GWO Basic Technical Training (BTT)

This is an essential technical safety qualification required by anyone seeking to work in an operational role within the wind sector. It provides an awareness of the hazards encountered when working on hydraulic, mechanical and electrical systems and how to control and reduce these hazards.

You will gain the required GWO Certification to work within this sector, which should be completed alongside the GSO Basic Safety Training.

If you are keen to work within the renewable sector, carrying out tasks on wind turbines, and ideally have some engineering background, this course will provide you with the safety knowledge and skills to perform the role.

As part of the Government’s energy security strategy, there are plans to increase wind energy fivefold by 2030 and changes to windfarm planning approval times announced in late 2022 will create huge growth and demand for skilled labour.

The Global Wind Organisation (GWO) have created a Wind Technician Entry Level Framework which provides an insight into the various careers within wind across the 3 main areas of Pre Assembly, Installation and Operations & Maintenance. Additional training routes are gradually being developed but all those planning to work in offshore and onshore wind turbine roles will require the GWO Basic Safety Training (BST). 

This GWO Basic Technical Training (BTT) industry standard course will provide you with the basic electrical, mechanical,  hydraulic and bolt tightening training to safely operate under the supervision of an experienced Technician, and is suitable for those both with and without an engineering background. Attendees will also be required to complete the Basic Safety Training (BST) for future employment.

GWO Basic Technical Training (BTT)

There are no specific eligibility criteria for the Basic Technical Training, however in order to gain employment within this area, attendees should:

• Be medically physically fit and capable of fully participating in practical training
• Be able to climb and work at heights and in confined spaces
• Have basic IT skills as you will be required to record data on tablets/ipads

Attendees completing a GWO Basic Technical Training (BTT) course will cover the following:

Electrical

• Basics of electricity
• Risks and hazards associated with electrical work
• Function and symbol of electrical components
• Function of different types of sensors
• Be able to explain and interpret a simple electrical diagram and demonstrate how to assemble it on a circuit
• Demonstrate how to make correct and safe measurements

Mechanical

• The main components, mechanical systems and the basic operation of wind turbines
• Risks and hazards associated with mechanics
• The principles of bolted and welded connections and their inspection
• Practical skills to use manual tightening and measuring tools.
• The correct use of hydraulic torque and tensioning tools
• Explain the principles of a gearbox
• Explain the function of the brake systems and demonstrate how to inspect them
• Explain the function of the yaw system and explain how to inspect it
• Explain the function of the cooling system and demonstrate how to inspect it
• Explain the function of the lubrication system and demonstrate how to inspect it

Hydraulics

• Explain the basics of hydraulics
• Explain risks and hazards associated with hydraulic work
• Explain the function of different types of pumps and demonstrate how to check start/stop pressure of a pump
• Explain the function of different types of actuators
• Explain the function of different types of valves
• Explain the function of accumulators and demonstrate how to check and pre-charge them
• Explain the function of different types of sensors
• Identify the components which transfer the oil
• Describe the handling of oil procedures
• Identify and find different components on a hydraulic diagram
• Demonstrate how to measure the hydraulic pressure accurately

Assessment & Certification

The Basic Technical Training (BTT) is assessed through Instructor observations and verbal questioning of attendees throughout the training.

Training is undertaken in a state of the art renewables training centre, providing a realistic environment for attendees.

Attendees will receive GWO certification covering GWO-BTT Electrical, Mechanical, and Hydraulic. The Basic Technical Training Certificate has no expiry, and the certification will be registered on the WINDA database on successful completion.

The renewable sector, and in particular the wind industry, is facing a period of substantial growth and opportunities exist for a variety of roles and experience levels. For example these may include:

• Wind Turbine Technician
• Entry level Technician –
  • Pre Assembly / Installation / Servicing (operations, maintenance and repair)
• High Voltage Engineer
• Site Supervisors

The Wind industry relies on recruitment from a number of sources such as networking on LinkedIn, head hunting via specialist recruitment companies and direct recruitment through the training network. CTP work with Employers to promote opportunities via RightJob, Employment Fairs and live chats, as well as highlighting industry events.

Attendees also will be informed on industry opportunities prior to and during the course. 

Attendees will also require the Basic Safety Training, which offers a guaranteed interview.