MILITARY
There are a growing number of veterans in roles across the industry and the newly established Military Working Group is looking at how best to support the transition for former military personnel identifying the challenges service leavers face when trying to find employment in the offshore wind industry, and develop mechanisms and initiatives that aim to address them; helping the industry understand the benefits veterans can bring to the offshore wind industry and offer easily accessible advice and guidance to service leavers to educate on the opportunities that exist within the industry. A LinkedIn group has been established to develop a network of ex-military in the industry with the primary aims of providing informal mentoring for serving, service-leavers and veterans that are considering a career in offshore wind, supporting newcomers into the industry, and then helping veterans stay in the industry by facilitating access to opportunities.
In some companies, up to 15% of the employees working offshore are ex-military, and there is a growing number of veterans in roles across the industry in onshore roles. Many companies are committed to the Employer’s Recognition Scheme awards with a number working towards or having achieved Gold. Ask to talk to their Armed Forces Champion for advice. The offshore wind sector has committed to supporting military veterans into roles in the industry.
If considering offshore turbine technician roles, consider also looking for roles that build experience and knowledge either working on onshore turbines or onshore roles with companies supporting offshore wind operations.
Join groups such as Military in the Offshore Wind Sector on LinkedIn to build contacts, seek advice from people already in the type of roles that you might be interested and/or of similar military background. Other groups to consider include Vattenfall Military or networking groups such as Leavers’ Link.