As the wind industry continues to grow, so does the demand for skilled technicians to handle the installation, maintenance, and efficiency optimisation on wind farms globally. Supporting these technicians requires a robust back-office support team to ensure seamless project execution. That’s where our Operations Team plays a crucial role, providing the foundation for successful project delivery.
We recently sat down with Dan, who originally joined GEV Wind Power’s UK/EU division as a Junior Project Coordinator to learn about his career progression into a fully established Project Coordinator within the back-office team. Continue reading to learn about his personal journey into the wind industry, and his advice for other individuals looking to pursue a similar path.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background
My name is Dan, and I started my career almost 2 years ago with the UK/EU Operations team at GEV as a Junior Project Coordinator. Alongside my professional interests, I have always had a passion for aviation and I am currently in the final stages of gaining my private pilot’s license. When applying for job roles, I always knew I would be looking for something unique and interesting that would fit with my interests as well as my future goals. I think the wind industry gives me just that.
Not only does my role tie in with my previous studies in Geography, which places increasing emphasis on the environment and how we tackle it, but it also relates closely to aviation, especially in the complex engineering behind the machines we work on as a business. It’s safe to say the passion and fascination I have for aviation has translated across to my work in supporting wind energy generation which helps make each day unique and interesting and gives me the drive to keep progressing towards my professional goals.
How did you begin your career at GEV Wind Power and what did the progression pathway look like?
Before starting at GEV, I had followed the conventional path of completing my GCSEs and then taking A-Levels in Physics, Geography, and Business Studies. However, instead of going to University, I decided to look for a career opportunity with a business that interested me and would support me in my personal progression.
I knew I wanted to progress in project and operational management which is why I jumped at the opportunity to apply for the role of Junior Project Coordinator in 2023 with GEV Wind Power. Upon researching the company and its global business interests, I realised that a job at GEV could give me the personal career development I was looking for due to its position as a market leader in the growing wind industry.
Starting out as Junior Project Coordinator was the ideal level for me to kickstart my career and allowed me to use my existing traits and skills to quickly learn and progress within the role with help from the wider operations team. When I joined at 19, I was shy and uncertain, but the support and training that was offered by the team at GEV was exceptional and gave me the confidence to ask questions and learn about all aspect of the role and industry. This allowed for personal development and a huge boost in confidence as I strived towards the role of project coordinator.
Once I completed a full year at GEV in the Junior role and showcased my competence to confidently undertake the roles and responsibilities required, I was promoted to the role of Project Coordinator.
Looking ahead into the future, I am aiming to become a fully established Project Manager which is the natural step-up from Project Coordinator. Understanding my aspirations, GEV recently started sponsoring me through a project management degree course which will give me the knowledge and understanding to accelerate the progression towards the next level. I look forward to what the future holds with the business.
Tell us a little bit about your current role.
In my current role as Project Coordinator, I am directly involved in the planning and successful execution of projects from start to finish. This involves engaging with internal stakeholders and organising projects to allow our in-field technicians to complete their repair and maintenance tasks for our customers with adherence to time, cost, and quality expectations.
When a project is up and running, communication is key in the role. Keeping the client informed on a regular basis using structured reporting methods is vital to alert them to progress, setbacks and to manage expectations at every stage of the project. The internal members of a project must also be kept up to date and given the information they need to keep the project running smoothly.
Additionally, a project coordinator must possess excellent organisational and time management skills. Knowing which tasks to prioritise and how to complete them in an efficient manner is key to staying organised and maintaining structure in the fast-paced environment of coordinating multiple projects during our busiest months.
How have you found working at GEV/ what do you enjoy most?
Working for GEV and in the wind turbine maintenance industry as a whole has been a fascinating way to start a career in project management. I couldn’t ask for a better environment to learn the trade of project management as it offers unique challenges and opportunities to put your learned skills to the test which can be incredibly rewarding when everything is going to plan. I will say that the learning curve has been steep, however, this never felt daunting due to the support on offer from everyone involved at GEV. There is always a culture of helping your colleagues wherever possible.
What advice would you give to those interested in starting with GEV Wind Power?
There are no stupid questions! When I first joined the business there was a lot to learn, there are numerous systems and processes we use to do our jobs, the industry specific knowledge of the services we offer and the various requirements and regulations that come with operating in the sector. It’s impossible to have all the answers from the start, but if you show a willingness to learn and develop you will soon pick things up. I can’t reiterate enough that everyone in the team is happy to support you in gaining the knowledge, providing the training, and offering the ongoing support needed to do the job to a high standard and to progress.
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For those looking to kick start their career in wind, GEV Wind Power is currently on the lookout for an enthusiastic Junior Project Coordinator to join our growing team based at our UK Headquarters. If you are interested in finding out more about the role reach out to GEV today.
You can also follow GEV Wind Power on LinkedIn to stay up to date with the latest industry news.
