A GWO (Global Wind Organisation) training certification can open doors to exciting and lucrative careers in Australia’s booming wind energy industry. With the rising demand for renewable energy, there is an increasing need for skilled GWO-certified technicians and trainers across the country. This blog post will explore 7 high-paying roles you can pursue with a GWO certification.
Overview of GWO Certification
The GWO is an internationally recognised organisation that provides standardised safety training for technicians working in the wind turbine industry. The training covers topics like first aid, manual handling, fire awareness, working at heights, and sea survival. By completing GWO-approved courses and exams at an accredited training provider, you can obtain certifications that are valid for 2 to 5 years. This certification demonstrates you have the required skills and knowledge to work safely on-site at wind farms.
GWO training leads to certifications like:
- Basic Safety Training
- Basic Technical Training
- Blade Repair Training
- Advanced Rescue Training
These certifications open up roles in wind turbine operation, inspection, maintenance, construction, and more. Let’s look at 7 rewarding careers you can pursue with GWO training.
#1 Wind Turbine Technician
Average Salary: $85,000 AUD
Wind turbine technicians install, maintain, and repair wind turbines. Key responsibilities include:
- Performing preventive maintenance and fault diagnosis on wind turbine equipment
- Replacing and repairing parts like generators, gearboxes, blades
- Carrying out inspections and testing
- Maintaining maintenance logs and documentation
- Ensuring turbines meet health and safety standards
The minimum requirement is a GWO Basic Safety Training certification. Additional Technical Training courses in areas like working at heights, first aid, and manual handling are preferred.
#2 Wind Turbine Site Manager
Average Salary: $120,000 AUD
Site managers oversee the daily running and maintenance of wind farm sites. Their main duties involve:
- Managing teams of wind turbine technicians
- Planning and scheduling maintenance work
- Coordinating logistics like equipment, access, permits
- Managing budgets and supervising contractors
- Liaising with stakeholders and officials
- Ensuring compliance with regulations and GWO safety standards
Candidates require GWO certifications supplemented by strong leadership, project management, and health and safety skills.
#3 Wind Turbine Construction Supervisor
Average Salary: $110,000 AUD
Construction supervisors manage onsite assembly and installation activities. Their responsibilities include:
- Coordinating transportation of turbine components
- Overseeing crane operations, lifting, and positioning
- Supervising installation of towers, nacelles, blades
- Verifying electrical wiring, hydraulics, braking systems
- Managing teams of technicians and contractors
- Adhering to construction plans, specifications, and GWO protocols
The role requires GWO Basic Safety Training plus supervisor credentials and proven construction expertise.
#4 Wind Farm Health & Safety Officer
Average Salary: $90,000 AUD
Health and safety (H&S) officers ensure safe work practices across wind farm sites. They have various accountabilities including:
- Conducting safety audits and inspections
- Identifying hazards and assessing risks
- Recommending control measures and improvements
- Investigating incidents and accidents
- Maintaining H&S records and statistics
- Delivering GWO and other safety training
- Monitoring compliance with regulations and guidelines
The position requires formal H&S qualifications as well as GWO certifications for credibility.
#5 Wind Turbine Service Technician
Average Salary: $75,000 AUD
Service technicians conduct scheduled maintenance and repairs on wind turbines. Their main tasks involve:
- Testing and diagnosing faults in components
- Replacing worn or defective parts
- Performing routine servicing as per manufacturer guidelines
- Calibrating control systems and sensors
- Completing maintenance checklists and logs
- Working safely at heights using GWO training
Candidates need trade qualifications in electrotechnology or mechanics, GWO certification, and experience maintaining industrial machinery.
#6 Wind Farm Commissioning Engineer
Average Salary: $115,000 AUD
Commissioning engineers lead pre-operational testing and start-up of wind farms. Their key duties include:
- Inspecting turbines and electrical infrastructure
- Overseeing installation completion and calibration
- Running power generation tests
- Finalising commissioning documentation
- Managing teams during commissioning phase
- Ensuring compliance with grid codes, standards, and safety protocols
A degree in engineering, GWO certification, knowledge of wind turbines, and commissioning experience are required.
#7 Wind Farm Trainer
Average Salary: $95,000 AUD
GWO trainers facilitate safety training and competency assessments for wind farm technicians. Their main responsibilities are:
- Delivering GWO Basic Safety Training and Technical Training courses
- Teaching modules in first aid, manual handling, firefighting etc.
- Conducting written and practical skills assessments
- Maintaining training records
- Staying up-to-date with the latest GWO standards
- Ensuring training quality and compliance
Candidates require relevant GWO instructor qualifications as well as strong presentation and interpersonal skills.
Getting Your GWO Certification
There are many accredited training centers across Australia offering GWO certification courses, But Vertical Horizonz is the best among them for those seeking careers in wind energy. The training involves both theoretical coursework and intensive practical exercises. Upon completing the training modules and passing exams, you will receive certification that is valid internationally. Investing in GWO credentials can propel your career and enable you to qualify for these highly rewarding wind turbine jobs with strong salary prospects.
Conclusion
A Global Wind Organisation (GWO) certification is your passport to a bright future in Australia’s expanding wind power industry. The roles outlined above like wind turbine technician, health and safety officer, commissioning engineer and trainer offer competitive salaries along with exciting challenges. If you are searching for meaningful work in renewable energy, upskilling with GWO training is a smart move. So pursue a certification that turns your passions into a prosperous career!