wind Turbine Technician Apprentices

EDF Renewables UK is launching its 2022 apprenticeship scheme, which will offer applicants from all over the country the opportunity to become Onshore & Offshore Wind Turbine Technicians.

As part of the scheme, new recruits will spend a year and a half at Tyne Coast College at the Wallsend Campus, before learning the practical elements of the job at a number of EDF Renewables sites. These include operational wind farms such as Dorenell and Fallago Rig Wind Farm in Scotland, and service centers in Livingston, Meadowfield, Goole, Hartlepool, and the Fenlands.

Training and work placements 

The safety of people and the environment is EDF Renewables’ number one priority, so the first task for the apprentices will be a ten-day training course in North Tyneside where they will be put through their paces to ensure they can safely work on-site.

Apprentices will complete several work placements at operational wind farms, before going to work full-time

This will cover working at height, manual handling, first aid, and fire awareness, as well as other topics which are standard to the wind industry and which must be completed by all EDF Renewables technicians.

To complement their time at college, apprentices will also complete a number of work placements at operational wind farms, before going on to spend 12-18 months working full-time alongside EDF Renewables’ technician teams. 

Working on-site

Lucy Cooper (21) from Peterborough, a current Apprentice in her second year of the scheme, said “I was attracted to the EDF Renewables apprenticeship scheme as I knew renewables was a growing industry with exciting possibilities. Working on-site at operational wind farms has been amazing, and I really enjoy learning about turbine technology. I’d certainly encourage more women to consider joining the scheme and becoming turbine technicians, it’s great fun!”

Combination of theory and practice

Ross McDonald (19) from Fife, and also in his second year of the apprenticeship scheme, said “The renewable energy industry has great career prospects, and the apprenticeship scheme has been an invaluable way to get my foot in the door as the sector continues to grow. There’s a good combination of theory and practice, and working on-site alongside the technician's teams has allowed me to learn so much in a relatively short space of time.”

entry route

Our scheme gives recruits the opportunity to learn about the latest cutting-edge technologies"

Piero Maggio, Asset Operations Director at EDF Renewables, said, “We’re delighted to continue our apprenticeship scheme for wind turbine technicians, which offers a fantastic entry route into the high-growth renewables market."

Piero Maggio adds, "As more EDF Renewables wind farms come online, we are keen to grow our teams to continue operating them to the highest standard. Our scheme gives recruits the opportunity to learn about the latest cutting-edge technologies, before applying that knowledge in real-world scenarios, working on-site alongside our established teams.”

an open and inclusive culture

San Johal, Chief People Officer at EDF Renewables, said “This scheme creates the opportunity for a successful career with EDF Renewables, doing interesting and rewarding work across our portfolio of renewable technology. Our apprentices are an important part of our company from day one and we look forward to welcoming them into our open and inclusive culture.”

Renewable energy

Mandy Morris, Principal at Tyne Coast College, said, “We’re delighted to continue this important partnership with EDF Renewables, to offer apprentices high-quality training and allow them to build successful careers as wind turbine technicians."

Mandy Morris adds, “Our staff have vast experience when it comes to wind energy and is committed to ensuring the new group of apprentices gain the expertise required to thrive in this rapidly-growing sector. Renewable energy offers so many potential avenues of employment for people of all ages and backgrounds, and we’re looking forward to welcoming the incoming class of apprentices to Tyne Coast College as they take their first steps into the industry.”