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Occupational mapping for offshore wind

04/06/25

4 June 2025 - Offshore Wind Industry Council and Energy & Utility Skills joint resource

The Offshore Wind Industry Council’s (OWIC) People and Skills Plan commits to mapping occupational pathways particularly in relation to critical and scarce roles throughout the programme lifecycle from design, planning, manufacture, construction and operations.

OWIC has worked in partnership with Energy & Utility Skills (EU Skills), who led a series of industry engagement sessions to create the profiles.

Each profile includes:

  • Narrative description of the occupation
  • Salary range
  • Description of entry pathways for new entrants and experienced workers
  • A descriptions of the main tasks and duties of the role
  • Routes to competence across the UK, considering variations in the devolved nations, focussing on apprenticeships, qualifications, industry schemes and National Occupational Standards
  • Mapping of tasks/duties to units of learning from each identified route to competence
  • Progression and feeder occupations
  • A short summary of supply and demand issues for the occupation

There are a number of other roles in high demand across the sector where occupational profiles have not been produced, on the assumption other institutions and professional bodies have produced such profiles. These include welding and fabrication, Lab technicians, geoscientist, geography and geologists, planning advisers, electrical engineers, project management, mechanical engineering, and data analysts.

Occupational profiles

  • High Voltage Technician

    A High Voltage Technician in offshore wind plays a crucial role in ensuring the safe and efficient operation of wind turbines and their associated electrical systems. Their primary purpose is to conduct electrical tests, perform maintenance, and troubleshoot issues related to high voltage equipment on offshore wind farms.​

    These technicians are responsible for connecting high voltage terminations, operating specialized equipment, and leading high voltage activities as team leads. They work on various components, including transformers, switchgears, and cables, to maintain the integrity of the electrical systems that transmit power from offshore wind turbines to onshore grids.​

    Feeder occupations

    Wind Turbine Technician​

    View the full occupational profile >

  • Commissioning Engineer

    A Commissioning Engineer in offshore wind plays a crucial role in ensuring the successful installation, testing, and operation of wind turbine systems and associated infrastructure. Their primary purpose is to oversee and coordinate the commissioning activities, verifying that all equipment is installed correctly, functions as intended, and meets safety and performance standards.

    These engineers are responsible for conducting functional tests, integrating and synchronizing various systems, and troubleshooting any issues that arise during the commissioning process. They work closely with stakeholders, including project managers, contractors, and client representatives, to ensure that commissioning activities are completed on schedule and in accordance with project requirements.

    Feeder occupations:

    • Electrical/Mechanical Project Engineer​
    • Structural/substation Engineer​
    • Design Engineer

    View the full occupational profile >

  • Control Room Engineer

    A Control Room Engineer in offshore wind plays a crucial role in monitoring and managing the performance of offshore wind farms. They are responsible for overseeing the safe and efficient operation of wind turbines, electrical systems, and associated infrastructure. Using sophisticated Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, these engineers monitor real-time data on turbine output, system parameters, and overall wind farm performance.

    Control Room Engineers coordinate maintenance activities, manage the work release system, and ensure compliance with safety protocols. They are the central point of contact for offshore personnel, vessel coordination, and emergency response. Additionally, they interface with the National Grid, providing advance notice of anticipated electricity output and updating generation data as needed

    Feeder occupations:

    • Control Room Operator​
    • Control Room Technician​
    • Field Service Technician/Engineer​
    • Junior Control Room Operator/Assistant

    View the full occupational profile >

  • Environmental Consenting Specialist

    An Environmental Consenting Specialist in the offshore wind industry plays a crucial role in managing the complex process of obtaining necessary permits and approvals for offshore wind farm projects. They work closely with project teams to oversee environmental impact assessments (EIAs), habitat regulations assessments (HRAs), and other required studies to ensure compliance with national and international regulations.

    These specialists are responsible for coordinating and supporting the development of consent applications, managing stakeholder engagement, and providing strategic advice to clients on environmental and regulatory matters.

    Feeder occupations:

    • Consent Advisor
    • Consents Co-ordinator
    • Marine Biologist
    • Environmental Consultant
    • Junior Environmental Consultant
    • Assistant Environmental Planner

    View the full occupational profile >​

  • Wind Turbine Technician (O&M)

    A Wind Turbine Technician (O&M) is responsible for ensuring the efficient and safe operation of wind turbines in wind farms. These professionals conduct routine inspections and perform maintenance tasks on mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic components. They work at heights, often in challenging weather conditions, to inspect turbine components, including towers, blades, and nacelles. O&M technicians also operate wind turbines during start-up, shutdown, and emergency conditions, adhering to strict safety protocols and environmental procedures.​

    Wind Turbine Technicians play a crucial role in maximising the performance and longevity of wind energy systems. They analyze turbine operation data and conduct preventative maintenance to avoid costly repairs.​

    Feeder occupations:

    Service Support Technician​

    View the full occupational profile >

  • Wind Turbine Troubleshooter

    Wind Turbine troubleshooter plays a crucial role in ensuring the optimal performance and efficiency of wind turbines. Their primary responsibilities include diagnosing and repairing faults in mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic components of wind turbines. This involves conducting routine inspections and troubleshooting to identify issues with components such as rotor blades, generators, and control systems. Technicians must be skilled in using tools and equipment relevant to turbine maintenance and possess a strong understanding of safety protocols, as they often work at heights and in confined spaces. They also collaborate with other technicians and engineers to implement corrective and preventive solutions, contributing to the overall reliability and efficiency of the turbines.​

    Feeder occupations:

    • Wind Turbine O&M Technician ​
    • Wind Turbine Installation Technician​
    • Commissioning Technician​
    • Electrical Repair Technician​

    View the full occupational profile >

  • QHSE Manager

    The role of a QHSE (Quality, Health, Safety, and Environment) Manager in the offshore wind industry can vary from employer to employer - with varying degrees of emphasis on the three main aspects of the role - quality, health & safety, and environment (which may also include sustainability).

    A Quality, Health, Safety and Environment (QHSE) Manager has overall responsibility for ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and standards for the entire lifecycle of the project both onshore and offshore. A QHSE Manager is responsible for assessing and monitoring safety performance for the project and implementing improvement plans for all departments and personnel.

    Feeder occupations:

    • HSE Advisor
    • Wind Turbine Technician
    • Project Engineer
    • Construction Manager

    View the full occupational profile >​

  • Subsea ROV Operator

    A subsea ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) operator in the UK offshore wind industry plays a crucial role in various aspects of wind farm development, maintenance, and operations. These skilled technicians control ROVs from vessels or offshore platforms to perform underwater tasks that are often too dangerous for human divers. Their responsibilities include conducting site surveys, debris clearance, unexploded ordnance detection, and providing support during foundation installation. ROV operators also carry out visual inspections of underwater structures, monitor scour and cable touchdown points, and measure cathodic potential.

    The job of an ROV operator involves assembling, testing, and preparing ROV systems, as well as launching and controlling the vehicles.

    Feeder occupations:

    • Electrical/Mechanical Project Engineer
    • Structural/substation Engineer
    • Design Engineer

    View the full occupational profile >