3Sun Group is seeking £3.2million of public funding as part of an £8.4million project to tackle an estimated lack of wind turbine and offshore technicians in the supply chain.
The proposal is to upskill and train 120 new and existing members of staff, alongside developing new energy qualifications in wind-turbine technology and an industry standard, client-approved proof of competence in energy related technology.
The project would be part of the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board’s (ECITB) work to secure £10.6million of public funding from the Employer Ownership of Skills Fund to support training in the sector.
The firm is a specialist provider of products and services to the global oil and gas, marine and renewable industries. It recently launched an inspection division taking standards of oil and gas sector into the renewables sector.
Graham Hacon, its managing director, said: “We work closely with the ECITB to offer apprenticeships for young people, and share a commitment to developing people in the renewable energy sector to ensure the sustainability of the industry for the future.
“It was a very logical fit for us to work in partnership to submit a very strong funding application which if secured, will really make an impact.”
3sun Group launched in 2007 and is targeting turnover of £12million in 2012.
It employs 175 staff and has UK bases in Great Yarmouth, Westhill and Oban, as well as a recently opened office in Bergen, Norway. The firm is also looking at other UK and overseas locations.