WORKING AT HEIGHTS - Wind Energy Network

HUMBER RENEWABLESHumber’srenewablesexcellenceshowcasedat industryawardsJudges said the organisation has not onlyidentified training needs within the industrybut also has shown a proven track recordin successfully supplying candidates fornew and emerging careers.And renewables-related skills were alsorecognised in one of two new categoriesat the 2013 awards, staged at The Deepin Hull.Companies working throughout theon and offshore wind supply chainshave been recognised at the secondHumber Renewables Awards.Training, innovation and business knowhowwere rewarded at the event, stagedin Hull. The evening began with a videoaddress from Energy Minister John Hayes.Praise for the areaHe praised the Humber region forembracing sustainable power, sayingit could lead to hundreds of jobs and atechnology revolution.Mr Hayes said: “Renewables alreadyhelp to deliver energy security and greengrowth. Across the UK, renewabletechnologies could create up to 150,000jobs across the country.“I’m pleased to note many of those jobsand a significant amount of investmentare in your area.”It is the second time the awardsevent has been held, with the aimof highlighting the work alreadygoing on in the fast-paced sector,which is increasingly a feature ofthe Humber’s economy.Humber-based marketingcompany Footprint Renewablesorganised the event andthe headline sponsor wascommunications provider KCBusiness.AwardsTen awards were presentedduring the evening, presented bybroadcaster Helen Fospero.Training provider HETA won theExcellence in Renewables Skillsand Training section. HETA,which has sites in Hull, Grimsbyand Scunthorpe, trains for morethan 160 companies in the areaand, nationally, has the thirdhighest number of wind energyapprentices.The organisation works with the likes ofEcotricity, RES and Centrica and canclaim to have supported the Humber’sfirst offshore wind turbine technician, MikeSmith, who is now working out of GrimsbyDocks.Renewables Trainee of the YearAdam Barnard from Grimsby, won theRenewables Trainee of the Year title. The22-year-old works for Ecotricity out of abase at Louth, servicing wind turbinesacross the UK. He was one of threenominees from the company in the awardcategory – the other two being 21-yearoldCallum Evers from Grimsby and JoeParkinson, 23, from Immingham.Adam said: “We’re a good team and wegive it our all. Green energy is definitelythe future.”92www.windenergynetwork.co.uk