The Humber set to accommodate industry leading wind training centre

Immingham in North East Lincolnshire is set to house a new multi-million pound world-class training centre of excellence for the wind industry, which will create up to 30 jobs and establish the area as a global hub for renewable skills.

AIS Training, a leading training expert for the offshore oil & gas, wind energy and industrial sectors, will develop the state-of-the-art facility at the world-renowned CATCH training centre near Immingham.

More than 15,000 delegates will be trained at the new centre annually for the wind sector, which will approximately create more than 70,000 new jobs in the next ten years. Improvements will be made by leading wind industry bodies such as RenewableUK and the Global Wind Organisation.

The project is also set to receive grant support from the public sector.

The new centre is expected to open in twelve weeks, with delivery of phase one beginning immediately. This will include a fully equipped wind training centre containing the specialist safety and competency courses needed to work in the global wind industry.

The centre will also feature a 30 metre high wind turbine training tower, climbing and rescue platform with 12 stations incorporating vertical fall-arrest safety systems, a mock nacelle and three technical engineering areas.

With the aid of these facilities, AIS Training will be able to recreate realistic training scenarios to prepare individuals for the hazardous conditions on a wind turbine, which will ensure that delegates are ‘work-ready’.

Dave Bowyer, director of training and education at AIS, said: “Predictions suggest that the renewable energy sector will require 70,000 new jobs over the next ten years and finding the right people with the right skills to fill these jobs remains a key challenge for the industry.

“AIS Training has an exceptional record of helping people into work by developing competent and talented workers with the appropriate skill sets for industry. We see enormous potential for Immingham to be the global leader in renewable energy skills and competency training worldwide and we are very excited to help the city fulfil its potential.

“Working in the wind sector requires very specific skills such as inspecting and repairing wind turbine blades at eye-watering heights. Our training puts industry-skills such as working at height in context for wind professionals so that when they go into the field they are well equipped to cope with any eventuality.”

Katie Hedges, interim CEO of HFC CATCH, added: “We are delighted to attract such significant investment to CATCH. It’s ten years since we launched the facility and this major investment is testament to our growing importance in the preparation of tomorrow’s workforce. AIS is a proven company with an international reputation for excellence – it’s great to have them here.”

Angela Blake, director of economy and growth for North East Lincolnshire Council, also commented: “AIS Training’s decision to locate to North East Lincolnshire is fantastic news for the Humber area and will help to put the region at the very forefront of skills development for the global wind industry. The project will make a significant contribution to our objective of making the Humber the UK’s Energy Estuary and will ensure that adults already in the workforce, and young people seeking a career in the offshore wind industry, are fully equipped with the skills they need.”

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →