How to work in the industry

How to work in the offshore wind industry

There are many roles in offshore wind. Find out which ones are of best suited to you

Help power Scotland’s clean energy future

Scotland is one of the world’s leaders in offshore wind energy. Huge wind turbines out at sea generate clean electricity that powers homes, businesses and communities.
Building and running offshore wind farms takes thousands of people with lots of different skills - from engineers and technicians to scientists, planners, welders and data specialists.
Whether you enjoy science, technology, working outdoors, solving problems or helping communities, there could be a career in offshore wind for you.
You don’t have to follow just one route - people enter the industry through:

• School subjects and further education
• Apprenticeships
• College courses
• University degrees
• Moving from other industries

Explore how your interests could lead to a career in offshore wind.
Use the interactive tool/buttons below to see where your favourite subjects could take you.

Select from the options below the one that best reflects your own interests


Maths	Physics	Geography
Design & Engineering	Computing & Digital Technology	Biology/Environmental Science
Practical & Technical Subjects		Business & Communication

Maths

Maths is one of the most important subjects for many careers in offshore wind. Engineers use maths to design wind turbines that can safely withstand strong winds and rough sea conditions. They calculate how much electricity a wind farm can generate and how turbines should be spaced to capture the most wind energy. Maths is also used to analyse data from wind turbines to improve performance and reduce maintenance costs. Even project managers rely on maths to plan budgets, timelines and resources. If you enjoy solving problems, working with numbers and understanding how things work, maths can open the door to many exciting careers in offshore wind.

Example careers

Electrical Engineer
Data Scientist
Project Manager
Geotechnical Engineer

Did you know?
A single offshore wind turbine can generate enough electricity to power thousands of homes — and engineers use maths to calculate exactly how much energy it will produce each year.

Aerial Image Taken At European Offshore Wind Development Centre Aberdeen Bay Taken 24 10 19 Large Image M5040

Physics

Physics helps us understand the science behind wind energy. It explains how moving air can turn turbine blades and generate electricity. Physics is also important for understanding forces, motion and energy - all of which are essential when designing large offshore structures that must operate safely in harsh marine environments. Engineers and technicians use physics every day when working with turbine systems, electrical equipment and energy generation technology. If you enjoy learning about how energy works and how machines operate, physics is a great foundation for a career in offshore wind.

Example careers

• Electrical Engineer
• Offshore Wind Turbine Technician
• HV Technician
• SCADA Technician

Did you know?
Modern offshore wind turbines can be over 250 metres tall - taller than many skyscrapers — and physics helps engineers design them to stay stable in strong winds.

Geography

Geography helps people understand the natural environment and how offshore wind farms interact with it. Geographers study weather patterns, ocean conditions and seabed characteristics to help identify the best locations for wind farms. They also consider how projects might affect shipping routes, fishing activities and coastal communities. Geography is especially useful for careers that involve planning offshore wind developments and managing environmental impacts.

Example careers
• Environmental Adviser
• Marine Mammal Observer
• Planning Officer
• Consents Manager

Did you know?
Some offshore wind farms are located more than 100 kilometres from shore, where winds are stronger and more consistent.

Computing & Digital Technology

Modern offshore wind farms rely heavily on digital technology. Each turbine produces large amounts of data that engineers and technicians use to monitor performance and detect faults before they become serious problems. Specialists develop computer systems that control turbines remotely and analyse data to improve efficiency and reliability. People with skills in computing, coding and digital systems can play a key role in the future of renewable energy by helping to make wind farms smarter and more efficient.

Example careers
• Data Scientist
• SCADA Technician
• Electrical Engineer

Did you know?
A large offshore wind farm can generate millions of pieces of data every day, which engineers analyse to keep turbines running smoothly.

Hexapod Motion Simulator System At Ore Catapults Flowic Facility In Aberdeen

Design & Engineering

Design and engineering subjects are perfect for students who enjoy building, fixing or creating things. Offshore wind turbines are huge and complex machines made up of thousands of components. Engineers design turbine blades, towers, foundations and electrical systems, while technicians install and maintain them. People with design and engineering skills help turn ideas into real structures that generate clean electricity. If you like practical problem-solving and working with technology, engineering subjects can lead to a wide range of careers in the offshore wind industry.

Example careers:
• Offshore Wind Turbine Technician
• CNC Machinist
• Welder
• Electrical Engineer

Did you know?
The blades on some offshore wind turbines are longer than a football pitch and are carefully designed to capture as much wind energy as possible.

Practical & Technical Subjects

Practical subjects such as engineering skills, metalwork, construction and technical studies are highly valuable in offshore wind. These subjects develop the hands-on skills needed to build, install and maintain wind turbines and the infrastructure that supports them. Skilled technicians and tradespeople work both onshore and offshore to ensure turbines operate safely and efficiently. If you enjoy working with tools, solving practical problems and seeing the results of your work, these subjects can lead directly to rewarding careers in the renewable energy sector.

Example careers:
• Offshore Wind Turbine Technician
• Cable Jointer
• Welder
• Crane Operator

Did you know?
Technicians working offshore often travel to turbines by special boats or helicopters and may work two weeks offshore followed by time at home.

Gillian Martin At Lectern All Energy May 2023

Business & Communication

Offshore wind projects involve working with many different groups, including local communities, governments, engineers and environmental organisations. People with strong communication and organisational skills help coordinate projects, manage stakeholders and ensure that communities are informed and involved in development plans. Business and communication subjects can lead to roles that help keep projects organised, build relationships and support the smooth delivery of offshore wind developments.

Example careers
• Community Engagement Officer
• Project Manager
• Consents Manager
• HSE Adviser

Did you know?
Large offshore wind projects can take 10 years or more to plan and build, involving hundreds of specialists working together.