In May 2025 Niall Gibb completed a wind turbine cross skill pilot programme developed by the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB), in partnership with Global Wind Organisation (GWO) and the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult.
The programme supports the two-way deployment of workers across oil and gas and wind infrastructure. It took existing technicians across electrical, mechanical and instrumentation disciplines and upskilled them to work on wind assets.
A pre-requisite to the programme included assurance of ongoing technical competence aligned to a workers’ primary technician trade through the Connected Competence scheme.
Niall has worked in offshore oil and gas for more than a decade since he joined OEG as a Project Engineer back in 2013.
“I’ve been within the oil industry for 12 years. My motivation for joining the programme was to build on my skillset and formally align my oil and gas experience with renewables to contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable energy sector.
“I realised I already have a lot of the discipline, the safety focus and resilience that the wind industry needs for working in harsh environments in a technical capacity.
“The skills are transferable and I’ve been able to refine them through the structured learning that was provided by the programme.”
Niall Gibb
Cross skill pilot training
The six-week training included task-based cross-skilling activities across electrical, mechanical and instrumentation pathways as well as GWO’s wind-specific safety training.
This includes Slinger Signaller, enhanced first aid, working at height, manual handling, fire awareness, sea survival and GWO’s Basic Technical Training (BTT)* through its REcognition scheme.
Although the cost of the six-week programme was covered by the ECITB, Niall self-supported his time on the course by taking unpaid leave from his employer at the time.
“The programme has given me a formal qualification and a technical framework that I’m able to sell to prospective employers.
“It was the catalyst for my transition into renewables and was instrumental in helping me secure a role with GE Vernova as Lead Electrical Commissioning Technician, working on Doggerbank, the world’s largest offshore windfarm.”
Niall's career progression since the cross skill pilot
Niall has since moved to Vestas and is currently working throughout Europe completing a bespoke training programme to gain authorisation as an Offshore Commissioning Supervisor on the company’s flagship V236 turbine.
In this role, Niall is responsible for safely managing the offshore commissioning of the turbines – leading multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-voltage energisation and system integration.
He is also progressing through the process of obtaining his HV isolation authority and continues to prioritise his professional development through ongoing training and safety leadership initiatives.
“The course gave me a much deeper understanding of the other two disciplines across mechanical and controls and instrumentation.
“A lot of the guys I know in oil and gas are against multi skilling but I think that there needs to be sea change in this mindset.
“It allows time served technicians to transition efficiently between oil and gas to the renewable industry while maintaining the safety culture that’s been adopted within the oil and gas industry. People need to be willing to continue to learn.
“And there’s loads of opportunity for those who are proactive and want to get on, especially when they realise that the skillset they’ve developed from working within a high-risk environment is super transferable.
“The cross pilot provides a pathway for them to continue doing what they love, working offshore, whilst contributing to a greener and more sustainable energy future. For me it’s a natural evolution.”
A genuinely transformative step
Niall lives in Edinburgh and was previously a Senior Electrical Technician for Bilfinger UK, based on CNR’s Ninian South platform. The routine of fortnightly rotations aboard the SOV** is similar to Niall’s offshore oil and gas roles.
“You’re spending similar times at sea. You’re dealing with the harsh environment and you are following procedures and working safely.
“Working offshore really does suit me and my family. I’ve been able to spend so much time with my daughter over the last five years.”
Niall has continued to learn throughout his career. After completing his Level 3 Modern Apprenticeship in Electrical Engineering and the prerequisite training for working offshore, including BOSIET, MIST and Compex, Niall built on his knowledge with fire and gas detection courses, HV/LV switching and, most recently, the NEBOSH Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety.
But it’s the cross skill programme that he believes “has been a genuinely transformative step” in his career.
Oil and gas skills vital to success of offshore wind
“It’s validated my belief that the skills developed within oil and gas are vital to the success of offshore wind.
“I would strongly encourage energy professionals looking towards a greener future to seriously consider this ambitious and successful cross skilling initiative.
“Don’t wait for the industry to push you. Be proactive and futureproof your career!”
Photo (L-R): Calvin Stewart, Michael Johnstone, Niall Gibb at top of wind turbine on cross skill pilot
* GWO Basic Technical Training (BTT) is an entry-level course for the wind energy industry, equipping participants with essential skills to perform basic technical tasks in a wind turbine environment. The GWO BTT covers modules in mechanical, electrical, hydraulic and bolt tightening.
** The service operation vessel (SOV) is a specialised vessel used primarily for the construction, operation and maintenance of offshore wind farms. These vessels act as a mobile, offshore base that accommodates technicians and support staff for extended periods at sea, providing a safe and efficient way to transport personnel and equipment to turbines and other structures.
Sign up for updates
Your information will be used to subscribe you to our e-newsletter.
For more information, please see our Privacy Notice.