9th November 2023 in Operations, Press releases
- Three new apprentices join Dogger Bank Wind Farm
- Apprenticeship training for future wind farm turbine technicians started for the first time
- Represents a contribution to skills training and technical education in the UK offshore wind industry
Three new apprentices have started their training with Dogger Bank Wind Farm, based from the operations and maintenance base in South Tyneside, North East England. The apprentices are starting their training in a variety of roles, including electrical engineering and warehouse logistics.
Over the next two years, the three apprentices will be fully immersed in the operations, maintenance, and logistics of the wind farm, all while gaining the skills required for a career in the renewables sector. Each will also gain a professional qualification in their respective field.
Two apprentices will learn the skills needed to maintain the giant 260 meter tall turbines featured on the wind farm, which are located in the North Sea, more than 130km from the North East coastline, gaining a L3 MOET qualification and a foundation degree in engineering. This will include high voltage training, addressing a future skill gap and enabling the apprentices to support the first UK High Voltage Direct Current connected offshore wind farm at Dogger Bank.
Bridie Gallagher, 18, has started an apprenticeship in electrical engineering, where she will gain knowledge of the operations and maintenance of offshore wind turbines. She said “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to learn and work in the renewable energy industry, right from my hometown in South Shields. Being part of the team working on the largest offshore wind farm in the world is incredibly exciting.”
Another new starter, Jamie Edwards, age 18, started an apprenticeship in wind operations maintenance and logistics, where he will be a part of the team responsible for supplying essential components to the wind farm. He said “I was drawn to the idea of pursuing an apprenticeship because I wanted a hands-on learning experience, making this opportunity perfect for me. I am eager to begin working alongside the team and pursuing my qualifications.”
Over 2,000 jobs have been created or supported so far in the UK in relation to the construction and operation of the wind farm, including400 long-term roles created in association with the wind farm’s operations base in South Shields, England.
Mark Halliday, Operations Director at Dogger Bank Wind Farm, said: “Apprenticeships will play a crucial role in the long-term success and operation of our wind farm”
“We are committed to providing early career development opportunities. Apprenticeships offer a mutually beneficial pathway for both us and the apprentices, as they gain specialised skills and competencies that enhance their career prospects. By investing in apprenticeships, we also benefit from having highly skilled and motivated employees who can work on the Dogger Bank Wind Farm across its planned 35-year lifespan.”
Dogger Bank Wind Farm is proud to be supporting and developing talent within the industry. For more information about opportunities at Dogger Bank can be found here: https://doggerbank.com/recruitment/
26th October 2023 in Operations, Project news, Supply Chain
The second of North Star’s new offshore wind fleet, the Grampian Derwent, has been delivered ahead of schedule to the Dogger Bank Wind Farm.
The vessel was named at a ceremony at the Dogger Bank Operations and Maintenance Base at the Port of Tyne in the South Shields, England, where Sophie Banham and Emma Simpson, successfully performed the good luck ritual of smashing a champagne bottle against the ship’s hull during the traditional celebration.
Sophie Banham, who was first involved in the Dogger Bank Wind Farm in 2008, has been chosen as the ship’s godmother. Emma Simpson, daughter of Euan Simpson, Dogger Bank Marine Supervisor, has been named the goddaughter of the Alison Kay daughter craft vessel, which will be permanently stationed on the Grampian Derwent.
The name of the daughter craft honours Alison Kay, who established The People’s Kitchen in Newcastle upon Tyne as a means of providing food and hope to individuals who are homeless and sleeping on the streets of the city.
The vessel belongs to the VARD 4 12-design and is one of four that will be used for at least ten years to support operations and maintenance at the Dogger Bank Wind Farm, located 130km off the coast of Yorkshire in the North Sea. The vessel joins the Grampian Tyne vessel, which was delivered to the wind farm in June 2023.
The design provides high-quality accommodation to offshore wind turbine technicians, as well as a centralised logistics hub configured to handle cargo and act as a functioning warehouse offshore for Dogger Bank, which will become the largest offshore wind farm upon completion.
13th October 2023 in Operations, Project news, Supply Chain
Certex UK’s Great Yarmouth based Engineering Services Division has won a major framework to supply statutory inspection and maintenance services on Dogger Bank Wind Farm.
The contract covers inspection and maintenance of cranes, personnel lifts, general lifting, and safety equipment across all the wind turbines and balance of plant.
Terry Hoenes, Renewables Divisional Manager, Certex UK said: “We have a long-established history working with Equinor on the Greater Wash windfarms off East Anglia and are delighted to have been awarded the 5-year framework. Our hard work over the years providing a strong service and the work put in to produce a competitive tender have paid off and we look forward to starting work on the GE platform wind turbine, the first of its kind in the UK”.
Certex UK Engineering Services Division is part of the Lifting Solutions Group of 22 companies with over 100 locations worldwide, with the renewable energy sector largely being served to date from the UK, Taiwan, and Denmark. However, a newly launched global renewables division incorporates additional companies in Germany, Spain, France, China, and the United States, which has recently pivoted towards wind energy.
Ian Shaw, Engineering Services Divisional Manager, said:
“This is another great step forward for our Engineering Services Division, and working closely with Equinor, gives us the opportunity to introduce more new starters to the industry through our mentorship and training programmes. Equinor has always been an excellent ambassador for development of new starters which helps us to grow a sustainable skilled workforce.” Shaw added “The wider renewables industry growth is continually accelerating, and we need to ensure the supply chain and pool of skilled workers are available, to play our part in this we have developed a route to career programme covering the entry level GWO safety training at our newly accredited facility in Doncaster and the technical inspection training at our site in Great Yarmouth. We have also recently started working with ex forces resettlement agencies and look forward to introducing many more new people to a career in wind”.
9th August 2023 in Press releases, Supply Chain
Intasite, a leading provider of innovative workplace safety solutions for high hazard industries, has been contracted by Equinor to create health and safety induction content for its operations and maintenance (O&M) base at Port of Tyne, South Shields.
In a unique element of the partnership, the customised induction content also includes videos featuring the children of the employees of the world’s largest offshore windfarm in health and safety and induction videos. This approach is intended to make the health and safety information more memorable and impactful.
The Dogger Bank Wind Farm currently under construction 130km off the North East coastline, will become the world’s largest offshore wind farm once complete in 2026. Dogger Bank’s O&M base has been constructed in the Tyne Dock Enterprise Park (TDEP) as part of the Port of Tyne’s Tyne Clean Energy Park.
Intasite’s collaboration with Dogger Bank Wind Farm adds to its growing presence in the renewable energy sector, following its partnership with SeAH Wind. The company has been actively working with various renewable organisations, including SSE Renewables, EDF Renewables, Hitachi Energy, SeAH Wind, and RWE, to develop safety induction processes and create safer working environments.
By using the Stockton-based business’s platform, companies can streamline the induction process and provide comprehensive and interactive safety modules that can be completed by visitors, staff, and contractors from any desktop or mobile device. The platform also offers features such as contractor and supplier management, safety briefings, language translations, and integration with access control for enhanced security.
Intasite’s commitment to providing effective and user-friendly health and safety induction solutions has gained recognition in the UK industry. The company’s in-house production team specialises in creating health and safety induction videos, ensuring that the content is tailored to specific safety requirements and industry standards.
Digitising and streamlining the induction process with Intasite’s platform enables organisations to improve employee engagement and comprehension, reduce compliance risks, and foster a culture of safety from day one.
Danielle Croce, director at Intasite, said: “We are pleased that once again, we have confirmed Intasite as the induction provider of choice for the renewable energy sector.
“By featuring employee’s children in the videos, this will make the health and safety information more memorable and impactful.”
David Collier, Equinor SSU lead for Dogger Bank, said: “At Dogger Bank, health and safety is our top priority. By utilising Intasite’s platform, we have successfully incorporated captivating content to the induction process, being able to include the children of our own employees. By connecting our team through their loved ones, we achieve not only heightened engagement but also a greater commitment to maintaining a safe and secure work environment.”
28th July 2023 in Community News
Dogger Bank Wind Farm is enabling young people in South Tyneside and beyond to share what a career in offshore renewable energy may be like.
Five students spent a week with the Dogger Bank team, based at the wind farm’s Operations and Maintenance (O&M) base at the Port of Tyne. The work experience programme was organised by the operator of the wind farm, Equinor. The students, four from Whitburn Church of England Academy and one from George Stephenson High, spent the week attending events and workshops, including a visit to South Shields Town Hall, and meeting local dignitaries.
Tom Nightingale, Equinor North East Stakeholder Manager, said:
“We have a number of commitments towards skills in our supply chain plan, but this work experience is something we were keen to introduce, helping us go over and above our commitment and really just provide a great experience to the next generation.
“Offshore wind is helping the UK on a journey towards a greener future and there are so many opportunities for the energy supply chain, local businesses, and new start-ups. Working with the council is helping promote opportunities in green growth that can have a long-term benefit for South Tyneside residents.”
Dogger Bank Wind Farm’s base on Tyneside is a world-class O&M hub that serves as the home base for nearly 400 employees operating and maintaining what will be the world’s largest offshore wind farm once completed. When at full capacity, the wind farm will supply 5% of the UK’s electricity demand.
Councillor John McCabe, Mayor of South Tyneside said:
“Through the Dogger Bank Wind Farm Project, Operator Equinor will be creating jobs in South Tyneside for years to come, so it is important that young people know about these opportunities and can see what a career in the offshore industry entails.
“Work experience is important across all sectors and career paths, and one of the key areas that our South Tyneside Pledge organisations are supporting us with.
“South Tyneside Council engages with local schools and supports businesses by offering work experience, and we would encourage anybody interested to sign the pledge and commit to supporting careers programmes in the borough.”
The South Tyneside Pledge is for all organisations in South Tyneside, big or small, public, or private, to commit to small steps to boost the local economy and reduce health inequality. The Council is hoping that more companies will sign up to create work experience opportunities for young people in the borough.
George Stephenson student, Joshua Blake, said:
“I am a huge believer and advocate for renewable energy, and have learned this week that the transition from oil and gas dependency is not simple and will take a great deal of time and planning. It is essential we transition to cleaner energy and companies like Equinor are doing a fantastic job.
“My highlight was visiting South Tyneside Council and speaking to the Mayor. It was interesting to see how they have close links to North Tyneside Council and how they work closely with Equinor and other energy companies working towards a sustainable future.”
Gabby Smithies, from Whitburn Academy said:
“Work experience shows young adults the possibilities that exist within South Tyneside and the North East in so many different, new, and innovative companies and sectors. My work experience has opened a new industry up to me – one that I wouldn’t have thought would be available to me without this placement.
“It has been enlightening. The range of activities is wide-spanning and interesting – from networking events and marketing, tours of emergency survival facilities to the Little Inventors exhibition. There’s never a boring moment.”
Through collaboration with businesses, South Tyneside Council aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and networks to pursue rewarding careers in flourishing industries, benefiting not only the individual but also the company and further contribute to the growth and sustainability of the offshore renewables sector, playing such a vital role in the UK’s transition to a greener and more sustainable future.
Tom Nightingale, Equinor North East Stakeholder Manager, added:
“Dogger Bank Wind Farm is focused on delivering skills initiatives for all age groups and supporting young people through all stages of their learning journey. Work experience is a great opportunity for us to support the local community, providing a taster of a career in offshore wind, and we get just as much benefit and enjoyment from it as the students.”
