Ørsted, the world’s leading developer and operator of offshore wind farms, and OEG, a leading energy solutions company, have launched a pilot partnership to train wind turbine technician apprentices and help address the growing demand for skilled workers across the wind industry.
Under the pilot programme, OEG will become the formal employer and programme manager for 20 apprentices from Ørsted’s 2025 intake. OEG brings specialist capabilities in offshore operations and workforce services, as well as accredited technical training, making it well placed to support the development of the next generation of offshore wind technicians. Apprentices will continue studying at North Lindsey College in Scunthorpe while gaining practical experience working on Ørsted wind farms.
Over the past eight years, Ørsted has trained 75 apprentices through its apprenticeship programme, helping build the workforce needed to support the UK’s energy transition. As offshore wind expands to meet the UK Government’s clean power ambitions, demand for skilled technicians is set to grow across the industry.
To help address this growing demand and strengthen skills development across the sector, the pilot also supports recommendations from the Offshore Wind Industry Council (OWIC) to establish industry-wide apprenticeship standards. This approach will enable technicians to move more easily between companies and wind farms, supporting long-term careers across the expanding offshore wind sector. As a certified provider of Global Wind Organisation (GWO), ICATS coatings application and confined space entry training, OEG equips individuals with the practical skills and industry-recognised qualifications needed to work in the offshore energy sector.
Whilst Ørsted and OEG work together to assess this new approach, and as numbers are finalised of the technicians required for operational needs, recruitment will be unfortunately paused for new apprentices in 2026.
Through the partnership, Ørsted will continue to support programme delivery, including offshore placements, on-the-job training and practical assessments. Ørsted will also provide safeguarding support, education preparation and college liaison to help ensure apprentices receive high-quality training throughout the programme.
Coleen Forde, Head of Competency Management at Ørsted, said: “Offshore wind is growing rapidly, and the industry needs a skilled workforce to support that growth. Through this partnership with OEG, we have an opportunity to pilot a new approach to training wind turbine technicians, combining specialist training with hands-on offshore experience to help apprentices build long-term careers in the sector.”
Billy Hamilton, Topside Director at OEG, said: “OEG is proud to partner with Ørsted on this pilot programme. We look forward to working closely with Ørsted and the apprentices to deliver high-quality training that supports the development of the skilled workforce needed for the future of offshore wind.”
RenewableUK's James Lord who leads OWIC's People and Skills workstream said: “We’re delighted to see this timely pilot scheme putting OWIC’s recommendations on industry-wide training standards into practice. This will enable these apprentices to move around the offshore wind industry far more easily in their future careers.
“Apprenticeship schemes like this are vital as the wind industry’s workforce is set to double to over 110,000 within the next four years. We need to ensure we have enough highly skilled workers to fill these roles in the UK’s fast-growing clean power sector”.
The four-year apprenticeship programme will continue to be funded through Ørsted’s apprenticeship levy. At the end of the programme, apprentices will qualify as offshore wind technicians and will be able to apply for roles across the industry, including opportunities with Ørsted. The pilot will apply only to the2025 cohort and will be evaluated before any decisions are made about extending the model to future intakes.
Ørsted has selected OEG for this initiative based on a growing strategic partnership in wind turbine generator maintenance and balance of plant services. OEG has been a key part of Ørsted’s supply chain for many years, demonstrating strong capabilities and supporting the continued development of offshore resources.
Ørsted remains committed to creating pathways into the renewable energy industry and supporting the skilled workforce needed to deliver the UK’s clean energy future. Updates on future apprenticeship opportunities will be available via its website.
