GWO - Newsletter

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Featured stories

October 28, 2020

Offshore workforce supported by new outreach campaign into renewables

GWO is beginning a information campaign to support workers looking to transition from sunset industries like oil and gas into wind power

October 5, 2020

Join a GWO Working Group

GWO is looking for certified training providers to support its review of standards from October 2020-March 2021

October 5, 2020

New look for GWO Standards

GWO has improved the look and feel of its training standards to make them more readable. Lesson elements remain unchanged and existing versions are still valid.

October 1, 2020

Safety training volumes fell -15% during COVID-19 lockdown

2020 Half Year Report reveals challenging six months for training providers

September 21, 2020

Why become a GWO auditor/certification body?

Certification bodies are essential in the governance system of GWO Standards. Without them, training providers cannot deliver GWO training and worker safety is potentially at risk.

September 21, 2020

Who certifies the most GWO training providers?

Third party certification bodies are an essential element in the GWO governance framework.

September 16, 2020

Standards should be simplified to enable digital delivery

Expert Series Webinar panel says quality can be maintained with correct implementation in a virtual setting

September 16, 2020

Vestas, MVOW and SSE enter digital training debate

Personalising learning process could be key benefit of digital training say wind energy employers

September 16, 2020

GWO network focuses on quality in digitalisation debate

Webinar participants showed us they have a clear idea on what ’quality of learning is all about’

August 28, 2020

Certification bodies must send GWO their audit reports from 1st October

Item 7.5.4 of the Requirements for Certification Bodies will become mandatory from 1st October 2020

September 10, 2020

Karin Borg steps down as GWO Vice Chair

In her eighteen months as vice chair of Global Wind Organisation, Karin has played a decisive role in shaping our Global Strategy: Safety without Borders 2020-2022

July 9, 2020

CGN Wind Power joins Global Wind Organisation 中广核风电加入全球风能组织

• Leading owner operator commits to GWO Standards • GWO标准被业界领先的业主所认可 • CGNWP also opens new GWO Training Centre • 中广核风电同时新成立了GWO培训中心

July 9, 2020

GWO Safety and Training Awards 2021 to debut at Electric City Copenhagen

Brand new competition will be open for entries later in the year

July 1, 2020

New leadership takes the helm at GWO North America

GWO today announces leaders for its North America committee

June 15, 2020

Explained: Why do some GWO courses require a refresher every two years?

Learning objectives in GWO standards are focused in the domains of "knowledge" and "skill". How often you refresh your training to maintain that knowledge and skill depends on a huge variety of factors.

June 3, 2020

Safety without borders: has Covid-19 strengthened the case for blended learning?

Windpower’s critical workforce can benefit from blended learning solutions, which combine online solutions with courses taken in person say experts

May 21, 2020

Wind energy workforce looks for safe return to GWO training centres

Training centres prepared for backlog but expect 59% of typical course volumes in May, rising to 91% by July - Careful preparation and adaptations in place as lock-down re-opening begins - Digital options limit participants’ and instructors’ exposure to virus

May 18, 2020

Corona Advisory Note 7

The 60 day flexibility period following expiry of a training certificate is now in force until 31st December 2020

June 2, 2020

Operations: Secretariat open as normal

Global Wind Organisation has re-opened its office in Copenhagen following relaxation of Covid-19 lock down

May 15, 2020

European Wind Academy: Why we remained open during Covid-19 Pandemic

EWA quickly adapted its operations and training to mitigate infection risk from Covid-19 early in the process

May 12, 2020

Updates to Requirements for Certification Bodies - digital and in person audits

The changes relate to the instructor/participant ratio required for actual audits and the auditing of digital delivery

May 12, 2020

BSTR-P updated with changes to equipment requirements

We have acted quickly to make some important changes, which are now detailed in the first update of BSTR-P.

May 7, 2020

Taiwanese experience from SARS crucial to delivering GWO during Covid-19

In the first edition of GWO's Training in the Pandemic Expert Series Webinars, guest panelists provided a guided tour of their facility and steps taken to minimise contamination between employees and participants.

May 6, 2020

How to keep your GWO certifications current during COVID-19

Training during the lock down

May 4, 2020

Five key benefits of BSTR-P

Why and how the BSTR-P can help you during the COVID-19 pandemic

April 21, 2020

New Requirements for GWO Training Providers and Certification Bodies

Versions 7 and 9 of the Requirements for Certification Bodies and Training Providers (Formerly known as 'Criteria for Training Providers/Certification Bodies') published today.

May 18, 2020

Corona Advisory Note 6

Our latest update includes guidance on the BSTR-P training standard, auditing of said standard and requirements for digital learning

April 21, 2020

Corona Advisory Note 5

This advice has been updated. Please return to the main Corona Virus page for the latest.

April 14, 2020

New BST Refresher training standard caters for virtual classroom environment

Addressing skills fade is the number one priority for GWO members during Covid-19 Pandemic

April 3, 2020

New: Requirements for GWO training providers and certification bodies for digital learning

The requirements confirm that digital learning may be used to deliver GWO certified training

April 2, 2020

ART and EFA Standards updated today

GWO thanks its working group members for their support

April 20, 2020

Extended flexibility for scheduling re-audits and surveillance audits

This guidance has been updated. Please return to the main page for the latest Corona Advisory Note

April 20, 2020

Covid-19: Extended flexibility for refresher training

This advice has been updated. Please return to the main Corona page for the latest advisory note

April 20, 2020

Guidance to all stakeholders on continued delivery of GWO training, including recommended temporary adjustments to training delivery

This guidance has been updated. Please return to the main page for the latest Corona Advisory Note

March 24, 2020

GWO appoints Vestas' Paul Robbins as Chair

• Vestas’ Paul Robbins elected Chairman until 2022 • Executive Committee (ExCo) elected with mandate to establish GWO trained workforce beyond 200,000 people

April 20, 2020

Advisory note: Corona-virus (COVID-19) and GWO training - Update 3

This guidance has been updated. Please return to the main Corona Virus pages for the latest information and guidance

April 20, 2020

Advisory note: Corona-virus (COVID-19) and GWO training - Update 2

This guidance has been updated. Please return to the main Corona Virus page for the latest information

February 26, 2020

South America - the world's fastest growing market for GWO training

The amount of completed GWO training in South America rose 101% in 2019

February 26, 2020

GWO Annual Report 2019 - Safety Without Borders

GWO's latest publication is available for download from today

February 25, 2020

OEMs and operators target 200,000 people trained to GWO standard by end of 2022

• Long term strategy will more than double GWO trained workforce • Latin America, North America and Asia-Pacific up +80% in 2019

March 11, 2020

Who certifies the most GWO training providers?

Third party certification bodies are an essential element in the GWO governance framework. We reveal some data about which ones have certified the most.

September 21, 2020

Why become a GWO auditor/certification body?

Certification bodies are essential in the governance system of GWO Standards. Without them, training providers cannot deliver GWO training and worker safety is potentially at risk.

April 20, 2020

Advisory note: Corona-virus (COVID-19) and GWO training certificates

This guidance has been updated. Please return to the main page for the latest information

February 20, 2020

Public consultation: Update to GWO Requirements

Feedback wanted: Draft of new requirements available for download and review

February 17, 2020

Coming soon - 2019 Annual Report and Strategy

GWO reports on global training activity and future strategy

February 13, 2020

Update to credit card transaction fee for WINDA credits

February 5, 2020

New Training Providers in Q4 2019

GWO Training Providers network keeps growing

February 11, 2020

GWO training will grow on East Coast says Rhode Island funding body

Workforce development expert predicts growth in GWO training to support offshore market

January 22, 2020

WINDA update 22nd January 2020

New solutions have been released for WINDA

September 15, 2020

GWO welcomes two new colleagues

Operations, communication and marketing support functions expand to meet demand

January 22, 2020

New WINDA launches On Monday December 16

GWO has migrated WINDA from a Django/Python solution hosted on Amazon Web Services to a solution based on Microsoft Azure.

January 3, 2020

GWO aligns WINDA with UN Human Development Index

GWO members say the value created by WINDA for safety and workforce productivity far outweigh the costs of the system

December 3, 2019

Criteria documents to be simplified in 2020

The GWO Criteria for Training Providers and Certification Bodies provide the framework and governance system around which more than 350 training providers can operate.

November 27, 2019

GWO and GWEC join forces to power the global wind energy workforce

Global Wind Organisation (GWO) and the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) have signed a partnership agreement to highlight the importance of safety, training and job creation to power wind energy development and the global energy transition.

November 22, 2019

Conclusion of investigation at GWO training provider

No outstanding issues were identified by following review of incident during BST Sea Survival practical lesson

November 18, 2019

North America and Asia lead GWO growth in Q3

GWO training increased substantially in North America and Asia during the third quarter of 2019

November 11, 2019

China WindPower 2019: GWO stresses importance of safety in offshore wind

Jakob Lau Holst, CEO of GWO, congratulated SHANGHAI ELECTRIC on their new offshore training site at a special ceremony during China Wind Power 2019.

October 31, 2019

RFP: Research analysis and report writing support

GWO is commissioning a report to assess and forecast workforce needs in offshore wind

November 7, 2019

GWO to unveil top 25 Hazards & Risks at WindEurope Offshore

Data-driven decision making will increasingly drive training standardisation in wind. Jose Jimenez, Governance and Risk Manager at Global Wind Organisation explains the role GWO’s Risk Register will have in moving the industry forward.

October 16, 2019

VR safety simulator to be unveiled at WindEurope Offshore

Developers of Simulwind claim virtual reality simulator gives students pre-site knowledge of WTG, reducing costs and time for training

October 16, 2019

Help us improve GWO Training and Certification Body Criteria

GWO is beginning its review process of training provider and certification body rules, beginning with a questionnaire for stakeholders.

October 16, 2019

North America group makes strong start

North America’s leading wind energy employers came together for two and a half days of work at the GE Renewables Learning Center in Niskayuna, NY.

October 17, 2019

Industry first brings offshore training onshore

GWO Sea Survival training has never been demonstrated inside an exhibition centre before

October 15, 2019

Sea Survival and more, indoors at GWO Safety Zone!

Registration is now open for WindEurope Offshore Copenhagen 26-28 November 2019

October 15, 2019

Win an exhibition pass to WindEurope Offshore worth €200

If safety in offshore wind is your priority, enter our competition to win a complementary three day exhibition pass to WindEurope Offshore.

October 1, 2019

Manual Handling and WaH combine for new BST v13

Training providers, employers and delegates can now choose between the combined course, or individual modules

October 1, 2019

New Slinger Signaller/Rigger Signal Person training standard launched

The standard was created after more than 400 existing certifications were discovered in Europe alone for this type of skill set.

September 30, 2019

Manual Handling and WaH to combine for new BST v13

Training providers, employers and delegates can now choose between the combined course, or individual modules

September 25, 2019

Certifications rejected following auditor non-compliance

GWO has recently identified a certification body performing audits to training providers, who has not documented compliance with GWO Criteria

January 2, 2020

GWO aligns WINDA with UN Human Development Index

The WINDA fee suports GWO's mission to create a safer and more productive workforce in wind

September 25, 2019

ART and EFA standard reviews beginning today

GWO is beginning its review process for Advanced Rescue and Enhanced First Aid, beginning with a questionnaire for stakeholders.

September 25, 2019

Iberdrola expects up to 6000 workers will receive GWO training

New member estimates how many of its employees and contractors could potentially be in scope

September 17, 2019

Iberdrola joins Global Wind Organisation

World leader in wind energy commits to GWO standards

September 12, 2019

GWO publishes half year 2019 results

Workforce and employers benefit as GWO training up 26% in first half of 2019

September 4, 2019

North American firms join to focus on safety as the wind turbine industry grows

Goal to optimize supply chain and source talent from certified training providers through contractors, owner operators and manufacturers to continuously improve core safety competencies.

August 27, 2019

Training providers: Always check your certification body meets GWO Criteria

The certification body you appoint to audit your site must appear on the GWO's approved list

October 16, 2019

Always use the correct version of a GWO Standard

Old versions of GWO standards are available for three months, but our survey discovered 30% of training providers could be waiting up to 12 weeks to implement the new version.

June 26, 2019

Old versions of BST and BTT no longer valid from 1st July

Basic Safety Training (BST) version 11 and Basic Technical Training (BTT) version 4 will no longer be valid from 1st July. Use of unpublished versions by GWO training providers may be considered a non-compliance.

June 24, 2019

Taiwanese delegation visits GWO

As Taiwan prepares to develop 5.5 GW of offshore wind by 2025, a delegation from the country's leading science and technology university visited GWO on a fact finding mission.

June 20, 2019

Nordex shares plans as new GWO member

When a new member company joins GWO, an onboarding process begins to help align safety practices with established, global standards. We report on The Nordex Group’s plans which include merit for up to 500 working at height certifications.

August 27, 2019

Standards and criteria set for Mandarin translation

GWO has begun its first project to translate its standards and criteria into another language.

June 7, 2019

Windpower Brazil has safety at its heart

Safety is an investment in people, not a cost, say Brazilian training providers

June 7, 2019

BTT and ART/EFA boost Q1 numbers in WINDA

The number of GWO-trained technicians continued to rise during the first quarter of 2019, boosted by increases in technical and advanced skills courses.

August 16, 2019

Slinger Signaller Training Standard draft published

The standard was created after more than 400 existing certifications were discovered in Europe alone for this type of skill set.

May 23, 2019

Pakistan, Malaysia and Haiti now part of GWO network

An update on new training provider certifications from around the world.

August 27, 2019

GWO is peace of mind for CP La Castellana wind farm workers

On ILO World Safety Day 28.04.2019, site leaders from Argentina's new 99MW La Castellana Wind Farm explained how GWO standards help them at work. **This article has been translated from the original spanish version

May 23, 2019

Jose Jimenez joins GWO

GE Renewables veteran brings years of HSE experience to GWO secretariat

June 26, 2019

The Nordex Group joins GWO

• Eight of world’s top 10 wind turbine manufacturers now GWO Members • Collaboration is key to creating safer and more productive workforce

August 27, 2019

GWO elects new leadership

The leadership of a new Executive Committee (ExCo) of Global Wind Organisation has today been formed. The committee oversees all work carried out by the Secretariat.‍

September 20, 2019

Safety, Skills & Training Zone at WindEurope Conference 2019

GWO hosted a successful two day conference and demonstration programme, attended by 100s of guests

May 23, 2019

GWO standards and criteria updated today

Existing versions of training standards will continue to be available for a period of three months. Previous criteria versions will be valid until 1 October 2019.

May 23, 2019

Share your GWO stories on World Safety Day

ILO World Safety Day 2019 is an opportunity to explain how globally recognised safety training standards raise the bar for everyone.

May 29, 2019

GWO stakeholder clinics at Wind Europe Bilbao

On 2nd April, GWO's training standards and audit & compliance specialists will be available to take questions and help with any problems.

August 27, 2019

Training providers: Don't delay your (re)certification

Training providers appointing certification bodies should make sure their supplier conforms to GWO's Criteria

August 27, 2019

Certification bodies: Provide your documentation by 1 April 2019

From 1 April 2019 certificates issued by certification bodies that have not provided documentation to GWO will not be accepted.

May 23, 2019

New Training Providers - February edition

Our monthly update on new training provider certifications from around the world.

May 29, 2019

Blade Repair Standard draft published today

The Blade Repair working group completed this final draft five weeks ahead of schedule.

September 11, 2019

Global standards kept 74,000+ wind workers safe in 2018

Chairman Eloy Jauregui says "challenge just beginning" as GWO-trained workforce hits 74,000+ people worldwide

May 23, 2019

Blade Repair standard ready for launch

The world’s largest turbine manufacturers and owners have collaborated to bring to market their most ambitious training standard yet. The GWO Blade Repair standard is designed to achieve learning objectives in the safety and craftsmanship skills that are essential to this challenging, technical role.

May 23, 2019

Members revise GWO leadership structure

GWO has adopted new statutes to maintain efficient governance while we grow our global membership of wind turbine manufacturers and owners.

GWO Newsletter

Featured stories

Offshore workforce supported by new outreach campaign into renewables

Join a GWO Working Group

New look for GWO Standards

Safety training volumes fell -15% during COVID-19 lockdown

Why become a GWO auditor/certification body?

Who certifies the most GWO training providers?

Standards should be simplified to enable digital delivery

Vestas, MVOW and SSE enter digital training debate

GWO network focuses on quality in digitalisation debate

Certification bodies must send GWO their audit reports from 1st October

Karin Borg steps down as GWO Vice Chair

CGN Wind Power joins Global Wind Organisation 中广核风电加入全球风能组织

GWO Safety and Training Awards 2021 to debut at Electric City Copenhagen

New leadership takes the helm at GWO North America

Explained: Why do some GWO courses require a refresher every two years?

Safety without borders: has Covid-19 strengthened the case for blended learning?

Wind energy workforce looks for safe return to GWO training centres

Corona Advisory Note 7

Operations: Secretariat open as normal

European Wind Academy: Why we remained open during Covid-19 Pandemic

Updates to Requirements for Certification Bodies - digital and in person audits

BSTR-P updated with changes to equipment requirements

Taiwanese experience from SARS crucial to delivering GWO during Covid-19

How to keep your GWO certifications current during COVID-19

Five key benefits of BSTR-P

New Requirements for GWO Training Providers and Certification Bodies

Corona Advisory Note 6

Corona Advisory Note 5

New BST Refresher training standard caters for virtual classroom environment

New: Requirements for GWO training providers and certification bodies for digital learning

ART and EFA Standards updated today

Extended flexibility for scheduling re-audits and surveillance audits

Covid-19: Extended flexibility for refresher training

Guidance to all stakeholders on continued delivery of GWO training, including recommended temporary adjustments to training delivery

GWO appoints Vestas' Paul Robbins as Chair

Advisory note: Corona-virus (COVID-19) and GWO training - Update 3

Advisory note: Corona-virus (COVID-19) and GWO training - Update 2

South America - the world's fastest growing market for GWO training

GWO Annual Report 2019 - Safety Without Borders

OEMs and operators target 200,000 people trained to GWO standard by end of 2022

Who certifies the most GWO training providers?

Why become a GWO auditor/certification body?

Advisory note: Corona-virus (COVID-19) and GWO training certificates

Public consultation: Update to GWO Requirements

Coming soon - 2019 Annual Report and Strategy

Update to credit card transaction fee for WINDA credits

New Training Providers in Q4 2019

GWO training will grow on East Coast says Rhode Island funding body

WINDA update 22nd January 2020

GWO welcomes two new colleagues

New WINDA launches On Monday December 16

GWO aligns WINDA with UN Human Development Index

Criteria documents to be simplified in 2020

GWO and GWEC join forces to power the global wind energy workforce

Conclusion of investigation at GWO training provider

North America and Asia lead GWO growth in Q3

China WindPower 2019: GWO stresses importance of safety in offshore wind

RFP: Research analysis and report writing support

GWO to unveil top 25 Hazards & Risks at WindEurope Offshore

VR safety simulator to be unveiled at WindEurope Offshore

Help us improve GWO Training and Certification Body Criteria

North America group makes strong start

Industry first brings offshore training onshore

Sea Survival and more, indoors at GWO Safety Zone!

Win an exhibition pass to WindEurope Offshore worth €200

Manual Handling and WaH combine for new BST v13

New Slinger Signaller/Rigger Signal Person training standard launched

Manual Handling and WaH to combine for new BST v13

Certifications rejected following auditor non-compliance

GWO aligns WINDA with UN Human Development Index

ART and EFA standard reviews beginning today

Iberdrola expects up to 6000 workers will receive GWO training

Iberdrola joins Global Wind Organisation

GWO publishes half year 2019 results

North American firms join to focus on safety as the wind turbine industry grows

Training providers: Always check your certification body meets GWO Criteria

Always use the correct version of a GWO Standard

Old versions of BST and BTT no longer valid from 1st July