Wind turbine technician students from Ayrshire College recently underwent significant training with Prontoport, the renewable energy specialist based in Irvine.
Students from the College completed Working at Height & Rescue, First Aid, Fire Awareness and Manual Handling training accredited by Renewable UK (RUK) / Global Wind Organisation (GWO) as well as Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) accredited Confined Space training.
The RUK/GWO courses are part of the mandatory training requirements for working in the wind and renewable energy sector.
Obtaining these qualifications now will ensure students will be able to start work immediately if they are successful in gaining employment, following the conclusion of the Wind Turbine Technician course.
Paul Harland, lecturer at Ayrshire College, said “The students thoroughly enjoyed their experiences and the real-life scenario of turbine rescue and firefighting; techniques which are a very real part of a technician’s working day.
“The facilities at Prontoport are first class and the students enjoyed the learning experience and the importance of understanding the equipment relevant to their studies at Ayrshire College.”
Andrew Miller, a student who started his career as a Mechanic Apprentice but wanted a change of career, said of the training “I had a fear of heights but the trainer at Prontoport put me at ease and built up my trust, showing me how to use the equipment properly and helping me through the working at heights course - which I felt was my biggest hurdle for working in the industry.
“Having completed that training, I have overcome my fear and now feel more confident in going forward in the renewables industry.”
Clare Slater, Business Development Executive at Prontoport, said “We are excited to be working in partnership with Ayrshire College. With the guidance and support from our skilled and experienced trainers, we had the opportunity to equip their Wind Turbine Technician students with the necessary training and knowledge required within the renewables sector to enable them to pursue careers in the industry after successful completion of their course.
“The students were very engaging and interacted well during the training sessions and we are extremely delighted with the positive feedback received so far and strengthening our working relationship with the College. We wish the students luck on their future endeavours and look forward to welcoming the next set of students to our Training Academy.”
Ewan Granger, Curriculum Manager for Construction and Trades at Ayrshire College, said “Ayrshire College has been very happy with the quality of service provided by Prontoport. We look forward to seeing the relationship that we have developed with them flourish in the future.”