Military transition has never been easier

Throughout its relatively short history, the wind industry has benefited from men and women bringing their skills and experience into the exciting world of work as a wind turbine technician.

One such example is former military personnel with engineering and electrical skills, whose’ profiles have much in common with those constructing, installing, and servicing the world’s wind turbine fleet. Now, with over 14,000 personnel ending their military service each year in the UK alone, the opportunity to match the needs of employers with this group is beginning to bear fruit.

Just four weeks after completing the AIS Survivex ‘Military to Wind’ training programme, which is part funded by ELCAS (Enhanced Learning Credits Administration Service), Jack landed his first wind role as a fibre-optic installer with Correll, the leading global specialists in offshore and onshore high-voltage cabling.

It’s a dream outcome for 29-year-old Jack from Barnsley in Northern England, who decided to leave the British army after having a baby with partner Kayleigh.

Jack explains:

“My partner Kayleigh also serves in the army so when we knew we were having a baby together we decided to rethink our life plan. Army life doesn’t work well with family life – especially with us both serving. We agreed the best option was for one of us to leave and pursue a different career.

“After a decade as a vehicle mechanic in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME), I felt ready to move on so it was me who opted for career change. Initially I toyed with working in the railway industry as this suited my skillset but when I found out more about the wind sector, it really sparked my interest. The wind industry is fast-growing and mechanical engineering skills are in high demand so it seemed like a great option.

“AIS Survivex offers Elcas-approved training so most of my course was paid for with funding.”

Jack spent three weeks at AIS Survivex gaining all the relevant qualifications to work in the wind industry. Within a month of completing his training he secured a full-time job at Correll and is now waiting to mobilise to a wind project elsewhere in the world.

The programme leading to an “ITC Level 3 Diploma in Safe Working Practices in the Wind Industry” includes:

- GWO Basic Safety Training (BST)

- GWO Basic Technical Training (BTT)

- Advanced Rescue Training (ART)

- Enhanced First Aid (EFA)

Jack continues: “I feel incredibly lucky. It’s all been a bit of a whirlwind - within just two months I’ve completely changed careers and am now looking forward to setting foot on my first wind turbine.

“The training experience at AIS Survivex was fantastic and really prepared me for my new role. As well as providing in-depth knowledge (…). I can’t thank AIS Survivex and Correll Group enough for helping me to make this exciting life change.”