New initiatives have been established by wind industry leaders as part of increasing efforts to encourage more women to pursue careers within the sector, highlighting the need for more female wind technicians within the workforce. The wind industry has quickly become one of the world’s fastest growing sectors, with a clear demand for skilled technicians in order to meet the clean energy goals across the globe.

Currently, around 5% of the offshore workforce in wind are female and 21% across the wider wind sector according to recent statistics shared by training provider, 3t Training Services (3t), highlighting the huge potential of contribution female workers could bring.

The Women in Wind initiative, led by developer Orsted and 3t Training, is the latest programme to offer full training, placements and interview opportunities for women looking to break into the industry.

The programme opened up the opportunity for 10 women to train and work in the growing wind sector with guaranteed interviews and numerous potential work placements and employment opportunities on offer.

GEV Wind Power is excited to be playing a part in supporting the initiative, collaborating alongside leading wind farm developers and supply chain companies, to welcome new talent into the field.

In this blog, we’re connecting with one of our latest valued members of the GEV technician team, Bethany, who recently graduated from the programme, to shed some light on her journey to becoming a newly qualified technician and her advice for other women wanting to kickstart a career as a wind turbine technician.

 

Tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got into the industry.

My name is Bethany, I’m 34 and have been a blade repair technician for GEV since June 2024.

I was working offshore as an assistant driller when I first saw a video of two technicians working on a blade and knew instantly it was what I wanted to do.

As soon as I was on shore leave I did my rope access training and qualified as an IRATA level 1 rope access technician. Shortly afterwards I was fortunate enough to come across the Women in Wind project run by Coleen Forde of Orsted who set up interviews for me with various companies, one being with GEV.

I used the rest of my shore leave to complete my GWO courses, including Blade Repair.
From there, I attended two days at GEV’s training turbine in Blyth with Simon Yeo (GEV Field Blade Technical Manager) who was fantastic and such a help getting me on my first project. It wasn’t long after that I received a call to say a space had opened up for a Level 1 technician which I was absolutely over the moon to accept.

What have you been up to so far in your career in wind and what has been your favourite aspect of the role?

I’m currently working on an offshore blade repair project in the North East of England with Wayne (GEV wind technician).

Wayne is absolutely fantastic to learn from, I’m confident I’ll become a good repair technician under his guidance and I’m really fortunate to be working with him.
I keep having moments when I’m on the blade, I look around and think “I can’t believe this is my job!” It’s hard to pick a favourite aspect as I’ve really enjoyed everything so far but I think I’d have to say the physicality of the job. I’m someone who likes to keep busy and to push myself mentally and physically.

 

What has been the biggest challenge for you joining the industry?

Not allowing knock backs to dampen your determination. It’s a very fast paced and competitive industry so can be quite hard getting a foot on the ladder, but you just have to keep going, keep knocking on doors and don’t give up.

 

What would you say to other women wanting to become wind turbine technicians?

Having been the first female in my last two roles in other industries, the wind industry has been a breath of fresh air. It’s a much more progressive and diverse industry than what I have experienced previously. I’ve met some fantastic women in the industry so far who have been extremely supportive, and I look forward to meeting many more.

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Over recent years, GEV Wind Power has grown substantially, in terms of our representation across 30 different countries globally, and the number of technicians we deploy annually.

We recognise the value in having a diverse team of individuals with unique skills and experiences, and how collective insights can help bring new perspectives into the wind industry.

Take a look at GEV Wind Power’s current vacancies here or follow us on LinkedIn to stay updated with the latest company and industry news.