The offshore renewables industry has launched a bid to attract the UK’s top talent. Further and Higher Education students are being given a chance to find out about the wealth of opportunities the offshore wind industry has to offer in a competition announced today by Norstec.
Norstec is a network that brings together key players in the offshore renewables sector who recognise the enormous opportunities offered by the northern seas’ offshore wind and marine potential. As part of its commitment to public engagement, Norstec is launching a new skills pilot – The Norstec Academy, focused on engaging and informing the next generation of offshore wind employees and creating a community of positive advocates and future champions.
Participation in the pilot phase of the Academy due to commence at the end of June will initially be through a competition. Student entrants are being asked to submit entries about their interest in the offshore renewals industry. Students who submit the best entries will win the opportunity to spend a week on an industry “carousel” programme designed by signatories of Norstec to gain insight and experience from experts and student ambassadors from some of the world’s leading offshore energy and supply chain companies.
Norstec Academy Ambassadors, graduates and apprentices who work for Norstec signatory companies, will also be taking part in the carousel programme of events, which include site visits, tours and “meet the expert” talks. Ambassadors will explain the types of activities they are engaged in and the opportunities open to them since joining the sector. Students who are successful in the competition will become Members of The Norstec Academy and join the wider community as part of the long term focus of the initiative.
Julian Brown, chairman of Norstec from Areva said:
“The Norstec Academy showcases the unique and diverse career opportunities within the offshore renewables industry. The variety of companies involved in our industry is substantial, from developers to wind turbine manufacturers, marine transport specialists, financiers, engineers, public relations executives and research & development technicians. We are calling on students in further and higher education to grasp this opportunity with both hands and find out more about the wide range of career options our growing sector offers.”
Alastair Mills, a Norstec Ambassador from Siemens said:
“Since joining Siemens as a graduate I have worked on many different and challenging offshore projects. Our work involves all sorts of disciplines and is made up of people with varied backgrounds. The Norstec Academy is an excellent way for me to put something back by helping raise awareness the industry. It will also enable me to find out more about the sector I work in, broaden my own horizons and I’d encourage all students from all backgrounds to enter the competition. It will look great on CVs and give exposure to potential employers. We need you.”
The Norstec Academy pilot will begin on Monday, 29 June when Members will join Ambassadors and take part in the carousel programme of events.
The Partners of the Norstec Academy include: RenewableUK, The Crown Estate, Siemens, Capital Dynamics, Areva, King & Wood Mallesons SJ Berwin, WindCat Workboats, DONG, Statkraft, Narec and Parsons Brinckerhoff.
The Norstec Academy are offering an exclusive opportunity for you to win a tour of the offshore wind industry.
All you have to do is tell them in 500 words what inspires you about offshore wind for the chance to win a seven day tour.
The tour will offer an unrivalled insight into the nature, scope and scale of the industry and the variety of opportunities the sector has to offer.
Enter by 13 June 2014 at NorstecAcademy.org for the chance to win.