Nine former Ron Dearing UTC students have begun their careers with global wind power leader Siemens Gamesa.
The company, a Founding Partner of Ron Dearing UTC, has employed seven apprentices from the school over the previous two years and a further nine Wind Turbine Technician apprentices this year, taking the total number of former UTC students employed since 2019 to 16.
This year’s intake are learning how to install offshore wind turbines across the globe in a three-and-a-half year Maintenance and Operations Engineering Technician apprenticeship, with initial theory and practical training completed at the Humber Energy Skills Training Academy (HESTA) in west Hull.
The apprentices will then move on to various sites for further hands-on experience with the business’ service teams and have the opportunity to work in places as far flung such as Taiwan, Japan and the United States in the future.
Tabitha Argent, 18, who studied Double Engineering and Chemistry at Ron Dearing UTC, said: “I’m so proud to have this opportunity because I knew I wanted to work offshore since Year 10. The chance to travel with this job really appeals to me and I’d like to work my way up within the business.
“Everyone has been really welcoming and the training the business offers is excellent. I also like the challenge of it being a traditionally male-dominated industry.
“Being the only female apprentice shows it can be done and women can succeed in this industry just as much as men. I’m excited for the future.”
Isaac Blain, 18, who studied Maths, Physics and Single Engineering at Ron Dearing UTC, said: “This apprenticeship is a really good mix of theory and practical learning and I’m gaining a good understanding of how the industry works.
“Travelling for work in the future will mean seeing the world, broadening my horizons and experiencing different cultures, which is a very attractive element of this apprenticeship.
“Working with the Ron Dearing UTC employer partners really helped to build relationships and think about career options.”
Lee Drury, Construction Operations Manager at Siemens Gamesa, said the students have settled in well and are enthusiastic and motivated.
He said: “They’re really keen to learn the electrical and mechanical skills they’ll need in the future.
“Eventually, they’ll be able to carry out all the completion works and operational checks when a wind turbine is installed at sea, ensuring all components work, the required software is in place for the turbine computers and carry out functional checks of electronic and hydraulic systems.
“We have a fantastic relationship with Ron Dearing UTC. Working for us is an excellent opportunity for the students because this is a growing industry and they can gain a qualification as an electrician while working within renewables.”