One of the defining characteristics of northeastern Brazil’s status as a prime location for wind farms is also causing problems in recruiting local talent. Now, thanks to a new programme called ‘Keep it Local’ 25 residents of Caiçara do Rio do Vento are being trained in GWO Basic Safety Training (BST) and are on the pathway to begin new careers in wind.
Since September 2022, SENAI, Brazil’s national service for industrial training, EDP Renewables and Vestas, have been developing the ‘Keep it Local’ programme in Rio Grande do Norte.
The initiative is aimed at residents living in areas with low population density and low employment levels. The goal is to leverage development of renewable projects in rural areas to increase employability. The programme allows residents, after qualification, to opt for a workplace close to their place of origin, and at the same time, positions them as dynamic drivers of the local economy.
In this instance, the programme will aim to qualify students in wind energy courses including GWO BST. The focus will be on the municipality of Caiçara do Rio do Vento.
“’Keep it local’ provides technical knowledge to the residents, while creating awareness in the community for development within their region,” says Amora Viera Cavalcante Chaves, Market and Project Advisor at SENAI-RN
GWO BST gives this training global relevance. “We are also providing guidance on the preparation of CVs and LinkedIn profiles, so that they have better chances in the job market”
Offered free of charge to the population, the training includes GWO BST and other course elements on the maintenance and operation of wind farms. Promoted in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, in the Potiguar municipality of Caiçara do Rio do Vento, the classes will be taught from 10th April by the Gas Technologies and Renewable Energy Center (CTGAS-ER), of SENAI-RN, to 25 residents of the region which has numerous wind projects under development, construction and operation.
As wind farms reach remote regions in the Northeast of Brazil the industry can positively impact communities through jobs and income generation. The development that comes with the wind industry also means new professional possibilities. Brazil is not a unique case when it comes to the remoteness of its onshore wind industry. This case is a roadmap of how funding opportunities can be deployed side by side by GWO training providers, governmental institutions, and industry, to develop local talent and meet the industry’s needs.
About SENAI: SENAI is the largest professional education network in Latin America with almost 750 units across the continent. CTGAS-ER, is SENAI's branch for education and services. It focuses on the renewable energy and gas industries, this institute’s work is characterised by private and public sector cooperation.
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