Ocean Winds, a company operating in the field of offshore wind farms and developing the BC-Wind project in the Baltic Sea, in collaboration with the Industrial Development Academy, is implementing the educational program “Career with the Wind.” This program aims to impart knowledge and enhance the competencies of high school students in the field of offshore wind energy. In Szczecin, one of the beneficiaries of the program is the youth from the Władysław Orkan Secondary School No. 2, where the educational cycle for OZE technicians has just concluded.
The program is designed for students specializing in renewable energy technologies. Over the course of more than two years, students have been exposed to various practical aspects of offshore wind farm development. They have familiarized themselves with the supply chain of components and the strategic stages of offshore wind energy development, using examples from Ocean Winds’ global investments. Eighteen students from class IVE at the Szczecin technical school have participated in the program since the begging of 2021/2022 school year.
“At Ocean Winds, we believe in the power of knowledge transfer and the long-term prospects of offshore wind energy in Poland. That’s why we engage in a dialogue with young people and strive to show them the ins and outs of our work and professional development in the offshore sector. Practical knowledge will be an asset given the developing supply chain among Polish companies, including those from the West Pomeranian Voivodeship,” said Ms. Aleksandra Jampolska, Stakeholder Manager at Ocean Winds.
Over the past two years, participants in the “Career with the Wind” program have undergone an intensive workshop series led by industry professionals with offshore experience. The workshops, conducted by lecturers from the Industrial Development Academy in collaboration with Ocean Winds’ employees, have not only broadened students’ professional horizons but also enriched their knowledge with specific skills crucial for future challenges in offshore wind energy.
“As part of the program, regular monthly workshops were organized, allowing students not only to gain extensive knowledge of the industry but also to acquire essential information for making informed choices about their future career paths. During these meetings, participants had the opportunity to explore various professional fields, understanding the specifics and requirements of different jobs related to offshore wind energy. The workshops focused not only on the theoretical aspects of each professional area but also provided practical experiences through interactive exercises, presentations by industry practitioners, and study visits. This allowed students to gain a realistic insight into the daily work of specialists, promoting a better understanding of the key skills and competencies required in each profession,” said Krzysztof Tomaszewski, President of the Board of the Industrial Development Academy.
Expanding the perspective on educating young talents in the field of offshore wind energy, the “Career with the Wind” program focused on providing practical support to students, enabling them to understand key aspects of professional development in this dynamically evolving industry.
“As part of the program, students received support from professional practitioners who provided information about career development prospects, market trends, and available educational paths. Thanks to this, young people had the opportunity to build a conscious and well-thought-out education strategy tailored to their interests, passions, and skills. The program not only expanded students’ professional horizons but also strengthened their self-confidence and motivation for further development. With the knowledge and experiences gained during the workshops, students became more prepared to make decisions regarding their choice of university major or career path, which will have a positive impact on their future development and professional success,” said Dr Eng. Agnieszka Raducka, a vocational teacher specializing in environmental protection and renewable energy.
From February 2024, the program will continue at the Orkan Technical High School in Szczecin, covering students in the second year of the renewable energy technician profile and lasting for another two years.
The “Career with the Wind” program has been implemented since the 2021/2022 school year in selected vocational schools in Gdańsk, Częstochowa, Puck, Kłanino, and Szczecin. Over the past few years, 350 students have participated in engaging lectures and dedicated online activities.
For more information about the program: https://www.bc-wind.pl/kariera-z-wiatrem-program-edukacyjny-ow/
