As Notes from Poland reports, Polish coal miners have started a major career change by retraining to take up jobs in the wind energy industry. They will train to operate and service wind turbines. This program is part of an initiative to support workers exiting the mining industry in the East European country.
The two-week-long training, accredited by the Global Wind Organization (GWo), is being funded by EDF Renewables Polska to help assuage the concerns of coal miners about the effects of the energy transition to renewables. Coal is still a big business in Poland, generating 70% of the electricity supply. Miners can undergo the training for free.
According to Alicja Chilińska-Zawadzka, general director at EDF Renewables Polska, “In the coming years, the wind energy industry will need tens of thousands of employees, while the specialised staff leaving the mining industry seems to be particularly prepared to find employment in the renewable energy sector after appropriate training.”
Candidates will visit a wind farm to learn about working safely at heights, first aid, fire awareness, and wind farm operation. They will be tested on operating suspended platforms and overhead cranes.
The miners will also meet with potential employees and have their first interviews. A second batch of miners will undergo the program in the first quarter of 2024, with applications already open.
Poland wants to close all its mines by 2049.
Renewable Brief 