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Powering Offshore Wind: OPITO’s High Voltage Qualification

As offshore wind projects move further from shore, the industry is entering a new era of technical complexity. Higher-voltage transmission systems are now essential to deliver clean energy efficiently, with 66 kV already established as the standard and 132 kV expected to become the optimal array voltage of the future. While these advances bring significant gains in efficiency and reliability, they also demand a workforce trained to the highest standards in high-voltage (HV) operations. Without this expertise, the risks of inefficiency, safety incidents, and project delays increase dramatically. 

At the same time, the offshore wind sector is expanding at unprecedented speed. Global targets for renewable energy are ambitious, yet the industry faces a critical skills shortage—an estimated 125,000 qualified HV technicians will be needed by 2030. Current training provision is fragmented, with courses varying widely between operators and equipment manufacturers. This lack of consistency undermines workforce mobility, slows project delivery, and threatens investor confidence in the sector’s ability to meet its commitments. 

Recognising this urgent gap, we have developed a world-recognised suite of specialist HV qualifications designed to set a global benchmark for competence. These qualifications provide a structured, standardised pathway that ensures technicians and authorised personnel are trained to a consistent level, embedding best practice across every HV role. By doing so, we are helping to safeguard the future growth of offshore wind, enabling the industry to deliver clean, reliable energy at scale while maintaining the highest standards of safety and efficiency. 

Lucie Booth, OPITO Product Development Manager, explains more… 

Why has OPITO developed specialist HV qualifications? 

OPITO developed these specialist HV qualifications to address the increasing complexity and safety requirements of high voltage operations in the renewable energy sector, particularly offshore wind. The qualifications ensure that personnel have the necessary skills, knowledge, and behaviours to work safely and competently with HV systems, reflecting industry best practices and regulatory standards. 

How do these qualifications address the needs of the offshore wind sector?  

The qualifications are tailored to the operational realities of offshore wind farms, where HV systems are critical for energy transmission and safety is paramount. They cover: 

  • Health and safety legislation specific to renewables
  • Practical HV switching, isolation, and permit systems
  • Realistic scenarios such as turbine and substation isolation
  • The roles and responsibilities found on wind farms (e.g., Authorised Person, Senior Authorised Person, Person in Control of Electrical Installation)  

 This ensures that the workforce is prepared for the unique challenges of offshore wind  environments. 

Do they help close current skills gaps in high voltage workforces?

Yes, the qualifications are designed to close skills gaps by: 

  • Providing structured, progressive pathways from entry-level to advanced HV roles
  • Emphasizing both technical and safety competencies
  • Aligning with industry standards (e.g., ENA SHE Standard 07, EN50110)
  • Requiring demonstration of practical skills and knowledge in real or simulated environments. 

This approach ensures that workers are not only qualified on paper but are also competent in practice. 

Who are these qualifications designed for? 

These qualifications are designed for personnel working with HV systems in the renewable energy sector, especially offshore wind. They are suitable for: 

  • New entrants with relevant apprenticeships or experience
  • Existing workers seeking formal recognition or upskilling
  • Those progressing to roles with greater responsibility for HV safety and operations 
Which job roles on wind farms will benefit most from each pathway?

The following job roles that would benefit the most from our qualifications are: 

  • High Voltage Training Certificate (Level 7): For Authorised Persons (AP) who oversee HV work under supervision and assist with switching operations.
  • High Voltage Advanced Training Certificate (Level 8): For Senior Authorised Persons (SAP) who manage HV work, issue safety documents, and perform complex switching.
  • High Voltage Control Training Certificate (Level 8): For Persons in Control of Electrical Installation (PCEI) who develop and validate HV switching programs, coordinate permits, and direct field operations.
How long do they typically take to complete? 

Completion time can vary depending on the training provider, prior experience, and delivery format and could range between 6 – 18months.

How will employers implement the pathways within existing training programs and competency management systems? 

Employers can integrate these qualifications by: 

  • Mapping them to existing competency frameworks and job profiles
  • Using them as prerequisites for specific HV roles
  • Incorporating the assessment and evidence requirements into their training records and management systems
  • Ensuring that trainers and assessors are qualified and that training environments reflect operational realities 
How were industry stakeholders and employers involved in developing the content?

These were developed in collaboration with industry stakeholders, employers, and subject matter experts to ensure relevance and applicability.  This involved a technical and wider working group.

What sets these qualifications apart from other high voltage training on the market?

The key differentiators include: 

  • Alignment with offshore wind sector needs and roles
  • Progressive, role-based pathways (AP, SAP, PCEI)
  • Emphasis on both technical and behavioural competencies
  • Integration of industry standards and regulatory requirements
  • Focus on safety culture, documentation, and effective working relationships 

Furthermore, completing an OPITO SCQF credit-rated qualification offers significant value for both individuals and employers, particularly in the global energy sector, some of the benefits are: 

Recognition and Credibility 

SCQF (Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework) is a nationally recognized framework that ensures qualifications meet rigorous standards. By credit rating its qualifications on SCQF, OPITO guarantees: 

  • Quality assurance: Learners and employers can trust the level and value of the qualification.
  • International recognition: SCQF benchmarking makes OPITO qualifications portable across borders, which is crucial for global workforce mobility. 
Career Progression and Lifelong Learning 

SCQF credit rating provides clarity on the level of learning achieved and helps individuals: 

  • Map out future learning pathways. 

  • Plan for career advancement by aligning skills with industry standards. This structured approach supports professionals at different stages of their careers.  

     

Workforce Development 

For employers, SCQF-rated OPITO qualifications: 

  • Build a safe and skilled workforce.
  • Enable compliance with international standards. 

  • Reduce operational risks through consistent, high-quality training.  

     

Competitive Advantage and Employability 

Holding an OPITO SCQF credit-rated qualification: 

  • Demonstrates competence and commitment to industry standards.
  • Enhances employability globally, as OPITO certifications are recognized by major energy companies.
  • Provides a competitive edge in a highly regulated and safety-critical industry.  

To learn more about our High Voltage Qualifications visit the links below or contact your OPITO focal point.  

OPITO Training Certificate: High Voltage

OPITO Training Certificate: High Voltage Advanced

OPITO Training Certificate: High Voltage Control