INNOVATIVE INDUSTRY APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMME

By collaborating with Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy and the University of Hull, Aura have facilitated a ground-breaking MSc Masters Degree Apprenticeship in offshore wind energy – the first of its kind in the UK. Specially designed to equip engineers with expert knowledge and skills, the apprenticeship sets to bridge the skills gap to benefit the offshore wind sector nationally and internationally.

THE CHALLENGE

PROJECT PARTNERS

The UK is short of an estimated 20,000 engineering graduates per year

According to the EU Skills Study, the UK’s offshore wind sector is expected to need 36,000 more people by 2032. Technicians and engineers will be the most sought after.

This unique programme aims to develop these skills within the industry, allowing engineers to explore all facets of the sector and give a better viewpoint of operations – enhancing opportunities for them to develop into more senior management roles.

THE SOLUTION

PROJECT FUNDER

PROJECT LEAD:

Professor James Gilbert
Professor of Engineering,
University of Hull

Working together to create a talent pipeline for the green energy leaders of tomorrow

This ground-breaking three-year course aims to develop the next generation of technical and industry leaders to keep Britain at the forefront of the offshore wind industry. An initial cohort of eleven students are gaining practical experience through placements at three different Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy (SGRE) locations in the UK, providing skills and knowledge needed to excel within the industry.

The students will balance rigorous academic achievement with real-world application and will develop specialist knowledge of offshore wind energy technologies, methods, practices and strategy.

THE RESULTS

Industry apprenticeship programme oversubscribed over 6,000%

As the first of its kind in the UK, this programme received an astounding number of applications, with over 800 applications. Since the course began in September 2019, students are now actively benefitting, enhancing their knowledge and gaining a sound understanding of engineering principles, issues, theories and implications.

Following the successful launch of the Degree Apprenticeship, Aura and the University of Hull are now looking to share the programme with other companies in the sector to develop similar opportunities to strengthen the UK’s position as an offshore leader.

Click here for programme details.

The course also aims to promote diversity, meeting female recruitment targets and widening the composition of the offshore wind workforce.

If you would like information on degree apprenticeships for your organisation please contact us at aura@hull.ac.uk or call +44 (0)1482 464700.