A pilot programme to plug the skills gap in the wind farm industry has been hailed a success.


The Energising Harwich Project, a consortium of Colchester and Tendring businesses and Colchester Institute, secured Government funding to train existing and new workers.
Until now, jobs within the offshore wind farm sector, and those in the supply chain, including in engineering, construction, fabrication and welding, were filled from outside the area.
The Passport to Work Scheme, which has been training those out of work in these industries, means Colchester and Tendring now have candidates able to fill future posts.
Mandy Norris, project manager for Energising Harwich, said: “We were one of 36 successful companies, from 160 applications, to secure the initial funding from the Government for the pilot scheme. 
“It was all about putting the decision-making for training and skills for the offshore wind farm industry in the hands of employers who supply products and services to the industry, rather than training agencies.
“That way employers could specify exactly the type of training their staff needed to further the business and the industry.
“Harwich is perfectly placed for two big wind farm projects that are expanding – Greater Gabbard and East Anglia One. 
“We took the training one step further and decided to train the future workforce too, so when businesses are expanding, a local workforce is ready to take up positions.”
The Passport to Work Scheme, funded by the UK Commission for Employment and Skills, has trained candidates in the diplomas required by businesses, and secured their licences to work in the supply chain or offshore.
Much of the 12-week training was delivered from Colchester Institute’s Energy Skills Centre at Harwich, with on-going support to students during their job search.
Many employers have offered students work placements as a trial with a view to a permanent job. Students interested in going offshore had a chance to go on a week-long residential course in Lowestoft.
By mid November it is thought the Passport to Work Scheme will have seen 80 per cent of its students find work.
Ms Norris said: “Students on the scheme were marked on their punctuality, positive attitude, team work, attention to detail and self motivation.
“While 65 per cent of students on the scheme were working with an NVQ Level 1 or below standard in English, they got through the programme and were on par in their ability to do the job, as those who attended the course with degrees.”
In response to the success of the scheme Colchester Institute, the JobCentre and Tendring Council have been designing a programme to extend Passport to Work for another year.
Energising Harwich is now recruiting students for this second scheme.
For more about the project, visit www.energisingharwich.com/