By Caitlyn Clark, Brinn McDowell, Bailey Pons, Jeremy Stefek at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory for the U.S. Department of Energy Wind Energy Technologies Office

Introduction

The job opportunity for component manufacturing facilities and their suppliers could be a significant portion of the offshore wind energy workforce (see the U.S. Department of Energy’s wind energy career map). Average annual employment levels (full-time equivalent [FTE]/year) from 2024 to 2030 are estimated at 12,300 and 49,000 based on 25% and 100% domestic content scenarios, respectively, to fabricate and assemble components to reach 30 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind energy by 2030.[1] The extent to which domestic jobs are realized depends on the building of U.S. manufacturing facilities and those facilities leveraging a U.S. supply chain to source subassemblies, parts, and materials.

In recent years, researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory have conducted a research effort, supported by the Wind Energy Technologies Office, to better understand the job needs for major component manufacturing facilities (e.g., Tier 1 facilities). Many useful insights have been shared in different reports, including:

This resource compiles insights from these reports to estimate the number of workers within facilities, list roles and certifications, and show the magnitude of supplier job opportunities for each major component, including:

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Array Cables

The figure below shows the estimated number of direct jobs in the major component manufacturing facility based on the number of workers needed, and facilities opening over time to fabricate components to reach a target of 30 GW of offshore wind by 2030. The jobs count below represents any person working in a facility who produces or oversees the fabrication and assembly of the component, including tradespeople, managers, engineers, and professional service performers.

The number of FTEs available is based on the number of direct FTE per facility multiplied by the number of facilities to produce supply 4–6 GW of projects per year. Direct FTEs are estimated from interviews and surveys of facility operators.

chart

The workers in each major component facility include different types of roles with various levels of education and experience requirements. The table below shows four different workforce categories and lists the types of occupations that exist to fabricate and assemble the major component, listed in alphabetical order by name.

Table 1. Array Cable Roles

Responsibility Level

Job Positions

Factory-Level Management

  • Cable production manager

Design and Engineering

  • Composite materials engineer
  • Cable design drafter/engineer
  • Coil worker/coil design engineer
  • Crane operator/crane engineer

Quality and Safety

  • Cable design drafter/engineer

Factory-Level Work

  • Composite materials engineer
  • Cable splicer
  • Electrical technician
  • Metal cutters
  • Milling machinist
  • Production supervisor/manager
  • Rolling machine setters

The employees fabricating a component may have to complete a workforce certification based on the scope of work. Certification needs specific to the component are listed in the table below in alphabetical order by name. Additional research is needed to align the certifications with a specific occupation and understand the training needs for certifications.

Table 2. Array Cable Job Certifications

Certification

Length of Time

Resource

Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/QE)

10-15 years

https://www.asq.org/cert/manager-of-quality

Certified Quality Improvement Associate (CQIA)

2 years

https://www.asq.org/cert/quality-improvement-associate

Certified Quality Process Analyst (CQPA)

2 years

https://www.asq.org/cert/quality-process-analyst

Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE)

11 years

https://www.asq.org/cert/reliability-engineer

Certified Quality Technician (CQT)

4 years

https://www.asq.org/cert/quality-technician

Certified Quality Technician (CQT)

4 years

https://www.asq.org/cert/quality-technician

Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)

2-8 weeks

https://www.aws.org/certification/inspectorprogram

Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Lathe Operations

37 hours

https://www2.nims-skills.org/#

Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Lathe Programming Setup and Operations

Varies by program

https://www2.nims-skills.org/#

Computer numerical control (CNC)Mill Operation

38 hours

https://www2.nims-skills.org/#

Global Wind Organization Basic Safety Training (GWO BST)

2 days

https://www.globalwindsafety.org/standards/basic-safety-training-standard

ICS: 29.020 Electrical Engineering

Varies by program

https://www.iso.org/ics/29.020/x/

ISO 9001: 2015 Certified Lead Auditor

2 weeks

https://asq.org/training/iso-9001-2015-certified-lead-auditor-viso90012015cla

Lean Certification

8–16 weeks

https://www.sme.org/training/lean-certification/

Milling I

Less than a year

https://www2.nims-skills.org/#

National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO)

1 year

https://www.nccco.org/nccco/certifications/tower-crane-operator/certification-overview

Nondestructive Testing (NDT)

8 months

https://www.trainingndt.com/complete-ndt-training/

OSHA 10

2 days

https://www.oshaeducationcenter.com/osha-10-hour-training/

OSHA 30

4 days

https://www.oshaeducationcenter.com/osha-30-hour-training/

Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

10 weeks

https://www.sixsigmacouncil.org/six-sigma-green-belt-certification/

Jobs within the supply chain could be the largest contributor of employment in the offshore wind industry across all job sectors. For every job created in major component manufacturing facilities, there is an opportunity space to train and hire up to five supplier jobs to produce subassemblies, parts, and materials. In addition, workers with relevant skills and capabilities at existing businesses across the country participate in the offshore wind supply chain. The number of supplier jobs will depend on the level of domestic content in the supporting supply chain, with the numbers below assuming 25% to 100% domestic content (i.e., how many of these products are made in the United States instead of being imported). The figure below maps component-by-component flowcharts with a breakdown of workforce magnitude for each subassembly or subcomponent.

chart
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Blades

The figure below estimates the direct job needs in the major component manufacturing facility based on the number of workers needed, and facilities opening over time to fabricate components to reach a 30 GW by 2030 target. The jobs count below represent any person working in the facility to produce or oversee the fabrication and assembly, including tradespeople, managers, engineers, and professional services.

The number of FTEs available is based on the number of direct FTE per facility multiplied by the number of facilities to produce supply 4–6 GW of projects per year. Direct FTEs are estimated from interviews and surveys of facility operators.

chart

The workers in each major component facility include different types of roles with various levels of education and experience requirements. The table below shows four different workforce categories and lists the types of occupations that exist to fabricate and assemble the major component, listed in alphabetical order by name.

Table 1. Blade Roles

Responsibility Level

Job Positions

Factory-Level Management

  • Manufacturing manager

Design and Engineering

  • Drafter
  • Software developer for wind turbine control systems
  • Turbine load and validation engineer
  • Thermoplastics engineer

Quality and Safety

  • Blade core engineer
  • Nondestructive test and inspection technician
  • Quality assurance/control inspector
  • Quality control manager

Factory-Level Work

  • Aerospace engineer and operations technologists and technicians
  • Assemblers
  • Blasting technician (applier)
  • Computer numerical control (CNC)machinist
  • Composite materials engineer
  • Crane operator/engineer
  • Driller
  • Fiberglass technician/mold worker
  • Laser operator
  • Mechanical support
  • Metal grinder
  • Milling machinist
  • Plater
  • Production supervisor/manager
  • Specialist coating technician (applier)
  • Surface engineer

The employees fabricating a component may have to complete a workforce certification based on the scope of work. Certification needs specific to the component are listed in the table below in alphabetical order by name. Additional research is needed to align the certifications with a specific occupation and understand the training needs for certifications.

Table 2. Blade Job Certifications

Certification

Length of Time

Resource

API 577: Welding Inspection and Metallurgy

1-5 years

https://www.api.org/products-and-services/individual-certification-programs/certifications/api577#tab-qualification

ASME Practical Welding Technology

8 Days

https://www.asme.org/learning-development/find-course/practical-welding-technology-(2)/online--feb-05-15th--2024

Certified Calibration Technician (CCT)

5 years

https://www.asq.org/cert/calibration-technician

Certified Coating Applicator (CCA)

4 years

https://www.ampp.org/education/education-resources/courses-by-program/general-coatings/certified-coating-applicator

Certified Quality Inspector (CQI)

2 years

https://www.asq.org/cert/quality-inspector

Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)

2-8 weeks

https://www.aws.org/certification/inspectorprogram

Computer numerical control (CNC)Lathe Operations

37 hours

https://www2.nims-skills.org/#

Computer numerical control (CNC)Lathe Programming Setup and Operations

Varies by program

https://www2.nims-skills.org/#

Computer numerical control (CNC)Mill Operation

38 hours

https://www2.nims-skills.org/#

Drill Rig Operator National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operator

4–10 years

https://www.nccco.org/nccco/certifications/drill-rig-operator

Global Wind Organization Basic Safety Training (GWO BST)

2 days

https://www.globalwindsafety.org/standards/basic-safety-training-standard

ISO/AWI 15513: Cranes

Varies by program

https://www.iso.org/standard/84553.html

Milling I

Less than a year

https://www2.nims-skills.org/#

National Association of Manufacturers

Varies by program

https://www.nam.org/legal-expertise/manufacturing-institute/

National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO)

1 year

https://www.nccco.org/nccco/certifications/tower-crane-operator/certification-overview

National Institute for Metalworking Skills

Varies by program

https://www.nims-skills.org/index.php/training

National Occupational Competency Testing Institute

Varies by program

https://www.nocti.org/credentials/blueprints

Nondestructive Testing (NDT)

8 months

https://www.trainingndt.com/complete-ndt-training/

OSHA 10

2 days

https://www.oshaeducationcenter.com/osha-10-hour-training/

OSHA 30

4 days

https://www.oshaeducationcenter.com/osha-30-hour-training/

OSMRE Blaster Certification

3 years

https://www.osmre.gov/sites/default/files/inline-files/OSM%2074%20exp%202024%20update%206.17.21.pdf

Surface Mount Technology Association (SMTA)

1.5 days

https://smta.org/page/certification

Supplier jobs represent the greater job market opportunity in the offshore wind workforce across all sectors. For every job created in these major component manufacturing facilities, there is an opportunity space to train and hire up to five supplier jobs to produce subassemblies, parts, and materials. In addition, existing businesses with relevant skills and capabilities across the country participate in the offshore wind supply chain. The number of supplier jobs will depend on the level of domestic content in the supporting supply chain, with the numbers below assuming 25% to 100% domestic content (i.e., how many of these products are made in the United States instead of being imported). The figure below maps component-by-component flowcharts with a breakdown of workforce magnitude for each subassembly or subcomponent.

chart
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Export Cables

The figure below estimates the direct job needs in the major component manufacturing facility based on the number of workers needed, and facilities opening over time to fabricate components to reach a 30 GW by 2030 target. The jobs count below represents any person working in the facility to produce or oversee the fabrication and assembly, including tradespeople, managers, engineers, and professional services.

The number of FTEs available is based on the number of direct FTE per facility multiplied by the number of facilities to produce supply 4–6 GW of projects per year. Direct FTEs are estimated from interviews and surveys of facility operators.

chart

The workers in each major component facility include different types of roles with various levels of education and experience requirements. The table below shows four different workforce categories and lists the types of occupations that exist to fabricate and assemble the major component, listed in alphabetical order by name.

Table 1. Export Cable Roles

Responsibility Level

Job Positions

Factory-Level Management

  • Cable production manager

Design and Engineering

  • Cable design drafter/enginee
  • Coil worker/ Coil design engineer
  • Crane operator/crane engineer

Quality and Safety

  • Cable testing inspector
  • Nondestructive test and inspection tester
  • Quality control manager

Factory-Level Work

  • Cable machine operator
  • Cable splicer
  • Electrical technician
  • Insulating machine operator
  • Metal cutters
  • Milling machinist
  • Production supervisor/manager
  • Rolling machine setters

The employees fabricating a component may have to complete a workforce certification based on the scope of work. Certification needs specific to the component are listed in the table below in alphabetical order by name. Additional research is needed to align the certifications with a specific occupation and understand the training needs for certifications.

Table 2. Export Cable Job Certifications

Certification

Length of Time

Resource

Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/QE)

10-15 years

https://www.asq.org/cert/manager-of-quality

Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE)

11 years

https://www.asq.org/cert/reliability-engineer

Certified Quality Improvement Associate (CQIA)

2 years

https://www.asq.org/cert/quality-improvement-associate

Certified Quality Process Analyst (CQPA)

2 years

https://www.asq.org/cert/quality-process-analyst

Certified Quality Technician (CQT)

4 years

https://www.asq.org/cert/quality-technician

Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)

2-8 weeks

https://www.aws.org/certification/inspectorprogram

Computer numerical control (CNC)Lathe Operations

37 hours

https://www2.nims-skills.org/#

Computer numerical control (CNC)Lathe Programming Setup and Operations

Varies by program

https://www2.nims-skills.org/#

Computer numerical control (CNC)Mill Operation

38 hours

https://www2.nims-skills.org/#

Global Wind Organization Basic Safety Training (GWO BST)

2 days

https://www.globalwindsafety.org/standards/basic-safety-training-standard

ICS: 29.020 Electrical Engineering

Varies by program

https://www.iso.org/ics/29.020/x/

ISO 9001: 2015 Certified Lead Auditor

2 weeks

https://asq.org/training/iso-9001-2015-certified-lead-auditor-viso90012015cla

ISO/AWI 15513: Cranes

Varies by program

https://www.iso.org/standard/84553.html

Lean Certification

8–16 weeks

https://www.sme.org/training/lean-certification/

Milling I

Less than a year

https://www2.nims-skills.org/#

National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO)

1 year

https://www.nccco.org/nccco/certifications/tower-crane-operator/certification-overview

Nondestructive Testing (NDT)

8 months

https://www.trainingndt.com/complete-ndt-training/

OSHA 10

2 days

https://www.oshaeducationcenter.com/osha-10-hour-training/

OSHA 30

4 days

https://www.oshaeducationcenter.com/osha-30-hour-training/

Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

10 weeks

https://www.sixsigmacouncil.org/six-sigma-green-belt-certification/

Supplier jobs represent the greater job market opportunity in offshore wind workforce across all job sectors. For every job created in these major component manufacturing facilities, there is an opportunity space to train and hire up to 5 five supplier jobs to produce subassemblies, parts, and materials. In addition, existing businesses with relevant skills and capabilities across the country participate in the offshore wind supply chain. The number of supplier jobs will depend on the level of domestic content in the supporting supply chain, with the numbers below assuming 25% to 100% domestic content (i.e., how many of these products are made in the United States instead of being imported). The figure below maps component-by-component flowcharts with a breakdown of workforce magnitude for each subassembly or subcomponent.

chart
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Monopiles

The figure below estimates the direct job needs in the major component manufacturing facility based on the number of workers needed, and facilities opening over time to fabricate components to reach a 30 GW by 2030 target. The jobs count below represent any person working in the facility to produce or oversee the fabrication and assembly, including tradespeople, mangers, engineers, and professional services.

The number of FTEs available is based on the number of direct FTE per facility multiplied by the number of facilities to produce supply 4–6 GW of projects per year. Direct FTEs are estimated from interviews and surveys of facility operators.

chart

The workers in each major component facility include different types of roles with various levels of education and experience requirements. The table below shows four different workforce categories and lists the types of occupations that exist to fabricate and assemble the major component, listed in alphabetical order by name.

Table 1. Monopile Roles

Responsibility Level

Job Positions

Factory-Level Management

  • Manufacturing manager

Design and Engineering

  • Drafter

Quality and Safety

  • Ultrasonic welding tester

Factory-Level Work

  • Blasting technician (applier)
  • Composite materials engineer
  • Concrete pourer
  • Crane engineer
  • Crane operator
  • Heavy lift specialist
  • Metal cutter
  • Milling machinist
  • Production supervisor/manager
  • Rolling machine setter
  • Senior lifting engineer
  • Specialist coating technician (applier)
  • Steel worker
  • Structural metal fabricator
  • Welder
  • Welding machinist/engineer

The employees fabricating a component may have to complete a workforce certification based on the scope of work. Certification needs specific to the component are listed in the table below in alphabetical order by name. Additional research is needed to align the certifications with a specific occupation and understand the training needs for certifications.

Table 2. Monopile Job Certifications

Certification

Length of Time

Resource

API 577: Welding Inspection and Metallurgy

1–5 years

https://www.api.org/products-and-services/individual-certification-programs/certifications/api577#tab-qualification

ASME Practical Welding Technology

8 days

https://www.asme.org/learning-development/find-course/practical-welding-technology-(2)/online--feb-05-15th--2024

Certified Construction Manager (CCM)

4–8 years

https://www.cmaanet.org/certification/ccm

Certified Quality Auditor (CQA)

6–11 years

https://www.asq.org/cert/quality-auditor

Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)

5–10 years

https://www.asq.org/cert/quality-engineer

Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)

2-8 weeks

https://www.aws.org/certification/inspectorprogram

Certified Welder Program

1–4 years

https://www.aws.org/certification/page/certified-welder-program

Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/QE)

10–15 years

https://www.asq.org/cert/manager-of-quality

Global Wind Organization Basic Safety Training (GWO BST)

2 days

https://www.globalwindsafety.org/standards/basic-safety-training-standard

ISO/AWI 15513: Cranes

Varies by program

https://www.iso.org/standard/84553.html

National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO)

1 year

https://www.nccco.org/nccco/certifications/tower-crane-operator/certification-overview

OSHA 10

2 days

https://www.oshaeducationcenter.com/osha-10-hour-training/

OSHA 30

4 days

https://www.oshaeducationcenter.com/osha-30-hour-training/

Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)

10–60 days

https://www.tsa.gov/for-industry/twic

Supplier jobs represent the greater job market opportunity in offshore wind workforce across all job sectors. For every job created in these major component manufacturing facilities, there is an opportunity space to train and hire up to 5 five supplier jobs to produce subassemblies, parts, and materials. In addition, existing businesses with relevant skills and capabilities across the country participate in the offshore wind supply chain. The number of supplier jobs will depend on the level of domestic content in the supporting supply chain, with the numbers below assuming 25% to 100% domestic content (i.e., how many of these products are made in the United States instead of being imported). The figure below maps component-by-component flowcharts with a breakdown of workforce magnitude for each subassembly or subcomponent.

chart
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Nacelles

The figure below estimates the direct job needs in the major component manufacturing facility based on the number of workers needed, and facilities opening over time to fabricate components to reach a 30 GW by 2030 target. The jobs count below represent any person working in the facility to produce or oversee the fabrication and assembly, including tradespeople, mangers, engineers, and professional services.

The number of FTEs available is based on the number of direct FTE per facility multiplied by the number of facilities to produce supply 4–6 GW of projects per year. Direct FTEs are estimated from interviews and surveys of facility operators.

chart

The workers in each major component facility include different types of roles with various levels of education and experience requirements. The table below shows four different workforce categories and lists the types of occupations that exist to fabricate and assemble the major component, listed in alphabetical order by name.

Table 1. Nacelle Roles

Responsibility Level

Job Positions

Factory-Level Management

  • Nacelle production manager

Design and Engineering

  • Nacelle structure engineer
  • Rotor design engineer
  • Hydraulics engineer
  • Direct-drive generator specialist/turbine generator engineer
  • Poles design engineer
  • Nacelle design engineer
  • Electrical engineer
  • Mechanical engineer
  • Rotor design assistant
  • Structural engineer
  • Bearing engineer

Quality and Safety

  • Nondestructive test and inspection technician
  • Nacelle quality inspector
  • Hub test engineer/hub inspector
  • Quality control manager
  • Quality control assistant

Factory-Level Work

  • Blasting technician (applier)
  • Casting machinist
  • Civil engineer technician
  • Crane operator/crane engineer
  • Computer numerical control (CNC)machinist
  • Computer numerical control (CNC)machinist
  • Direct-drive generator assembler
  • Driller
  • Electrical assemblers
  • Electrical control system engineering assistant
  • Electrical and electronics repairers, commercial and industrial equipment
  • Electrical technician
  • Gear machinist
  • Generator assembler
  • Heavy lift specialist/senior lifting engineer
  • Hydraulic system assembler/mechanical filter
  • Metal grinder
  • Milling machinist
  • Metal refiners
  • Production supervisor/manager
  • Surface engineer
  • Steel worker
  • Specialist coating technician (applier)
  • Steel workers/casting engineer

The employees fabricating a component may have to complete a workforce certification based on the scope of work. Certification needs specific to the component are listed in the table below in alphabetical order by name. Additional research is needed to align the certifications with a specific occupation and understand the training needs for certifications.

Table 2. Nacelle Job Certifications

Certification

Length of Time

Resource

API 577: Welding Inspection and Metallurgy

1–5 years

https://www.api.org/products-and-services/individual-certification-programs/certifications/api577#tab-qualification

ASME Practical Welding Technology

8 days

https://www.asme.org/learning-development/find-course/practical-welding-technology-(2)/online--feb-05-15th--2024

Certified Calibration Technician (CCT)

5 years

https://www.asq.org/cert/calibration-technician

Certified Coating Applicator (CCA)

4 years

https://www.ampp.org/education/education-resources/courses-by-program/general-coatings/certified-coating-applicator

Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST)

5–13 years

https://www.isa.org/certification/ccst

Certified Electronics System Associate

6 months

https://certifiedelectronicstechnician.org/electronics-system-associate-exams-esa/

Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/QE)

10-15 years

https://www.asq.org/cert/manager-of-quality

Certified Electronics System Associate

6 months

https://certifiedelectronicstechnician.org/electronics-system-associate-exams-esa/

Computer numerical control (CNC)Lathe Programming Setup and Operations

Varies by program

https://www2.nims-skills.org/#

Computer numerical control (CNC)Mill Operation

38 hours

https://www2.nims-skills.org/#

Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE)

11 years

https://www.asq.org/cert/reliability-engineer

Certified Quality Improvement Associate (CQIA)

2 years

https://www.asq.org/cert/quality-improvement-associate

Certified Quality Inspector (CQI)

2 years

https://www.asq.org/cert/quality-inspector

Certified Quality Process Analyst (CQPA)

2 years

https://www.asq.org/cert/quality-process-analyst

Certified Quality Technician (CQT)

4 years

https://www.asq.org/cert/quality-technician

Drill Rig Operator National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operator

4-10 years

https://www.nccco.org/nccco/certifications/drill-rig-operator

Global Wind Organization Basic Safety Training (GWO BST)

2 days

https://www.globalwindsafety.org/standards/basic-safety-training-standard

ICS: 29.020 Electrical Engineering

Varies by program

https://https://www.iso.org/ics/29.020/x/

ISO 9001: 2015 Certified Lead Auditor

2 weeks

https://www.iso.org/standard/84553.html

ISO/AWI 15513: Cranes

Varies by program

https://asq.org/training/iso-9001-2015-certified-lead-auditor-viso90012015cla

Lean Certification

8-16 weeks

https://www.sme.org/training/lean-certification/

Milling I

Less than a year

https://www2.nims-skills.org/#

Mobile Crane Operations

55 hours

https://www.nccer.org/craft-catalog/mobile-crane-operations/

National Association of Manufacturers

Varies by program

https://www.nam.org/legal-expertise/manufacturing-institute/

National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO)

1 year

https://www.nccco.org/nccco/certifications/tower-crane-operator/certification-overview

National Occupational Competency Testing Institute

Varies by program

https://www.nocti.org/credentials/blueprints

National Institute for Metalworking Skills

Varies by program

https://www.nims-skills.org/index.php/training

Nondestructive Testing (NDT)

8 months

https://www.trainingndt.com/complete-ndt-training/

OSHA 10

2 days

https://www.oshaeducationcenter.com/osha-10-hour-training/

OSHA 30

4 days

https://www.oshaeducationcenter.com/osha-30-hour-training/

OSHA Forklift Certification Course

1 hour

https://www.oshaeducationcenter.com/forklift-certification/

Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

10 weeks

https://www.sixsigmacouncil.org/six-sigma-green-belt-certification/

Surface Mount Technology Association (SMTA)

1.5 days

https://smta.org/page/certification

Supplier jobs represent the greater job market opportunity in offshore wind workforce across all job sectors. For every job created in these major component manufacturing facilities, there is an opportunity space to train and hire up to 5 five supplier jobs to produce subassemblies, parts, and materials. In addition, existing businesses with relevant skills and capabilities across the country participate in the offshore wind supply chain. The number of supplier jobs will depend on the level of domestic content in the supporting supply chain, with the numbers below assuming 25% to 100% domestic content (i.e., how many of these products are made in the United States instead of being imported). The figure below maps component-by-component flowcharts with a breakdown of workforce magnitude for each subassembly or subcomponent.

chart
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Towers

The figure below estimates the direct job needs in the major component manufacturing facility based on the number of workers needed, and facilities opening over time to fabricate components to reach a 30 GW by 2030 target. The jobs count below represent any person working in the facility to produce or oversee the fabrication and assembly, including tradespeople, mangers, engineers, and professional services.

The number of FTEs available is based on the number of direct FTE per facility multiplied by the number of facilities to produce supply 4–6 GW of projects per year. Direct FTEs are estimated from interviews and surveys of facility operators.

The number of FTEs available is based on the number of direct FTE per facility multiplied by the number of facilities to produce supply 4–6 GW of projects per year. Direct FTEs are estimated from interviews and surveys of facility operators.

chart

The workers in each major component facility include different types of roles with various levels of education and experience requirements. The table below shows four different workforce categories and lists the types of occupations that exist to fabricate and assemble the major component, listed in alphabetical order by name.

Table 1. Tower Roles

Responsibility Level

Job Positions

Factory-Level Management

  • Manufacturing manager

Design and Engineering

  • Cable engineer
  • Structural engineer
  • Tower design engineer

Quality and Safety

  • Nondestructive test and inspection technician
  • Platform structure inspection
  • Quality control assistant
  • Quality control manager

Factory-Level Work

  • Blasting technician (applier)
  • Computer numerical control (CNC)machinist
  • Crane operator and crane engineer
  • Driller
  • Electrical control system engineering assistant
  • Electrical support
  • Heavy lift specialist/senior lifting engineer
  • Metal grinder
  • Metal refiners
  • Milling machinist
  • Millwrights
  • Specialist coating technician (applier)
  • Steel worker
  • Surface engineer

The employees fabricating a component may have to complete a workforce certification based on the scope of work. Certification needs specific to the component are listed in the table below in alphabetical order by name. Additional research is needed to align the certifications with a specific occupation and understand the training needs for certifications.

Table 2. Tower Job Certifications

Certification

Length of Time

Resource

Certified Coating Applicator (CCA)

4 years

https://www.ampp.org/education/education-resources/courses-by-program/general-coatings/certified-coating-applicator

Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST)

5–13 years

https://www.isa.org/certification/ccst

Certified Construction Manager (CCM)

4–8 years

https://www.cmaanet.org/certification/ccm

Certified Quality Inspector (CQI)

2 years

https://www.asq.org/cert/quality-inspector

Certified Quality Technician (CQT)

4 years

https://www.asq.org/cert/quality-technician

Certified Quality Inspector (CQI)

2 years

https://www.asq.org/cert/quality-inspector

Certified Quality Process Analyst (CQPA)

2 years

https://www.asq.org/cert/quality-process-analyst

Certified Quality Improvement Associate (CQIA)

2 years

https://www.asq.org/cert/quality-improvement-associate

Certified Quality Improvement Associate (CQIA)

2 years

https://www.asq.org/cert/quality-improvement-associate

Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)

2-8 weeks

https://www.aws.org/certification/inspectorprogram

Certified Welder Program

1-4 years

https://www.aws.org/certification/page/certified-welder-program

Computer numerical control (CNC)Lathe Operations

37 hours

https://www2.nims-skills.org/#

Computer numerical control (CNC)Lathe Programming Setup and Operations

Varies by program

https://www2.nims-skills.org/#

Computer numerical control (CNC)Mill Operation

38 hours

https://www2.nims-skills.org/#

Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/QE)

10-15 years

https://www.asq.org/cert/manager-of-quality

Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE)

11 years

https://www.asq.org/cert/reliability-engineer

Drill Rig Operator National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operator

4-10 years

https://www.nccco.org/nccco/certifications/drill-rig-operator

Global Wind Organization Basic Safety Training (GWO BST)

2 days

https://www.globalwindsafety.org/standards/basic-safety-training-standard

ISO 9001: 2015 Certified Lead Auditor

2 weeks

https://asq.org/training/iso-9001-2015-certified-lead-auditor-viso90012015cla

ISO/AWI 15513: Cranes

Varies by program

https://www.iso.org/standard/84553.html

Lean Certification

8-16 weeks

https://www.sme.org/training/lean-certification/

Milling I

Less than a year

https://www2.nims-skills.org/#

National Association of Manufacturers

Varies by program

https://www.nam.org/legal-expertise/manufacturing-institute/

National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO)

1 year

https://www.nccco.org/nccco/certifications/tower-crane-operator/certification-overview

National Occupational Competency Testing Institute

Varies by program

https://www.nocti.org/credentials/blueprints

National Institute for Metalworking Skills

Varies by program

https://www.nims-skills.org/index.php/training

Nondestructive Testing (NDT)

8 months

https://www.trainingndt.com/complete-ndt-training/

OSHA 10

2 days

https://www.oshaeducationcenter.com/osha-10-hour-training/

OSHA 30

4 days

https://www.oshaeducationcenter.com/osha-30-hour-training/

OSMRE Blaster Certification

3 years

https://www.osmre.gov/sites/default/files/inline-files/OSM%2074%20exp%202024%20update%206.17.21.pdf

Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

10 weeks

https://www.sixsigmacouncil.org/six-sigma-green-belt-certification/

Surface Mount Technology Association (SMTA)

1.5 days

https://smta.org/page/certification

Supplier jobs represent the greater job market opportunity in the offshore wind workforce across all job sectors. For every job created in these major component manufacturing facilities, there is an opportunity space to train and hire up to 5 five supplier jobs to produce subassemblies, parts, and materials. In addition, existing businesses with relevant skills and capabilities across the country participate in the offshore wind supply chain. The number of supplier jobs will depend on the level of domestic content in the supporting supply chain, with the numbers below assuming 25% to 100% domestic content (i.e., how many of these products are made in the United States instead of being imported). The figure below maps component-by-component flowcharts with a breakdown of workforce magnitude for each subassembly or subcomponent.

chart
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Transition Pieces

The figure below estimates the direct job needs in the major component manufacturing facility based on the number of workers needed, and facilities opening over time to fabricate components to reach a 30 GW by 2030 target. The jobs count below represent any person working in the facility to produce or oversee the fabrication and assembly, including tradespeople, mangers, engineers, and professional services.

The number of FTEs available is based on the number of direct FTE per facility multiplied by the number of facilities to produce supply 4–6 GW of projects per year. Direct FTEs are estimated from interviews and surveys of facility operators.

chart

The workers in each major component facility include different types of roles with various levels of education and experience requirements. The table below shows four different workforce categories and lists the types of occupations that exist to fabricate and assemble the major component, listed in alphabetical order by name.

Table 1. Transition Piece Roles

Responsibility Level

Job Positions

Factory-Level Management

  • Manufacturing manager

Design and Engineering

  • Drafter

Quality and Safety

  • Ultrasonic welding tester

Factory-Level Work

  • Blasting technician (applier)
  • Composite materials engineer
  • Concrete pourer
  • Crane operator
  • Crane engineer
  • Heavy lift specialist
  • Metal cutter
  • Milling machinist
  • Production supervisor/manager
  • Rolling machine setter
  • Senior lifting engineer
  • Specialist coating technician (applier)
  • Steel worker
  • Structural metal fabricator
  • Welder
  • Welding machinist/engineer

The employees fabricating a component may have to complete a workforce certification based on the scope of work. Certification needs specific to the component are listed in the table below in alphabetical order by name. Additional research is needed to align the certifications with a specific occupation and understand the training needs for certifications.

Table 2. Transition Piece Certifications

Certification

Length of Time

Resource

API 577: Welding Inspection and Metallurgy

1-5 years

https://www.api.org/products-and-services/individual-certification-programs/certifications/api577#tab-qualification

ASME Practical Welding Technology

8 Days

https://www.asme.org/learning-development/find-course/practical-welding-technology-(2)/online--feb-05-15th--2024

Certified Construction Manager (CCM)

4–8 years

https://www.cmaanet.org/certification/ccm

Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/QE)

10-15 years

https://www.asq.org/cert/manager-of-quality

Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)

5–10 years

https://www.asq.org/cert/quality-engineer

Certified Quality Auditor (CQA)

6–11 years

https://www.asq.org/cert/quality-auditor

Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)

2-8 weeks

https://www.aws.org/certification/inspectorprogram

Certified Welder Program

1–4 years

https://www.aws.org/certification/page/certified-welder-program

Global Wind Organization Basic Safety Training (GWO BST)

2 days

https://www.globalwindsafety.org/standards/basic-safety-training-standard

ISO/AWI 15513: Cranes

Varies by program

https://www.iso.org/standard/84553.html

National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO)

1 year

https://www.nccco.org/nccco/certifications/tower-crane-operator/certification-overview

OSHA 10

2 days

https://www.oshaeducationcenter.com/osha-10-hour-training/

OSHA 30

4 days

https://www.oshaeducationcenter.com/osha-30-hour-training/

Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)

10–60 days

https://www.tsa.gov/for-industry/twic

Supplier jobs represent the greater job market opportunity in offshore wind workforce across all job sectors. For every job created in these major component manufacturing facilities, there is an opportunity space to train and hire up to 5 five supplier jobs to produce subassemblies, parts, and materials. In addition, existing businesses with relevant skills and capabilities across the country participate in the offshore wind supply chain. The number of supplier jobs will depend on the level of domestic content in the supporting supply chain, with the numbers below assuming 25% to 100% domestic content (i.e., how many of these products are made in the United States instead of being imported). The figure below maps component-by-component flowcharts with a breakdown of workforce magnitude for each subassembly or subcomponent.

chart
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References

[1] Stefek, Jeremy, Chloe Constant, Caitlyn Clark, Heidi Tinnesand, Corrie Christol, Ruth Baranowski. 2022. U.S. Offshore Wind Workforce Assessment. Golden, CO: National Renewable Energy Laboratory. NREL/TP-5000-81798https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy23osti/81798.pdf.

[2] Same as above.

[3] Shields, Matt, Ruth Marsh, Jeremy Stefek, Frank Oteri, Ross Gould, Noé Rouxel, Katherine Diaz, Javier Molinero, Abigayle Moser, Courtney Malvik, and Sam Tirone. 2022. The Demand for a Domestic Offshore Wind Energy Supply Chain. Golden, CO: National Renewable Energy Laboratory. NREL/TP-5000-81602. https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy22osti/81602.pdf.

[4] Shields, Matt, Jeremy Stefek, Frank Oteri, Sabina Maniak, Matilda Kreider, Elizabeth Gill, Ross Gould, Courtney Malvik, Sam Tirone, Eric Hines. 2023. A Supply Chain Road Map for Offshore Wind Energy in the United States. Golden, CO: National Renewable Energy Laboratory. NREL/TP-5000-84710. https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy23osti/84710.pdf.

Publication Information

This factsheet was sponsored by DOE Wind Energy Technologies Office and created by NREL to compile data and insights on manufacturing and supply chain opportunities within offshore wind energy industry.

If you would like to get involved in the Offshore Wind Workforce Network or feel your organization is misrepresented or not included in this factsheet, please contact us at WindWorkforce@nrel.gov.

This work was authored by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, operated by Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC, for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) under Contract No. DE-AC36-08GO28308. Funding provided by U.S. Department of Energy Wind Energy Technologies Office. The views expressed in the article do not necessarily represent the views of the DOE or the U.S. Government. The U.S. Government retains and the publisher, by accepting the article for publication, acknowledges that the U.S. Government retains a nonexclusive, paid-up, irrevocable, worldwide license to publish or reproduce the published form of this work, or allow others to do so, for U.S. Government purposes.

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