(from left to right) Emily van Tonder, School Coordinator from Developing the Young Workforce Shetland and Julie Graham. Viking Energy Wind Farm Community Engagement Manager both want people in Shetland to apply for the Vestas apprenticeship scheme. They are pictured in front of the Vestas turbines at Burradale Wind Farm, 5km west of Lerwick.
World leading wind turbine manufacturer, Vestas Wind Systems A/S has teamed up with the developer of the Viking Wind Farm, SSE Renewables, to offer four people the opportunity to join their apprenticeship programme.
The successful candidates would learn the valuable and sought-after skills needed to become wind turbine technicians and ultimately have the opportunity to work at Viking Wind Farm when it opens in a few years’ time. Following the recruitment of the first four apprentices in 2021, Vestas will assess the potential extension of the programme.
In August last year, it was confirmed that Vestas would supply the 103 turbines for the 443MW project – Vestas’ largest stand-alone onshore wind farm order in Europe to date.
As part of the contract Vestas entered into a long-term 30-year agreement to service the wind farm when operational, with the ambition to establish a Shetland-based service organisation providing high quality employment opportunities. The company has now begun its search for the apprentices to join that team.
"We’re pleased to be offering this exciting opportunity for some keen and enthusiastic apprentices to join us on the journey to deliver and maintain Shetland and the UK’s clean energy future through wind power.
Keith Wallace Director of Service in UK and Ireland at Vestas
We want to hear from candidates in Shetland who really want to get involved and learn a lot about our industry, whilst developing a broad range of skills for a career in a growing, globally important industry.
These are great opportunities for four deserving candidates to have a frontline role in the renewable energy industry, and we look forward to hearing from them."
"When operational, Viking will make a valuable contribution to providing Shetland, Scotland and the UK with carbon neutral renewable energy.
Julie Graham Viking Energy Wind Farm Community Engagement Manager
Vestas is offering these exciting opportunities for four people to have frontline roles in commissioning and maintaining wind turbines while making their lives in our wonderful Islands.
We can’t wait to welcome the successful candidates to the Viking Energy Wind Farm family."
Developing the Young Workforce Shetland want local people to apply for the opportunities.
"We’re keen to assist young people in Shetland to apply for these apprenticeships in any way we can.
Emily van Tonder School Coordinator from Developing the Young Workforce Shetland
We’re currently running our DYW Summer Leavers Programme, offering support with CV checks, mock interviews and e-learning opportunities and we’d be happy to help any young people who are interested in these excellent opportunities.
Our colleagues at Skills Development Scotland are also on hand to help people of any age in Shetland who would like help submitting an application for the Vestas roles."
For a full job description and to apply for the apprenticeships go to Apprentice Technician (vestas.com)
The closing date for applications is 12 August.
Developing Young Workforce – Shetland is a government funded project linking employers, schools, colleges, and young people to promote employment and career choices. Find out more via email [email protected] or through the organisation’s social media pages.
People of any age in Shetland who would like help submitting an application can contact Skills Development Scotland at [email protected].