In a first for the UK wind industry the Port is installing a bespoke wind turbine training facility at its Bates terminal as part of a £1m investment in training provision aimed at the offshore energy sector, the company said in its release.
With the rapid growth of renewable energy providing the North East with major inward investment opportunities, the skills gap that currently exists in the sector is a key barrier to growth.
This investment has enabled the Port of Blyth, through its award winning training arm Port Training Services, to purchase, modify and install a Vestas V47 turbine, develop a dedicated training facility alongside the turbine and purchase specialist equipment. The erected turbine features a duplicate nacelle unit for safer use with trainees while the original nacelle is located at ground level for technical training.
The facility has benefitted from funding from the Coastal Communities Fund and will offer clients the opportunity for realistic training in relation to working at height, rope access, blade repair & inspection techniques, advanced rescue and emergency response simulation.