Posted: February 21, 2019
The world’s largest rotor blade — the B75 — is now on the ground and ready to be assembled on its hub. At 75 metres long and part of a 154-metre rotor for Siemens Gamesa’s six-megawatt turbine, this milestone marks an exciting step in developing competitive technologies for the offshore wind farms of the future.
Behind this innovation is over three decades of Siemens expertise in both gearless turbines and rotor blade design. But just as crucial as technology is the skilled workforce needed to deliver the clean energy transition — and that’s where North Lindsey College comes in.
As the leading provider of apprenticeships in the region, North Lindsey College (part of DN Colleges Group) has a proven track record of working across industries to meet employer needs, including successfully running the British Steel apprenticeship centre. Against the national trend of decline, the College has seen a 30% growth in apprenticeships, with engineering achievement rates consistently above the national average.
Carl Robb, Head of Operations Support at Siemens Gamesa, said:
“We are delighted to be working with North Lindsey College to deliver this apprenticeship training. In a dynamic industry, where innovation and technology can transform the sector in less time than it takes to complete an apprenticeship, it is crucial to work with organisations that are just as agile and forward-thinking. North Lindsey College, and the wider DN Colleges Group, have proven themselves the perfect partner — delivering bespoke, technical courses that enable Siemens Gamesa to supply clean energy for generations to come.”
North Lindsey College secured this prestigious national contract against strong competition and will now develop a customised programme for the Siemens Gamesa Wind Turbine Operations Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship. This programme will attract applicants from across the UK, equipping the next generation of engineers with the technical expertise needed to support renewable energy.
Mick Lochran, Principal at North Lindsey College, added:
“We’re incredibly proud to be working with Siemens Gamesa. Throughout the process, it became clear that there is real synergy between our values and theirs — both organisations are results-driven, innovative, customer-focused, and committed to developing people. This partnership not only supports Siemens Gamesa’s future workforce but also inspires the next generation of engineers across the region.”
The collaboration is already making an impact. Siemens Gamesa has donated a wind turbine nacelle for use at the College’s CATCH training facility, while engineering students from Scunthorpe have visited the company’s Hull site to gain first-hand experience of the renewables sector.
By combining Siemens Gamesa’s industry-leading technology with North Lindsey College’s outstanding apprenticeship delivery, this partnership is set to power opportunities for learners while helping secure the UK’s clean energy future.