MMA training helps fuel the future of renewable energies

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October 26, 2021

Massachusetts Maritime Academy (MMA)

Record growth continues for renewable energy sources, with offshore wind (OSW) having nearly quadrupled in size over the past decade. The US Department of Energy estimates that 43,000 new jobs will be created in the offshore wind market by 2030. The growth potential is exponential. There are 15 projects in the US offshore pipeline that have reached the authorization phase, and eight states have set targets for the supply of offshore wind energy totaling 39,298 MW by 2040.

This expanding source of energy cannot support its growth and viability without stringent safety measures and top-notch training for the people who will be building the infrastructure for the developing OSW industry. Wind farm developers make it clear that anyone working on their sites should undergo Basic Safety Training (BST).

Massachusetts Maritime Academy (MMA) is at the forefront of developing facilities and programs focused on these critical needs. In 2018, MMA received funding from the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center to build a Global Wind Organization (GWO) training center at the Academy’s Maritime Center for Responsible Energy (MCRE). The GWO Training Center consists of a Waterside Crew Transfer Training Center (CTTF), a 25ft Crew Transfer Training Vessel and a training for working at height. In late 2019, MMA began offering the globally recognized GWO BST at its Cape Cod campus, becoming the first facility in the country to offer all five GWO BST modules for offshore wind.

The GWO BST course, developed and offered in partnership with RelyOn Nutec, an established leader in the offshore wind industry, consists of five modules: working at height, first aid, fire awareness, manual handling and survival at sea. are taught by MMA instructors whose objective is to make participants aware of the dangers encountered when working in the wind industry and how to control and mitigate these dangers.

MMA has already trained over 120 people in key skills that help workers keep safety in mind and prepare them for the dangers they may face. One of the first organizations to benefit from MMA training is Local 56 Pile Drivers and Divers, the marine construction local of the North Atlantic States Carpenters Union. The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center is sponsoring the participation of members of Local 56 with a Workforce Development Grant of $ 100,000. The North Atlantic States Carpenter Training Fund (NASCTF) co-sponsored the training with an additional $ 50,000. So far, 39 members have completed the course, including three at instructor level, with another 24 expected to attend in October and November.

In addition, 24 members of the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Ironworkers Local 7 (Boston) and Local 37 (Providence) as well as employees from Vineyard Wind, Orsted, Dominion Energy, GE and Siemens Gamesa all participated. in basic GWO safety training at MMA.

The training includes both classroom exercises and practical exercises. Participants gain knowledge and confidence by learning the practical skills they need through practice. Students learn how to properly use personal protective equipment, emergency equipment and procedures, with the end result being the ability to respond appropriately in an emergency.

Every group that took the training was exceptional. Participants are highly trained professionals who understand the importance of security in this industry. It is the honor of MMA to help them prepare for the next phase of their careers.

To learn more about the Offshore Wind training at Massachusetts Maritime Academy, visit here.

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