The offshore wind industry is growing fast — and it needs skilled people to keep it spinning. But you don’t need to be a lifelong sailor to join the sector. Many of today’s offshore professionals started their careers on land: in welding, electrical work, construction, or industrial maintenance.
Moving from land-based work to offshore projects can be a natural — and rewarding — transition. It’s not about starting over. It’s about adapting what you already know to a new environment, where precision, safety, and teamwork take center stage.
The global shift toward renewable energy has created an enormous demand for hands-on expertise. Wind farms, both onshore and offshore, require skilled specialists to keep operations safe and efficient.
Technicians with backgrounds in these areas are especially valued offshore:
Welding, metal fitting, and fabrication
Electrical installations and maintenance
Rigging, lifting, and mechanical assembly
Industrial coating and corrosion protection
Inspection and non-destructive testing (NDT)
Your technical foundation already fits the offshore world — it just needs to be expanded with safety training and environmental awareness.
Before you can board a vessel or step onto a turbine platform, you’ll need internationally recognized certifications that prepare you for offshore conditions.
The key certificates include:
GWO (Global Wind Organisation) Basic Safety Training — covering first aid, fire awareness, manual handling, and working at height.
BOSIET (Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training) — essential for anyone working offshore in the North Sea and similar environments.
IRATA Rope Access Certification — especially valuable for technicians working at height, allowing safe and efficient access to difficult locations.
These courses are designed to complement your existing trade skills — not replace them. They ensure that your expertise can be applied safely and effectively in offshore conditions.
Offshore work is different from land-based projects — not just because of the ocean view. The environment demands more precision, discipline, and teamwork.
You’ll typically work in rotation (e.g., 2 weeks on, 2 weeks off), live aboard vessels or platforms, and operate in changing weather conditions. Every action is planned with safety in mind. The pace can be intense, but the work is rewarding — and the bonds between teammates are strong.
Communication and adaptability become as important as technical skill. You might be a welder, electrician, or rope access specialist, but offshore you’re also part of a coordinated team where everyone depends on each other.
Transitioning offshore isn’t just a career change — it’s a life upgrade. Offshore work offers competitive salaries, steady demand, and the opportunity to work with cutting-edge renewable energy technology.
But beyond that, it’s about purpose. Offshore technicians play a direct role in building and maintaining the infrastructure that powers the world with clean energy. It’s a profession that combines skill, adventure, and responsibility in equal measure.
At Solwinda, we’ve seen many professionals successfully make that leap — from factory floors, shipyards, and refineries to the open sea. With the right training and mindset, your skills can carry you farther than you think.
Solwinda connects experienced tradespeople with opportunities in the offshore wind sector. Whether you’re a welder, electrician, or technician ready for new horizons, our team can help guide your next step.