Newsroom

Hurricane disrupts GWO Forum, But Key Discussions Prevail

Despite Milton’s interruptions, more than half our guests hunkered down in Orlando, resulting in a conference none of us will ever forget.

GWO and ABEEólica Build Training Pathways for Brazilian Wind Workers

Brazilian Association of Wind Energy and New Technologies, ABEEólica, has signed an MOU in strategic partnership with training standards body GWO. Tried and tested collaboration will provide certainty for all stakeholders, aligning Brazil’s safety regulations with globally recognised standards.

COP29: GWO and IRENA demonstrate workforce development plans

GWO and IRENA will initiate discussions of how global standards can best support skilled workforce development, in line with 2030 targets. Co-publication of the Jobs4RE Workforce Training Guidelines for the Wind Industry is set to follow in 2025.

Mingyang joins Global Wind Organisation

Global Wind Organisation (GWO) is pleased to announce Mingyang as its newest Leading Member.

GWO Expands Strategic Partnerships & Network Development Capacities

Meeting the needs of GWO's expanding renewable energy community is a key driver for additional Secretariat resources

Japanese Wind Technician Training Guidelines Unveiled

The next generation of wind turbine technicians have a new training pathway to follow, courtesy of guidelines presented today by the Japan Wind Power Association working with GWO.

Positioning Paper on Solar Training Launched

This GWO Positioning Paper provides an introduction to the key ambitions and terms of reference for a proposed expansion in opportunities to use a merit approach to safety & technical training in the wind industry

Pattern Energy joins Global Wind Organisation

Global Wind Organisation (GWO) is pleased to announce Pattern Energy as its newest Leading Member. Pattern Energy has 29GW worth of global development and active construction projects under way, as well as 750+ commercial solar projects completed through its affiliates.

GWO Announces Finalists for the 2024 Young Achiever and the 2024 Instructor of the Year Awards

Meet the finalists for the 2024 Young Achiever Award and the 2024 Instructor of the Year Award. Reserve your spot for the Forum 2024 now!

GWO Announces Finalists for the 2024 Training Team of the Year Award

Meet the finalists for the 2024 Training Team of the Year Award and reserve your spot for the Forum 2024 now!

Robust growth in new people training and GWO record uploads during H1 2024

Two key trends emerged in the first half of 2024: a global increase in new trainees and more training records uploaded by GWO Training Providers

GWO Releases Four Updated Standards

As part of GWO’s regular revisioning and updating of its existing standards portfolio, 24th June 2024 marks the republishing of four standards: Service Lift Standard, Basic Technical Training Standard (BTT-B), Basic Safety Training Standard (BST-FA) and Basic Safety Training Standard Refresher (BST-FAR).

Coming Soon- August Announcement of Safety & Training Awards Finalists

Read more about next steps for the “Instructor of the Year” Award and reserve your spot for the Forum 2024 now!

BayWa r.e. joins Global Wind Organisation

Global Wind Organisation (GWO) is pleased to announce BayWa r.e as its newest Leading Member. BayWa r.e.operates across 34 countries with a diverse portfolio of energy projects, including wind, solar, hybrid, and more.

Engage in Dynamic Discussions at GWO's Forum '24 in Sunny Orlando, Florida

On October 8th & 9th Global Wind Organisation will be hosting its annual Safety & Training Forum.

Introducing New Board Member: Edward Chargualaf

At the most recent GWO Annual General Assembly, three new members were elected to the Board of Directors. The important work our Board members undertake suggested this was the perfect moment to first introduce Edward Chargualaf, one of the new board members, to the wider GWO community.

Introducing New Board Member: Tove Lunde

At the most recent GWO Annual General Assembly, three new members were elected to the Board of Directors. The important work our Board members undertake suggested this was the perfect moment to first introduce Tove Lunde, one of the new board members, to the wider GWO community.

Wind Technician Training is on Track in Japan

A strategic partnership between GWO and Japanese Wind Power Association will result in new industry endorsed guidelines for wind turbine technicians

Winning Stories: Young Achiever of the Year 2022

Winning Stories from the Safety & Training Awards

Join a GWO Working Group

GWO is looking for certified training providers to support its review of standards from April 2024 to the rest of the year. Join us in shaping the future of safety standards in the global wind industry!

Winners 2022: Training Team of the Year, EMEA

Winning stories from the Safety & Training Awards 2022

Solar Training Standards Initiative launched

Global Wind Organisation and the Global Solar Council (GSC) have announced a new initiative to introduce training standards for the world’s solar PV technician workforce.

Solar Positioning Paper

Global Wind Organisation and the Global Solar Council (GSC) have announced a new initiative to introduce training standards for the world’s solar PV technician workforce.

GWO's New 'Workforce '26' Strategy Launched

The GWO General Assembly met on 21st Mar 2024 in Spain. During the busy programme GWO member representative discussed GWO Workforce '26 Strategy and elected a trio of new representatives to the Board of Directors.

General Assembly Elects New Board

The GWO General Assembly met on 21st Mar 2024 in Spain. During the busy programme GWO member representatives discussed GWO Workforce '26 Strategy and elected a trio of new representatives to the Board of Directors.

Positioning Paper on Meriting Process Launched

This GWO Positioning Paper provides an introduction to the key ambitions and terms of reference for a proposed expansion in opportunities to use a merit approach to safety & technical training in the wind industry

Winners 2022: Training Team of the Year, Northern Europe

Meet the Safety & Training Awards 2022 winners!

Winners 2022: Training Team of the Year, Americas

Meet the Safety & Training Awards 2022 winners!

Your Way to Instructor Development

Whichever route you take to improve your instructor competencies the choice remains yours

Bring your “A” game for the GWO Safety & Training Awards 2024!

Wind industry training providers from across the world will be putting their best foot forward as the GWO Safety & Training Awards 2024 get under way today.

Introducing: Instructor of the Year Award

GWO Announces WINDA Credit Price Rise, Effective 1st April 2024

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR TRAINING PROVIDERS. The credit fee for WINDA will be updated at 12:00 PM CET 1st April 24 (Copenhagen, CET). All purchases on or after that point will be at the revised levels. Credits purchased before may be redeemed according to GWO’s normal terms and conditions.

GWO Publishes New Instructor Quality (IQ) Standard

The core purpose of the IQ Standard is to introduce a structured, pedagogical guideline for instructors leading GWO training

GWO Publishes Updates to Selected Standards, Frameworks and Requirements

As part of regular maintenance of GWO’s standards suite, 4th December 2023 marks the revision of a small number of standards , the GWO Entry Level Framework (V3) along with GWO’s Requirements for Training and Requirements for Certification.

Looking back on the 2023 Safety & Training Forum

The Safety & Training Forum 2023 was GWO’s first event in the United States.151 Training Providers, Certification Bodies, Auditors, vendors, and Industry associations gathered to discuss safety training in the industry. The Forum aimed to increase engagement with North America’s Network and bring the different stakeholders to the table in a conversation about the roles standards play in the workforce challenge.

Skyborn Renewables joins Global Wind Organisation

New member Skyborn will bring its international expertise to GWO, as they work together to strive for an injury free work environment in the offshore wind industry.

North American Market Brief Forecasts Substantial Growth

The latest GWO North American Market Briefing forecasts high growth of the wind industry and the associated need for more standardised training.

GWO and JWPA sign groundbreaking MOU on Human Resource development for Japanese wind energy

The MOU, signed at the Global Offshore Wind Summit, emphasizes GWO's role in developing entry-level skills. This collaboration aims to reshape workforce development, addressing Japan's labor challenges and carbon neutrality goals. A pivotal move for the growth of Japan's wind industry, especially in offshore projects.

Korean offshore wind primed for GWO training boost

Workforce safety and training were the subject of GWO's Wind Workforce Masterclass in Busan, South Korea, where over 100 delegates witnessed strong support for international standards.

Northland Power joins Global Wind Organisation

‍• Northland Power’s 16GW offshore wind projects in construction and various stages of development globally are expected to push up demand for standardised training.

Growth Remains Strong for Wind Workforce In Latest Forecast

The GWWO reveals that over 574,000 technicians will be required by 2027. With almost 43% of these being new talent to the industry, the need for entry level safety and technical training is growing rapidly.

ACP Publishes Guidelines for Entry-level Wind Technician Training Following Collaboration with GWO

The guidelines were created in collaboration between ACP and Global Wind Organisation (GWO) and function as a US-specific version of the GWO Entry Level Framework.

Training Providers on Board with Propel your Career campaign

A new marketing toolkit is helping training providers promote the career of Wind Turbine Technician

Polish Fishermen Transition to Careers in Wind Through GWO Training

Japanese Developer Eurus Energy Joins Global Wind Organisation

• Pioneering Japanese onshore wind developer joins global safety training association. • Priorities include regional leadership and support in adoption of industry standards.

GWO Publishes Crane and Hoist Training Standard

Courses focus on safety awareness in lifting operations and are tailored for wind technicians outside scope for formal certification schemes.

First Union Training Provider in USA Certified to GWO Standards

Copenhagen Offshore Partners joins Global Wind Organisation

Offshore wind development leader declares support for industry training standards

GWO Safety & Training Forum 2023 - Registration now open

The GWO Safety & Training Forum 2023 is a unique event taking place in North America for the very first time.

Corona Update 14 - Removal of Temporary Corona Measure

Following World Health Organization advice GWO removes temporary Corona exemption

American Clean Power creates entry level training guide with GWO

The guidelines will explain how industry standard training like GWO, meet the needs of employers in North American wind energy

Introducing Bolt Tightening module with more in-depth training in BTT standard

An introduction of the Bolt Tightening Module within the GWO Basic Technical Training Standard

ENGIE Joins Global Wind Organisation

Global Wind Organisation welcomes Engie

Spring 2023 updates on BST Working at Heights, BTT and Requirements for Training and Certification.

Learn more about GWO's Standard updates and releases

Update on Standards and Releases

Dates for your calendar from May 2nd onwards

Working at Heights removed as prerequisite for Sea Survival

Note on Working at Heights as a pre-requisite for Sea Survival

GWO Members elect new Board

Eleven Board members elected with John Barrie, Vestas as chair supported by Eloy Jauregui, Acciona as Vice-Chair

Ocean Winds joins Global Wind Organisation

New member Ocean Winds will bring its international expertise to GWO, as they work together to strive for an injury free work environment in the offshore wind industry. Ocean Winds’ 15 offshore wind projects in 7 countries and across three continents are expected to push up demand for standardised training.

Impressive year for wind energy safety as GWO Trained Workforce passes 149,800

🔹2022 Annual Report shows 21% increase in GWO Active Workforce 🔹104 new training providers certified as network expands 🔹153 existing training providers broaden their GWO standards portfolio certification

Lisa Mallon steps down as Chair of Global Wind Organisation

7th February - Due to personal circumstances, GWO announces today that its Executive Committee Chair, Lisa Mallon, will step down from her role with immediate effect.

Corio joins GWO to promote best practice in offshore safety training

• Global specialist offshore wind business Corio Generation joins as leading member • Corio's growing global windfarm portfolio will increase demand for standardised training

New Irish wind techs receive funding for GWO Entry Level Training Framework

Global Wind Organisation is delighted to announce that Energy Ireland, as the promoting organisation for Green Tech Skillnet, will be adopting the new GWO Entry Level Framework for their award-winning Skills Connect Wind Turbine Technician Programme.

Vestas and EDPR get behind jobs programme in Brazil’s remote North-East

One of the defining characteristics of northeastern Brazil’s status as a prime location for wind farms is also causing problems in recruiting local talent. Now, thanks to a new programme called ‘Keep it Local’ 25 residents of Caiçara do Rio do Vento are being trained in GWO Basic Safety Training (BST) and are on the pathway to begin new careers in wind.

Wind Limited Access Standard: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

On November 1st Global Wind Organisation (GWO) releases the Wind Limited Access Standard. This new standard was developed to provide a minimum viable safety training for infrequent visitors to onshore and offshore wind turbine generators (WTG) environments when supervised by at least two GWO Basic Safety Training (BST) qualified persons.

Military transition has never been easier

GWO training programmes delivered by AIS Survivex to reskill former military personnel for the wind industry has helped army mechanic, Jack Taylor scoop a full-time renewables job with Correll Group.

US Offshore Wind pioneer Dominion Energy commits to GWO

Dominion Energy, a Fortune 500 utility company based in Richmond, Virginia, has today joined as leading member of Global Wind Organisation.

New changes into Auditor Qualification Training on January 1st

Recent changes in the GWO Requirements for Certification Bodies (Version 11) and its introduction of the multi-site certification scheme have required changes within GWO’s Auditor Qualification Training (AQT)

Safety critical updates made to seven GWO standards

GWO is today (6 December 2022), updating its advice with reference to an item in the equipment lists contained in some standard annexes. This specifically relates to GWO standards with the following codes: ART, ART-R, BST, BSTR, BSTR-P, Lift and WLA

Turbine manufacturer calls for more GWO training in Vietnam

Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy will present a compelling case for training centres to invest in standardised training as region develops substantial pipeline of on and offshore wind

Safety Technology USA adopts GWO Entry Level Framework for community college partnerships

Over 100 community colleges teach wind turbine technician programs in North America. One GWO training provider, Safety Technology (STL) USA is moving quickly to offer a new pathway into work for college students.

EDF Renewables North America partners with Riverland Community College to train wind technicians

EDF Renewables North America (EDFR) is the latest addition to the growing list of GWO training providers in the US market.

Training providers and wind energy employers take a step forward, together

The next generation of wind turbine technicians were placed front and centre at GWO’s Safety & Training Forum, as training providers and employers debated the best approach to onboard thousands of new people.

GWO Releases Wind Limited Access Standard on November 1st

Standard increases safety around supervised, infrequent WTG visitors.

New Report Highlights the Need for Standardised Safety Training for US Offshore Wind

Specialized safety training highlighted as a significant gap for offshore wind construction and O&M; More GWO Sea Survival training will be needed to safely deliver on the 30GW 2030 target; Companies will need to guide new technicians and rapidly deploy full-scope training for them to keep up with the hastening pace of construction activity.

Updated GWO Requirements for Certification Bodies Brings Important Changes Including for the Certification of Multi-site Training Providers.

Among the provisions for version 11 are: a definition of non-conformity, further provision related to GWO’s Auditor Qualification Training, clarification on the qualification process for GWO auditors, criteria for defining multi-site training providers as well as specific requirements for their certification such as the production of an internal audit plan.

GWO Announces WINDA Credit Price Alterations, Effective 1st November 2022

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR TRAINING PROVIDERS The credit fee for WINDA will be updated at 12:00 PM CET 1st November 22 (Copenhagen, CET). All purchases on or after that point will be at the revised levels. Credits purchased before may be redeemed according to GWO’s normal terms and conditions.

GWO Sea Survival Update

An update to the Sea Survival Module within the GWO Basic Safety Standard (V16) was published 1st October 2022

Updated GWO Requirements For Certification Bodies Brings Important Changes Including For The Certification of Multi-site Training Providers

The first of October 2022 saw Global Wind Organisation launch the latest version (V11) of its Requirements for Certification Bodies. This updated guidance on how certification bodies interact within the GWO community again focusses on the role of audit and certification of training providers. Among the provisions for version 11 are: a definition of non-conformity, further provision related to GWO’s Auditor Qualification Training, clarification on the qualification process for GWO auditors, criteria for defining multi-site training providers as well as specific requirements for their certification such as the production of an internal audit plan.

Winners: GWO Safety & Training Awards 2022

Global Wind Organisation welcomed training providers from across the globe for this year’s Safety & Training Awards in Copenhagen.

GWO Autumn Standards Release

GWO releases new Entry Level Framework and updates to Enhanced First Aid (EFA) Standard and Basic Safety Training Standard, Sea Survival Module (BST-SS)

Strong Prospects for Wind Technicians: More than 560,000 Technicians Needed Globally By 2026

New analysis from GWO and GWEC finds that: -Global wind power expansion will require 568,800 technicians to work on the construction, installation, operations and maintenance of wind assets by 2026 -More investment in standardised training will be crucial to attract new talent, ensure workforce safety and build sustainable careers

Wind industry creates new training profiles to drive technician recruitment

Wind energy employers are supporting the onboarding of thousands of new technicians, with a trio of simplified routes and recommended training for entry level profiles.

Two-day GWO First Aid module to remain valid until April 1 2023

Training providers certified to deliver the GWO First Aid module of Basic Safety Training are today informed that version (V14) will remain valid for use until April 1 2023. It will co-exist with version 15 that was released for use on 1st April 2022.

The Many Faces of an Entry Level Technician

Meet the ex-military personnel and oil & gas workers working in wind.

Breaking the Barriers to Entry Level Wind Careers

Exploring the training needs of entry level wind technicians

Global Wind Organisation welcomes its 500th certified training provider

The milestone represents a significant step in the endorsement of GWO safety standards across wind industry markets globally

GWO expands 2022 awards event with Safety & Training Forum

October 4th will be a special day as our community of safety and training in wind energy gathers in person for an all-new event in Copenhagen.

Corona Update 13 - Extension of temporary Corona measure

Throughout the global COVID-19 pandemic, the GWO Audit & Compliance committee has issued advisory notes communicating agreed advice, guidance and exemptions from our regular governance (requirements and standards).

GWO and GWEC sign two-year deal to power the global wind energy workforce

Global Wind Organisation (GWO) and the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) have signed a two-year partnership agreement to highlight the importance of safety, training and job creation to power wind energy development and the global energy transition. The wind energy industry is a major opportunity for countries to create high-skilled, local jobs to boost economic growth and reach their Paris Agreement goals.

Taxonomy tool kit now integrated into all GWO training standards

The taxonomy establishes a transparent and coherent framework to describe safety training characteristics, allowing for a better understanding of “what good training looks like”.

GWO releases reviewed First Aid and Manual Handling modules

The modules are reviewed in response to feedback from GWO members and 2020 workplace data from G+ which places manual handling incidents in the top three most reported injury processes.

GWO releases new Control of Hazardous Energies (COHE) training standard

The new standard focuses on risk management when working with or close to hazardous energies in the wind industry.

Taking GWO’s Safer Lift Standard To A New Level.

The GWO Lift standard brings a coherent safety training framework for wind technicians working on installing, commissioning, and maintaining lifts in WTG towers.

GE Renewables’ Lisa Mallon Elected Chair of Global Wind Organisation

- First female leader elected in GWO’s 10th Anniversary Year - New Executive Committee confirmed with cross industry representation

New GWO Executive Committee confirmed for 2022-2023

Following completion of its Annual General Meeting, the GWO General Assembly has elected and confirmed the nominations of its new Executive Committee.

GWO Safety & Training Awards returns for 2022 edition in Copenhagen

October 4th promises to be a great evening recognising the best that the GWO network has to offer in wind safety and training, save the date!

Global Wind Organisation Statement on the Russian invasion of Ukraine

Annual Report 2021: Record year for wind energy safety as GWO Trained Workforce passes 122000

Corona Advisory Note 12

Mandatory change to the Sea Survival module following incident during training

Following an incident at a training provider (in which a course participant jumped from a height of four meters and injured his back during the fall ending in hospitalisation), the GWO Audit & Compliance Committee has issued a new mandate