“The wind cross skill programme gave me opportunities to move into a completely new and exciting industry whilst still having my core trade skills to fall back on.”
This is the view from Declan Porter who completed the Wind Turbine Technician cross skill pilot programme in May 2025.
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.
The six-week training upskilled existing technicians across electrical, mechanical and instrumentation disciplines to enable them to work on wind assets.
Declan started his career via a Level 3 installation electrician apprenticeship and has worked as a self-employed contractor on a range of industrial jobs for more than 15 years. Prior to the programme he was upgrading a floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel in Harland & Wolff dockyard, Belfast.
Following the programme Declan secured a role with Aurora Energy Services on the Kilgallioch wind farm extension project. He initially started in the Mechanical Team on pre-assembly before moving onto the Mechanical Completions Team when the first turbine was erected.
“The Wind Turbine Technician cross skill pilot programme gave me opportunities to move into a completely new and exciting industry whilst still having my core trade skills to fall back on if and when required.
“I am now part of the Electrical Team, which is what I specialise in. It was great to be part of each element of the build and get experience in all areas.
“I think that’s where Aurora stands out. They are building a team where people can move between areas and help out wherever needed but still specialise in their own trade.”
Originally from Glasgow, Declan has lived in South Ayrshire for just over a year. He explains that the work routine in his new role is similar to previous jobs: “I’ve worked away from home on rotation for several years now and it’s all pretty much the same as you’d find in other industries.”
Declan Porter
Programme supporting energy transition
Two cohorts completed the pilot programme in Aberdeen and Grangemouth in 2025 which 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.
A pre-requisite to the programme included assurance of ongoing technical competence aligned to a workers’ primary technician trade through the Connected Competence scheme.
Although the cost of the six-week programme was covered by the ECITB, Declan self-supported his attendance on the course.
He believes the programme is important in supporting the broader energy transition: “The wind industry is only going to keep growing year on year and will inevitably lead to it becoming the main employer for the skilled workforce currently in the oil and gas and industrial sectors.
“This programme could be the difference between techs deciding to make the move from oil and gas. It takes the guess work and what ifs out of the equation and gives you confidence that you will be qualified and ready to walk into your first wind project.”
Pictured: Declan Porter (left) completing GWO BST training during the Wind Turbine Technician cross skill pilot. Main image: Declan (far right) with one of the cohorts from the pilot.
Doug Duguid, CEO, Aurora Energy Services, said: “Declan has been an asset to the Aurora Energy Services team on the Kilgallioch wind farm project. His quick progression from a new entrant into the industry to electrical installation technician highlights the value of structured, industry-led transition programmes.
“Working closely with bodies such as the ECITB allows us to strengthen our commitment to supporting individuals transitioning into the renewables industry, from oil and gas and other sectors, by ensuring training is practical, safety focused and aligned with real project requirements.
“Declan’s next project with Aurora will take him to our Australian base, demonstrating how our international operations enable us to balance work across both hemispheres while providing sustainable, year-round employment and long-term career opportunities for our skilled team.
“We look forward to continuing to create credible pathways for people transitioning into renewables, and to welcoming more talented individuals into our growing team.”
Declan’s advice to workers considering the programme is:
“Go for it, you have nothing to lose!”
Find out more about the Wind Turbine Technician cross skill pilot
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