In the heart of New Bedford, Massachusetts, a new player has stepped onto the offshore wind industry stage. Bristol Community College’s National Offshore Wind Institute (NOWI) has opened its doors in a sprawling 43,000-square-foot facility, previously a package manufacturer. The center is designed to train workers for the offshore wind industry, but it’s not just about wind turbines. NOWI is a testament to the region’s commitment to renewable energy and workforce development, even as political winds shift.
The facility is a marvel of realism, complete with mock wind turbine infrastructure, a replica docking site with an actual pool, and even a Helicopter Underwater Egress Training vehicle that simulates a helicopter crash for rescue training. This is not your average classroom setting; trainees are getting hands-on, real-world experience. But what happens when the political climate turns hostile to offshore wind?
President Donald Trump has been vocal about his opposition to offshore wind projects, threatening to halt new construction. This has sparked concerns about the future of the industry and the relevance of training programs like NOWI. However, officials at Bristol Community College are unfazed. They point to Massachusetts’ longstanding bipartisan support for renewable energy and the versatility of the training offered.
Kevin Spirlet, Bristol Community College’s associate director of Media Relations, emphasized the institute’s broader mission. “Massachusetts’ longstanding bipartisan support for renewable energy initiatives strengthens our resolve to contribute to the state’s evolving energy landscape,” he said. Spirlet highlighted that NOWI’s training extends beyond offshore wind, encompassing manufacturing, construction, maritime, and renewable energy sectors.
Jo Ann Bentley, Bristol’s associate vice president of Administration and Facilities, echoed this sentiment. “The important thing to know is offshore wind is in our name, but we’re much more than that. We do much more than that. We’re an occupational safety training facility,” she stated. NOWI’s training includes mechanical, electrical, hydraulics, bolt-tightening, and installation, ensuring workers are well-equipped to handle various safety and technical challenges.
The institute also boasts a five-year partnership with Maersk Training, a Danish firm specializing in safety and operational performance across multiple sectors. This collaboration underscores NOWI’s commitment to providing comprehensive, industry-relevant training.
Despite the political headwinds, NOWI is ramping up its operations. Twenty-one people completed training programs last month, with plans to double that number weekly. The institute employs 12 instructors, mostly active and retired firefighters, who bring a wealth of experience in high-angle rescue, water rescue, and marine operations. Fall River Fire Department District Chief Matt Johnson, who teaches at NOWI, noted the seamless transition from fire service training to the institute’s programs. “For us, it’s a natural transition. With our training in the fire service, we’ve done tech rescue, high-angle rescue, water rescue, we have marine, we have divers who cover from the fire service. The first aid component is a seamless transition for us. Most of our guys are either medics or nationally registered EMTs,” he said.
This news shapes future developments in the maritime industry by showcasing a robust, adaptable training model that can weather political storms. NOWI’s success could inspire similar initiatives, emphasizing versatility and safety training across multiple sectors. As the offshore wind industry navigates political challenges, the adaptability and resilience demonstrated by NOWI may become a blueprint for other training programs. It’s a reminder that even in uncertain times, investment in workforce development and safety training can pay dividends, ensuring that workers are ready for whatever comes their way.
