Local wind farm developer, Lewis Wind Power, invites applications from local businesses to host a fully-paid apprentice
Lewis Wind Power (LWP), the developer of Stornoway wind farm, is excited to announce a new apprenticeship scheme offering local businesses in Stornoway the unique opportunity of hosting an apprentice.
LWP understands the importance of local skills and providing valuable, well paid jobs for the local economy, maximising the benefits of the development for the community. As such, it is creating the opportunity for two fully paid-for apprentices to work with local companies on the Western Isles on three-year placements.
Stornoway wind farm is a consented 33-turbine wind farm with a capacity of up to 200MW, located to the west of Stornoway. The project would generate enough low carbon electricity to power approximately 115,000 homes*. Since 2003, LWP has worked closely with the Stornoway Trust and the Comhairle nan Eilean Siar on the project.
In addition to a Community Benefit Fund of up to £1million per year, there will also be the opportunity of up to 20 per cent of Stornoway wind farm being community owned. LWP also runs a sponsorship fund for local projects and initiatives to give back to the communities each year, with over 65 organisations benefitting to date. This also includes the long-running sponsorship of the LWP Islands Stage at the HebCelt Festival on the island.
Through this new apprenticeship scheme, LWP is specifically targeting businesses which could work on the construction of Stornoway wind farm in the coming years. The initiative will enable local people to gain essential skills needed to deliver the project while providing them with a valuable entry point into the industry.
Applications are sought from across sectors and are encouraged from non-traditional industries – and can involve a variety of energy related skills including environmental, craft or engineering as well as many others.
The local employer would be responsible for the recruitment and employment of the apprentices, arranging the training scheme, and providing the necessary safe working practices and provide opportunities to develop their skills. Lewis Wind Power would cover the salaries, additional training costs and travel costs of the apprentices.
Businesses based on the Western Isles can apply to host an apprentice, and must have the following criteria to be considered:
- Demonstrate evidence of having provided an apprenticeship programme.
- Have safe standards for working and be approved certified members of trade bodies recognising safety.
- Demonstrate management ethos committed to valuing and training young people.
- Provide the apprentices with a range of activities that will allow the apprentice to develop well rounded skills.
- Show they are a member of an industry body such as CITB, CECA or other.
- Hold high sustainability criteria in their everyday working
Darren Cuming, from Lewis Wind Power commented:
“This is a unique opportunity for two local businesses to benefit from hosting apprentices and to then be able to work on our Stornoway wind farm in the coming years.
“Not only will it provide young people the opportunity to work within the industry and grow their career, but it will give local employers a chance to be part of something exciting and develop their business and their employees as a result.
“We are keen to hear from all types of businesses who may be involved in the construction of the wind farm and who would benefit from having an apprentice as part of their team.
“We are committed to Stornoway and maximising the value the project brings to the local economy in various forms, whether that be through skills opportunities or through sponsorships and support for local projects and initiatives.”
Businesses interested in hosting an apprentice can find out more information here or by emailing logan.black@edf-re.uk. All applications should be submitted to Logan Black by 12 October.