Enel’s new Oklahoma training facility will include classrooms and state-of-the-art simulation facilities for working inside turbines as well as courses on safety, professional development, working at heights, ladders rescues, and more taught through virtual reality, hands-on simulation, and discussions. (Courtesy: Enel)The stage is set for the rapid deployment of clean energy over the next decade, thanks to historic investments included in the Inflation Reduction Act.
But the federal climate law's promise could be threatened by one well-known thorn: a tight labor market leaves few available workers with the skills needed to build out the energy transition.
Enel said it expects growth in the U.S. as the IRA stimulates the market. The clean energy developer has opened a wind training facility and office in Oklahoma City to train wind turbine technicians.
Enel’s facility will include classrooms and simulation facilities for working inside turbines as well as courses on safety, professional development, working at heights, and ladder rescues taught through virtual reality, hands-on simulation, and discussions.
Each year, the facility could train more than 150 new and existing personnel.
A variety of courses are planned, including:
- Onboarding for new hires
- Safety Training – Consisting of working at heights, ladder and nacelle rescues, first Aid, EGPNA Wind O&M Safety procedures, Qualified Electrical Worker, and LOTO training.
- Technical Training – Operation & Maintenance, Isolation & Replacement, & Troubleshooting & Repair of Wind Turbine Systems.
- Professional Development – Site Leadership & Asset Management.
- Virtual Reality – VR Training will also be conducted as part of a global initiative.
