Crowley, MMA partner to train offshore wind workforce in New England
Crowley Maritime Corporation
and Massachusetts Maritime Academy (MMA) have announced plans to create
a training and workforce development programme dedicated specifically to
the New England region's offshore wind energy industry.
The partnership, which was announced during the International Offshore
Wind Partnering Forum (IPF) conference, aims to support the growth of a
qualified workforce in the U.S. offshore wind industry, including sea safety
and survival instruction. The program will be certified by the Global Wind
Organisation (GWO), a non-profit that sets international standards for
safety training. The academy will coordinate with Relyon Nutec, the world's
largest provider of specialized instruction for energy and industrial sectors,
to deliver the courses.
"Crowley and MMA are leaders in the maritime industry, and the joint
program will help us build the next generation employee serving in the
offshore wind industry," said Jeff Andreini, vice president at
Crowley New Energy. "This partnership will provide workers the
skills and knowledge they need, and together we help create cleaner energy
sources in the U.S."
In addition, Crowley – a longtime supporter of the nation's maritime academies
– will continue to provide scholarships, internships and hands-on learning
for MMA cadets, including those at sea and at the recently created Maritime
Center for Responsible Energy (MCRE) on the academy's campus in Buzzards
Bay, Mass.
"Partnering with industry leaders is critical to our program at MMA.
We're especially proud to team up with Crowley to help prepare the workforce
for opportunities in the offshore wind industry," said Rear Admiral
Francis X. McDonald, USMS, president of the Massachusetts Maritime Academy.
"Training and internships will help our cadets gain expertise and
experience, which will be critical as they pursue careers in this growing
field."
Going beyond training, the partnership stated it will direct resources
to create outreach programs and workforce development for underrepresented
population groups, specifically in Massachusetts Gateway Cities.
