Massachusetts Maritime positions itself as an offshore-wind training hub

Elizabeth Simmons, vice president for external affairs at Massachusetts Maritime Academy, welcomed attendees and said the academy is committed to renewable and sustainable energy and workforce development in offshore wind.

Brigitte Pavilonis, senior vice president of academic affairs, outlined the academy's training offerings: Global Wind Organization (GWO) modules (working at heights, first aid, fire awareness, manual handling and sea survival), a partnership with Relion Newtec that enables accelerated three-day GWO certification, ongoing recertification and technical training, and an upcoming Helicopter Underwater Escape Training (HEWITT) program conducted in the academy pool.

Pavilonis said Massachusetts Maritime has trained nearly 1,000 Global Wind Organization workers over the past five years and has partnered with the New Bedford Ocean Cluster and industry unions to create pathways for unemployed and underemployed residents, especially on the south coast. The academy will break attendees into three tour groups to view hands-on demonstrations at the bridge simulator, working-at-heights station, and a tower-transfer pier exercise.

Massachusetts Maritime leaders credited a grant from the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center and partnerships with labor and industry for building the academy's capacity to support offshore-wind workforce needs.

Attendees moved from the briefing to scheduled campus tours and demonstrations, which organizers said would include an opportunity to speak with cadets and faculty involved in offshore-wind training.