Head of 3sun Academy Andy Holyland, right, with training centre manager Matt Jeffries with the DNV-GL accreditation for the Global Wind Organisation (GWO) New Basic Maintenance Training (BMT) (photo: 3sun)

3sun Group’s training division, 3sun Academy, has become one of only two UK centres accredited to deliver new mandatory safety and technical training for wind turbine technicians.

International classification body DNV-GL confirmed 3sun Academy’s certification for the new industry “line in the sand” training for basic technical knowledge for technicians last week.

3sun Academy believes it is joining just three centres in mainland Europe and one in the UK that can offer the Global Wind Organisation (GWO) New Basic Maintenance Training (BMT).

The six-and-a half day course, consisting of hydraulics, mechanical and electrical training modules, is designed to cut risks to technicians by introducing common industry training and best practice standards for basic technical skills.

The GWO BMT will be compulsory for all wind turbine technicians from November. 3sun Group is planning its first courses in early summer, but can deliver earlier if needed.

Andy Holyland, Head of Great Yarmouth-based 3sun Academy, says the certification put the company at the forefront of technician training across the country.

He was currently in talks to enable 3sun Academy to deliver the training at at least three more centres across the UK, including Scotland and the North East, he says, “We are continuing to enhance the course, with further developments planned. 3sun Group is committed to skills and competency across the industry and this standard has drawn a line in the sand and ensures everyone has the minimum basic knowledge to stay safe.”

“I am looking at how to make it as accessible as possible for everyone, especially those looking to enter the industry as well as those that require evaluation and assessment in acknowledgement of prior qualifications and experience,” adds Holyland.

The BMT modules are targeted at candidates with little or no previous experience of the basic principles of mechanical, electrical and hydraulic systems within a wind turbine generator (WTG) but offer the much-needed efficiencies to allow technicians the knowledge to operate across multiple model types safely under supervision.

Tags: 3sun Academy, 3sun Group