The Future of Offshore Sailing Training: Exploring Augmented Reality
Ocean Winds, a wind energy company operating in the offshore wind sector, is funding a training project in collaboration with Energy Skills Partnership, a training agency for Scottish colleges. The goal is to provide the necessary skills for renewable energy projects that are currently in development.
The project, led by Mark Baxter, the Caledonia Project Director at Ocean Winds, aims to address the skills gaps in the industry. One major concern is the shortage of welders in the UK, with much of the knowledge and experience in this field being outsourced. The project aims to attract back the knowledge and skills to Scotland and the UK.
Augmented Reality (AR) is an interactive tool that uses digital technology to enhance real-world experiences with computer-generated content. Through the use of headsets, students will be able to train using physical tools and objects, as well as access environments similar to those they may encounter in the offshore industry.
This technology has also been utilized by Mercedes and BMW for welding training in their car production.
The AR project is part of a broader strategic collaboration between Ocean Winds and ESP to ensure that colleges are in line with the skill requirements of the developing offshore wind energy sector.
Jim Brown, Director of Energy Skills Partnership, stated that the funding provided by Caledonia gives students a unique opportunity to develop the skills needed for offshore wind projects in their region. In addition to equipping students with the necessary competencies for their future careers, the collaboration aims to address the identified skills gaps in the industry and help build a workforce capable of achieving net-zero goals.
The training experience described by Mark Baxter is immersive and goes through various stages of training until employees are able to integrate their skills into real-life situations. It is not purely virtual reality, but rather augmented reality that allows trainees to use tools and equipment, such as welding devices, to create different components of potential structures.
In the past, welding used to be a common skill in Scotland, particularly during the height of Clydeside with about 60,000 residents, where welders were considered the kings of shipyard workers. However, the decline in manufacturing skills is evident not only in Teesside but also throughout the UK, where large manufacturing companies have relocated.
Ocean Winds, which has been involved in offshore wind energy development for over a decade, previously faced recruitment challenges in finding local workers due to a limited talent pool. The project aims to address this by starting early and preparing for future opportunities.
According to Mark Baxter, the offshore wind sector will require diverse skills beyond welding. Planning, coordination, environmental awareness, and various engineering specializations including mechanical, electrical, and structural are essential for the development of wind farms.
The key question for future projects will be determining which components should be developed locally in the UK and Scotland, and which can be imported.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the goal of the training project funded by Ocean Winds?
The goal of the training project is to provide the necessary skills for renewable energy projects.
2. Why is Ocean Winds funding the training project?
Ocean Winds is funding the training project due to the skills shortage in the offshore wind energy industry.
3. What is Augmented Reality (AR)?
Augmented Reality (AR) is an interactive tool that uses digital technology to enhance real-world experiences with computer-generated content.
4. What are the benefits of training in Augmented Reality?
Training in Augmented Reality allows students to practice their skills in a realistic environment, making it easier for them to work in the offshore wind energy industry.
5. What are the other benefits of the collaboration between Ocean Winds and ESP?
The collaboration between Ocean Winds and ESP aims to ensure the availability of the necessary skills for the offshore wind energy sector and to build a workforce capable of achieving net-zero goals.
6. What are the main skills required for working on offshore wind projects?
The offshore wind energy industry requires diverse skills, including welding, planning, coordination, environmental awareness, and various engineering specializations (mechanical, electrical, structural).
7. What are the key considerations when developing offshore wind projects?
It is crucial to determine which components can be produced locally in Scotland or the UK and which need to be imported.
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