The onshore wind industry in the UK is set for some exciting changes in the coming years, as the UK continues to be a world leader in the production of wind energy. With great growth comes great opportunities for onshore wind turbine technicians looking to enhance their skillset and take their careers to the next level; we have a huge variety of work available across some of the largest onshore windfarms in the UK with some fantastic benefits available, so if you are looking for a new opportunity in the UK onshore wind industry with Boston Energy, head to our vacancies page to see what we have to offer!
One Wind Turbine Technician who joined Boston Energy through our Armed Forces recruitment scheme in 2022, Pip Hamilton, started out as a Basic Technician working onshore with Boston Energy. Since then, Pip has excelled in his career and has recently progressed onto become a Level 5 Maintenance Technician – with views to progress further into a Level 6 Troubleshooter position. Pip delves into his experience transitioning from the military and working onshore with Boston Energy in our latest article, happy reading!
Hello! Firstly, congratulations on your new role! Could you start by telling us a bit about your journey in the wind industry up to now? How did you get to where you are today?
My time in the Military was drawing to an end, with only a few months remaining, I reached out to Boston Energy’s lead recruiter on the 26th of May. After receiving great support and guidance, I was directed to Boston Energy’s web to apply for the “Ex-Military transition to wind” role. Only a few days later on the 31st of May I was selected for a pre-screening where I was asked a few questions and was given the opportunity to ask any questions that I might have had which I appreciated massively.
A successful screening gained my spot at the formal interview open day at Boston Energy’s office at Norwood House on the 16th of June. The open day was a very relaxed atmosphere as all the staff in the office are very friendly and welcoming. After a day of introductions, questions and interviews, I left the office with a buzz almost as felt that all the questions I had were answered thoroughly and I had a greater understanding of what was potentially ahead of me. 4 days later I had received an offer letter on the 20th of June, I would begin training for a Basic technician on the 11th of July which gave me the time to tie up my time in the Military formally and prepare for my new career.
All the GWO training I received was completed at Boston Energy’s dedicated training facility at Norwood House and Siemens Gamesa Training Centre, in just a few short weeks I was ready to begin working on a wind turbine for the first time. My first day on site was the 9th of Aug where I was put straight into a service campaign on Siemens Gamesa MK1 D3 3.4MW DD turbine, where I realised, I had a lot of transferable skills to make the job a lot easier to pick up.
Starting as a Basic Technician, I took me just less than 2 months to gain Competent Technician, this was achieved on the 26th of Sept. I didn’t want to stop there; wanting to progress and continue learning I continued gaining experience to fill my portfolio. I was ready to up-skill to Maintenance Technician just before Christmas 2022, with confirmation from the Service Manager on the 23rd of Dec. With full support from site and Boston Energy I was put on the earliest possible courses and gained Maintenance Technician status on the 5th of Apr.
What made you choose a career in wind energy?
I choose a career in the wind industry as I wanted a new challenge coming away from the Military, I wanted to make a difference and help create a greener future.
What will your new role involve? What are you most looking forward to?
As a Maintenance Technician my role will see me leading a team, taking control of the wind turbine and having overall responsibility for the work being carried out. I’m looking forward all of these opportunities as I will be able to pass on the skills I have developed since joining Boston Energy.
What made you choose a career with Boston Energy?
As my time in the Military was drawing to an end, I always had a passion to get into the wind industry. With this, I took myself to LinkedIn. Time and time again one company was highly recommended above many others and that company was Boston Energy. Boston Energy is not only passionate about giving ex-service leavers a chance to get into the wind industry, they area also dedicated to providing all of their wind technicians the opportunity to progress.
Would you recommend Boston Energy and why?
Yes, I would recommend Boston Energy to anyone that was looking at working within the wind industry. Boston Energy is a highly regarded company amongst many OEM companies. Additionally, as an employee you will feel part of a family rather than a number. The staff here at Boston Energy are very friendly, supportive and approachable.
What would you say to someone looking to begin a career in the wind industry?
The wind industry is massive and only getting bigger and better. The technology is always improving with bigger turbines getting developed all the time. Therefore, the opportunities within wind, especially onshore, are endless. If someone was looking to get into the wind industry, just give it a chance and you might just find it’s the making of you.
Are you looking to transition to a career in the wind industry from the military? If you would like to know more about Boston Energy’s Armed Forces recruitment head to our website page.
If you would like to join the Boston Energy team and enhance your onshore career, check out the latest available roles we have on our vacancies page!
And to stay up to date with the latest jobs, news and recruitment events at Boston Energy, be sure to follow us on Linkedin, Facebook and Instagram!
