From Military to the Wind industry: Inspiring Stories of career transitions at Global Wind Service

Date: January 10, 2024

This series collects the stories of GWS colleagues, with different backgrounds and nationalities who all made the transition from the military to the wind industry.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, there are over 10,000 veterans currently working in the wind industry, making up 9% of the total workforce, while the 2nd fastest-growing job in America .

In the meantime, the European sector is facing a demand for a minimum of 150,000 additional roles, pushing the current workforce of 300,000 to over 450,000 within the next 8 years.

At Global Wind Service, we are proud to have a strong team of ex-military professionals. They bring valuable skills and experience to various roles, ranging from technicians to back-office positions.

Wind turbine technicians have become a critical part of the wind industry today. However, as demand grows the industry is facing a shortage of skilled labor i.e. technicians. At Global Wind Service (GWS) we believe we all have a shared responsibility to bring in new colleagues to the industry.

One of the ways of doing that is by supporting the transfer of people from other industries with transferable skills. One of these industries could be the Military.

We are dedicated to supporting ex-military personnel in their transition to civilian careers. In the UK alone, over 14.000 personnel end their military service every year. That’s why we participate in various events and job fairs to provide guidance and help them explore potential career paths.

A journey of adventure and growth.

After 8 years serving in the US Navy and another 5 years on the flight deck and as a firefighter, Bryan was ready for a change. It was during a chance encounter with his former Navy colleague, Brennan, who was working at Global Wind Service (GWS), that Bryan's path toward a career in the wind industry began. With his background and sense of adventure, Bryan found the promising opportunities in wind energy irresistible.

Moving from one industry to another can be daunting, but Bryan quickly discovered that many skills he learned in the Navy were transferable to his new role as a wind turbine technician. Attention to detail, a crucial skill for the job, was something he had developed significantly during his time in the military. According to Bryan, "Thankfully, there are plenty of transferable skills from my service that are applicable to this job."

Bryan's journey with GWS began in 2020 when he joined the company as a new wind turbine technician. He was pleasantly surprised by the welcoming atmosphere at GWS, which made him feel like part of a close-knit family from the start. Bryan remarks, "With GWS, you're accepted right away. As soon as you step through the door, y

"With GWS, you're accepted right away. As soon as you step through the door, you become part of the family."

Meet Razvan, a skilled wind turbine technician from Romania with a remarkable background in the Romanian Navy. His seven-year tenure in the Navy provided him with invaluable skills for his transition to the wind industry.

While serving in the Romanian Navy, Razvan honed invaluable skills including precision, discipline, and unwavering dedication. His expertise in the electromechanical field equipped him to handle complex machinery like main engines and high compressors.

However, Razvan yearned for a change of scenery and found himself captivated by the endless possibilities in the wind industry. His newfound passion led him to discover the Global Wind Service Entry Program, which marked the beginning of his exciting new career.

After undergoing initial training at Global Wind Service Academy in Poland, Razvan was sent to various worksites to further enhance his skills. Much to his surprise, the knowledge and experience he gained during his military service proved to be highly valuable in his new role.

As a wind turbine technician at GWS, Razvan enjoys the constant learning opportunities that each day brings. He finds the profession demanding yet incredibly rewarding, reinforcing his belief that he has found his true calling.