The Renewable Construction Academy (RECOA) Partners with Offshore Construction Associates (OCA) to Launch a Specialized T&I Project Development Course for the Offshore Wind Sector

*Pictured: Nick Wordsworth from Offshore Construction Associates and Morten Søjborg representing the Renewable Construction Academy


13 November 2024 - The Renewable Construction Academy (RECOA) is excited to announce a strategic partnership with Offshore Construction Associates (OCA) to introduce a specialised Transport & Installation (T&I) Project Development Course, tailored specifically for the offshore wind industry. 


To achieve the pace and scale of the global energy transition, there is a pressing need to provide high-quality education and training for the coming generations of sector professionals. While industry-wide efforts were marshalled to standardize Basic Safety Training (GWO BST) for offshore personnel, equivalent strides have yet to be taken to bridge the skills gap and ensure role-specific onboarding for the majority of the sector. A 2023 study found that 74% of project teams have less than one project experience, and only 6% have two or more project experiences. A structured education framework must be clarified to address the challenge and relieve organizational burden. 


A New Course 


This new course is designed to provide participants with in-depth expertise in T&I strategies critical to the success of offshore wind farm projects. Through this collaboration, RECOA and OCA aim to deliver both theoretical knowledge and practical insights, empowering attendees to effectively navigate the challenges of offshore wind project development. 


The curriculum will cover key aspects of T&I, including early-stage project planning, cost optimization, risk mitigation, and stakeholder management—offering participants the tools to manage complex offshore wind installations and drive project success. 


Course Overview


The T&I Project Development course provides an in-depth exploration of the offshore wind project lifecycle, offering specialized knowledge in areas such as DEVEX and CAPEX planning, bottom-up pricing models, and T&I process optimization. Participants will gain a holistic understanding of how to streamline T&I processes, manage project risks effectively, and engage stakeholders to ensure seamless project execution.  


Key Course Highlights Include: 

  • Strategic Project Development: Covers vital concepts such as bottom-up pricing strategies and cost optimization, essential for securing project financing. 
  • Stakeholder Management: Explores early engagement strategies and risk mitigation techniques to ensure seamless project execution. 
  • Tailored T&I Procedures: A thorough exploration of offshore wind farm-specific T&I procedures, covering the logistical and operational nuances involved in the installation of key components such as turbines, foundations, and substations. 
  • Practical Application: Includes a hands-on exercise based on a fictional case study, enabling participants to apply theoretical concepts in a realistic project setting and hone decision-making skills. 


Who Should Attend? 


This course is designed for professionals at various stages of their careers, including junior professionals, T&I managers, project engineers, and technical graduates in the offshore wind industry. Additionally, the course is highly relevant for risk managers, package managers, and other stakeholders involved in the planning, execution, and management of offshore renewable energy projects.


Nick Wordsworth, Director at OCA, commented: 


"The offshore wind sector's rapid growth requires specialised T&I expertise and in partnering with RECOA, we are excited for the opportunity to share our experience with the next generation of renewable energy professionals. 


In providing ambitious people with practical skills that directly impact project success, together we will ensure a capable workforce ready to innovate and meet industry challenges for years to come.”


Martin Schnoor Warming, Founder of RECOA, added: 


"We’re excited to partner with Offshore Construction Associates (OCA) to co-develop key courses on Transport & Installation (T&I) Management. The first module, ‘T&I for Project Development Phase,’ addresses a critical need in the Offshore Wind sector, offering foundational insights for managing early-stage challenges—from regulatory frameworks and permitting to planning and risk management. This course equips authorities, engineering consultants, and project developers with the knowledge to set projects up for success. 


Through this collaboration, OCA’s expertise will reach a global audience, empowering renewable professionals to drive streamlined and successful Offshore Wind projects through RECOA's educational framework."


Future Outlook 


The T&I Project Development course marks the beginning of a broader initiative between OCA and RECOA to offer more targeted educational programmes for the offshore wind industry. Both organisations are committed to nurturing the next generation of talent and fostering innovation in renewable energy. Together, they plan to roll out additional specialized courses covering various aspects of offshore wind construction, ensuring industry professionals are well-equipped to meet the growing demands of this dynamic sector. 


For more details on the T&I Project Development course and other educational offerings, please visit OCA’s website or RECOA’s website.


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About the Renewable Construction Academy (RECOA)

https://training.recoa.eu/

 

The Renewable Construction Academy develops role-based online training courses and education programs to educate and upskill the renewable energy industry's workforce. By addressing the resource challenge and fueling the green transition, RECOA plays a vital role in promoting the adoption of renewable energy solutions. The Academy offers high-quality, engaging e-learning solutions developed in collaboration with Academy Partners, industry-leading experts and organizations, to establish and elevate the standard of education and training for renewable energy professionals. At RECOA, you can tap into a lifetime of accumulated knowledge and experience from experts within the renewable energy industry, offering flexible and affordable training solutions for everyone at any time. 


For media inquiries or more information, please contact:


Michelle Adamick

Marketing & Communications Director

The Renewable Construction Academy

+45 2151 4123

[email protected]


About Offshore Construction Associates (OCA) 

https://offshoreconstruct.com/ 


 Offshore Construction Associates was founded in the UK in 2015 and has grown into a global consultancy with offices in London, The Hague, Boston and South Carolina. 


OCA are friendly experts with a breadth of knowledge in the complexity of offshore wind projects. The consultancy team have a deep technical understanding and experience of all offshore wind asset types and development phases. Our strength lies in delivering advice, value and knowledge globally by learning and leveraging from our local presence to ensure we are the first choice for clients and staff


For media inquiries or more information, please contact:


Stuart Pringle

Marketing Consultant

Make the Break

+44 7939 585 623

[email protected] 


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Referenced Study 

https://www.aegirinsights.com/opinion-without-empowered-professionals-ambition-will-only-propel-us-halfway-to-our-climate-objectives