Renewables Training Network

The Renewables Training Network (RTN) was set up by RenewableUK to tackle the shortage of skilled workers in the renewable energy sector.

With the renewable energy sector experiencing rapid growth, a shortage of skilled workers and a lack of training opportunities could put the sector at risk.

In 2011, RenewableUK identified the potential skills shortage and won funding from the UK Commission for Employment and Skills to set up the RTN. The funding came from the Growth and Innovation Fund and was matched by contributions from RenewableUK member companies.

The RTN is now working with a wide variety of stakeholders to understand training demand and aggregate this need. Its primary focus is to address the skills gap by aiding transition from similar industries and developing accredited, 'RTN approved' courses in the UK. The development of a group purchasing system will allow the industry to bulk buy quality assured training courses, bringing the costs down to a minimum.

A suite of “Wind Work Ready” courses are currently under development. These include an Introduction to Wind; Offshore and Onshore, an Introduction to Behavioural Competencies Course, as well as an aligned version of the Manual Handling, Fire Awareness and First Aid courses.

The RTN aims to deliver training to 12,000 new entrants by 2016 and develop the skills of 11,450 employees currently working in the renewables industry.