WORKING AT HEIGHTS - Wind Energy Network

SPONSORS OF TYNE & TEES FEATURERecord number ofapprentices plannedfor Port of TyneThe Port of Tyne plans to more than treble itsapprenticeships in 2013, creating new opportunities foryoung people to learn the ropes right across the business.This follows the success of the long established programme forengineering apprentices which the Port has operated for many years.Investing in peopleAndrew Moffat, Port of Tyne’s Chief Executive Officer, said:“Investing in our people and developing a highly skilledworkforce is the key to future success. Last year thePort invested almost £1.3m in training and development.Launching the biggest apprentice programme in our historyis also indicative of the way we aim to support our localcommunity and in particular young people.“As a major employer we’re committed to helping more youngpeople in the area get a foot on the ladder to work. We havealways had apprentices working in our engineering departmentand for the first time last year we had a business administrationapprentice. We also support many community programmesthat help develop confidence and skills in young people.”How innovativerope productsare transformingoffshore wind farmconstructionBridon International, the global technology leader in wireand fibre ropes for demanding applications, is usinginnovation to transform offshore wind farm construction.In October 2012, Bridon supported RWE, one of Europe’sleading energy companies, in installing one of the UK’s newestand largest offshore wind farms 18 miles off the coast of NorthWales.Wind energy industry objectivesIn the offshore wind farm construction sector, safety isparamount and regulations are stringent. Typically, wind farminstallation has been conducted using generic steel ropeproducts, but demand has been growing for industry-specificrope solutions, in particular rope products which can match orboost typical support capabilities whilst reducing the potential fordamaging delicate components (such as turbines) and structures(such as blades).Fibre rope slingsIn order to achieve these objectives, Bridon suggested that RWEemploy its Steelite Xtra High Modulus Polyethylene fibre ropeslings, which boast equivalent working load limits to commonly“Apprenticeships seem the best way to do this and we are verypleased that we will be able to take on 13 further apprenticesthis year who will be working towards recognised qualificationsand learning about the world of work and the opportunitiesthere may be for them in the future whether with the Port orelsewhere.”CommitmentWith a 10.8% unemployment rate in the North East region thePort is committed to supporting projects that address skills andreadiness for work to help improve young people’s chances ofemployment.South Shields MP David Miliband said: “I have seen thedifference that can be made by a high quality work experienceplacement that can boost a young person’s CV. The Port issetting a great example by bringing in apprentices across thebusiness and it will reap benefits not only for the Port but thelocal economy as it is an investment in the whole community’sfuture workforce.”The Port has appointed South Tyneside College as its trainingprovider. Lindsey Whiterod, Principal, said: “This is a fantasticstep by the Port of Tyne and we are delighted to be workingwith them in delivering the apprenticeship programme.“This kind of commitment is exactly what is needed for youngpeople, their future employment and the local economy.The college has recently undergone a major transformation,creating a very exciting time to be connecting with businessesin the region like the Port of Tyne, and we are thrilled to beproviding the Port’s apprenticeships.”utilised rope technology at a fraction of the weight. Bridonmanufactured and supplied 65 of these ropes for the installation,the largest of which has a 600 tonne safe working load capacity.Key to successKey to the success of Bridon’s Steelite range is its use ofDyneema fibre. The strength to weight ratio of Dyneema fibreallows Bridon tomanufacture lighter,more malleable ropeswithout compromisingon durability. Thissurpasses bothtraditional steel wireand conventionalsynthetic fibreproducts for thisapplication.Steelite ropes canbe up to 15 timesstronger than steelequivalents, but are7 times lighter andweightless in water.For example, eightmen are required tohandle steel slings,whilst four men arerequired to handleSteelite slings.64www.windenergynetwork.co.uk