4 Tips To Start Your Offshore Wind Career
1. Whom do you want to work for?
The first place to start is to begin researching the type of companies you might want to work for. Scopes of work can vary depending on in which phase do you work:
Development and project management covers the activities up to the point of financial close or placing firm orders to proceed with wind farm construction. This includes activities required to secure planning consents such as the environmental impact assessment, and activities required to define the design and engineering aspects.
What's in it:
2. Installation and Commissioning
All installation and commissioning of the balance of plant and turbines, including land- and sea-based activity. For offshore activities, the process starts by transporting components from the nearest port to manufacture to either the I.7 Construction port or straight to the site. Activities are complete at the wind farm construction works completion date, where assets are handed over to operational teams.
What's in it
3. The operation, Maintenance, and Service
The operation, maintenance, and service (OMS) are the combined functions that, during the lifetime of the wind farm, support the ongoing operation of the wind turbines, the balance of plant, and associated transmission assets. OMS activities formally start at the wind farm construction works completion date.
The focus of these activities during the operational phase is to ensure safe operations, maintain the physical integrity of the wind farm assets, and optimize electricity generation.
What's in it
4. Decommissioning
Removal or making safe of offshore infrastructure at the end of its useful life, plus disposal of equipment.
What's in it
Once you’ve identified companies you’d like to work for, sign up for alerts on their job page so you find out immediately when roles become available.
2. Should you apply for a contract or permanent role?
Next, you need to decide how you’d like to work. Many companies employ a mixture of contractors and permanent staff and they both have their pros and cons.
As a permanent member of staff, you will obtain a more stable income with more possibilities to earn promotions into senior management. As a contractor, you have a greater earning capacity from the start, but sometimes there can be gaps in your pay if campaigns are delayed or finish ahead of schedule.
It’s also important to consider your commute. Most companies look for site-based candidates who live within 45 minutes of the offshore wind site or candidates who are willing to work shifts and travel. In this case, bear in mind you could be away for weeks at a time as this style of working is not for everyone.
3. Is your CV ready for offshore wind roles?
Usually, your CV is the first thing a hiring manager will see so it’s important to make the right impression. When writing your CV make sure you:
4. Have you got any contacts in offshore wind?
Now that you’re ready to enter the offshore wind market, it’s vitally important to make contacts with other technicians and engineers. There are huge support networks available on websites such as LinkedIn, where you can find out about job opportunities and speak to others who are working. You can follow relevant industry news as well as thought leaders who can help you develop your market knowledge, which can be a huge plus in an interview!
You could also attend industry events to help grow your circle and begin networking with other professionals, as well as recruiters and talent acquisition managers.