Occupational mapping for offshore wind

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

Senior Authorised Person
The primary function of a Senior Authorised Person is to maintain the safety of persons working on or near a high-voltage electrical network and ensure compliance with the project HSE rules and local legislation. They oversee HV electrical installations to turbines, offshore substations and 132kV submarine cables as well as onshore cable systems and new onshore substation, and the safe construction of grid connections, onshore substations and associated HV plant and equipment.

This role typically requires at least five years' experience of working on high voltage equipment.

This occupation requires work to be undertaken both onshore and offshore.

Feeder occupations

Electrical Engineer

Electrical Project Engineer

Commissioning Engineer

An appropriate occupation with Autorised person status
View the full occupational profile >
High Voltage Cable Engineer
A High Voltage Cable Engineer in offshore wind plays a crucial role in designing, planning, and managing the complex cable systems that transmit electricity from offshore wind turbines to onshore power grids. Their primary purpose is to ensure the efficient and reliable transmission of power generated by offshore wind farms, which is essential for the viability and success of these renewable energy projects.

These engineers are responsible for overseeing the entire lifecycle of offshore power cables, from conceptual design and functional specification to detailed engineering, installation, and integrity management. They conduct critical assessments while assessing clearance from adjacent structures. Additionally, they work closely with cable manufacturers to procure the most robust and low-risk cable solutions, considering the full function and lifecycle of the cable system.

Feeder occupations

Cable Installation Technician/Supervisor

Electrical Technician
View the full occupational profile >
Electrical Project Engineer
An Electrical Project Engineer in offshore wind plays a crucial role in designing, implementing, and managing electrical systems for wind farm projects. They are responsible for overseeing the entire electrical infrastructure, from initial planning and design to installation and grid connection. This includes creating milestone plans for high-voltage connections, developing technical requirements, and assessing electrical designs for both onshore and offshore components.

These engineers are tasked with ensuring the quality and compliance of electrical systems, managing budgets, and coordinating with various stakeholders such as clients, suppliers, and regulatory bodies. They are involved in the tender process for key electrical components, establish accurate CAPEX and planning schedules, and integrate Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) requirements into all project activities.

Feeder occupations:

Junior Electrical Engineer

Wind Turbine Technician
View the full occupational profile >
SCADA Engineer
A SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) engineer in offshore wind plays a crucial role in designing, implementing, and managing the systems that monitor and control wind farm operations. They are responsible for developing and maintaining the SCADA infrastructure that collects real-time data from various components of offshore wind turbines, including wind speed, turbine speed, temperature, and power output.

The SCADA engineer ensures that the complex data generated by offshore wind farms is interpreted and presented in a way that allows operators to make informed decisions. They work on integrating different vendors' systems into a single, high-level platform, providing essential information to wind farm operators and enabling remote monitoring and control.

Feeder occupations:

SCADA Systems Analyst

SCADA Technician

Automation and Controls Engineering Technician
View the full occupational profile >
Marine Ecologist
A marine ecologist in offshore wind is responsible for providing expertise to contribute to the various types of environmental impact assessments that are required during the development phase of offshore wind farms. They assess the potential effects of the wind farm on sea floor (benthic) marine life, fish, shellfish, and marine mammals. Their work involves both onshore and offshore activities, with offshore tasks typically including collecting survey data on vessels at the development site.

Marine ecologists play a crucial role in understanding and mitigating the ecological consequences of offshore wind farms. They employ various technologies and methods, such as autonomous underwater vehicles, satellite remote sensing, and digital video aerial surveys, to investigate how the expansion of offshore wind infrastructure affects oceanographic processes and marine biodiversity.

Feeder occupations:

Laboratory Technician

Marine Biology Technician
View the full occupational profile >
Wind Turbine Technician (Installation)
A Wind Turbine Technician involved in installation plays a crucial role in setting up new wind turbines. Their responsibilities include assisting engineers and ironworkers in installing wind turbines, which involves fitting electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic equipment. This process requires a strong understanding of the structural, mechanical, and electrical systems of wind turbines. Technicians must also inspect the exterior and physical integrity of wind turbine towers to ensure they are properly aligned and secured for operation. Installation tasks may take place both onshore and offshore, depending on the project location.

During the installation phase, Wind Turbine Technicians are responsible for ensuring that all components are correctly assembled and functioning as intended.

Feeder occupations:

Installation Support Technician

Pre-Assembly Support Technician
View the full occupational profile >
Seafarer
A seafarer in the UK offshore wind industry plays a critical role in supporting the construction, operation, and maintenance of offshore wind farms. As an experienced member of the deck crew, the seafarer undertakes diverse responsibilities to ensure the safety and efficiency of vessel operations. Key duties include standing watch, assisting with navigation, and maintaining safety protocols under the guidance of officers. Practical tasks involve ropework, mooring, anchoring, and handling cargo, as well as operating deck machinery and lifting equipment. ABs are also trained to respond to emergencies, such as fire-fighting, first aid, and survival craft operations. Their work often requires adherence to strict safety standards and international maritime regulations to protect both personnel and the marine environment.

Feeder occupations:

Ordinary seafarer

Deckhand
View the full occupational profile >
Regulatory Advisor
A Regulatory Advisor in the offshore wind industry plays a crucial role in navigating the complex legal and regulatory landscape surrounding offshore wind projects. They provide expertise on compliance with marine spatial planning regulations, environmental standards, and sustainability requirements. These professionals are responsible for ensuring that developers meet both national and international obligations while securing legal rights for offshore wind farm locations through processes like seabed leasing from the Crown Estate.

Additionally, Regulatory Advisors engage with stakeholders to understand industry challenges and opportunities, provide thought leadership, and help advance messaging for industry organisations. Their work involves advising on industry performance and delivery, liaising with technical professionals and subject matter experts.

Feeder occupations:

Environmental Consenting Specialist
View the full occupational profile >

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 >