The Global Wind Organisation Basic Safety Training (BST) – Initial is a comprehensive training program designed specifically for individuals working in the global wind energy industry. It encompasses a series of modules aimed at providing essential safety knowledge and skills necessary for working safely and effectively in various roles within the wind sector, particularly those involved in wind turbine installation, maintenance, and other related activities.
Many (if not all) employers in the wind sector in Australia require GWO BST certification as a prerequisite for employment or site access, making it a vital qualification for those seeking roles within the industry.
What does it cover?
The GWO BST typically consists of several mandatory modules, each focusing on a specific aspect of safety relevant to the wind industry. GWO BST Training covers the following modules:
Working at Heights (WAH)
Manual Handling (MH)
Fire Awareness (FAW)
First Aid (FA)
Additionally, in Australia many employers (if not all) within the wind sector require students (potential employee’s) to have/ hold relevant nationally accredited unit of competencies.
Not all GWO BST providers offers this, as providers need to be a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) with relevant scope or have a partnerships agreement with an RTO who can issue the nationally recognised units’ competency.
What will I learn?
Gain foundational knowledge and skills in working safely at heights, including the use of necessary safety equipment and procedures.
Develop proficiency in manual handling techniques to prevent injuries and ensure safety during physical tasks.
Master the basics of fire awareness, learning to identify fire hazards and apply effective firefighting techniques in a wind turbine environment.
Learn critical first aid and CPR procedures to provide immediate care in medical emergencies.
Enhance skills in risk assessment and hazard identification, focusing on the ability to foresee and manage potential dangers in wind turbine operations.
Build effective communication and coordination skills for emergency response and routine safety operations.
Course Benefits
The GWO Basic Safety Training (BST) Initial course provided by Skylar Education is essential for anyone aiming to ensure safety and compliance in the wind energy sector. This comprehensive training delivers a broad spectrum of safety knowledge and skills necessary for various operational roles within the industry. Here are the key benefits based on the course information provided:
Foundational Safety Skills: Participants gain crucial knowledge and practical skills in working safely at heights, manual handling, fire awareness, and first aid, which are fundamental to preventing accidents and injuries on wind projects.
Industry Compliance: This course ensures that trainees meet the safety standards required by most employers in the wind sector, aligning with the requirements set by the Global Wind Organisation (GWO), and often a prerequisite for employment.
Enhanced Safety Awareness: Trainees learn to identify potential hazards and manage risks effectively, promoting a culture of safety that extends beyond individual actions to encompass entire teams and projects.
Career Advancement: By acquiring these essential safety certifications, participants enhance their employability and career progression opportunities within the renewable energy sector, particularly in roles that require rigorous safety standards.
Emergency Response Preparedness: The training includes first aid and fire awareness, preparing participants to respond effectively to emergencies, thereby enhancing their ability to manage unforeseen situations confidently and competently.
Certification and Recognition: Completing the training results in a Statement of Attainment for nationally recognised units of competency, enhancing participants’ professional profiles and recognition within the industry.
Flexible Learning Options: Offered at multiple training centres across Australia or on-site at wind farm locations, the course provides flexibility, making it accessible to individuals across the country, catering to different logistical needs.
These benefits underscore the importance of the GWO BST Initial course in fostering a safe working environment and promoting individual and organisational growth within the wind energy industry
Is this course for me?
Ideal for individuals seeking to enter or continue working in the wind energy industry, particularly in roles related to turbine installation and maintenance.
Career Opportunities
The Global Wind Organisation Basic Safety Training (BST) – Initial course lays a critical foundation in safety practices, preparing participants for key roles in the wind energy sector. By mastering essential safety protocols, participants are well-positioned to pursue or advance in careers such as:
The total duration of the Global Wind Organisation Basic Safety Training (BST) – Initial is a comprehensive 4-day training covering multiple core safety modules.
Where is the training delivered?
Global Wind Organisation Basic Safety Training (BST) – Initial is delivered face to face by experienced trainers with relevant industry experience either at of our training centres located in:
Skylar Education (RTO Number 21647) includes the following relevant unit of competencies as part of the training within the timeframe and at no additional cost.
UETDRMP010 – Perform First Aid in an ESI environment (Electrical Services Industry)
GWO BST Fire Awareness Module
CPPFES2005 – Demonstrate First Attack Fire Fighting Equipment
PUAFER008 – Confine Small Emergencies in a Facility
As well as the above units of competencies within each module, we continue to recognise that majority of participants will require:
UETDRMP007 – Perform rescue from a live low voltage panel (LVR)
UEECD0007 Apply work health and safety regulations, codes and practices in the workplace (This is a pre-requisite unit for UETDRMP007 Perform Rescue from a Live Low Voltage Panel). When students conduct their GWO BST Initial or refresher with Skylar, this unit has been mapped across and there is no requirement to do separate course.
What are the entry requirments?
All course participants shall conform to any GWO prerequisites for the specific standard and modules as well as personal legal obligations.
The course participant shall have created a personal profile in WINDA and have provided their WINDA ID prior to completing the GWO training.
The course participants shall be medically fit, appear well-rested and be capable of fully participating showing no signs of fatigue, substance abuse or sickness.
If there is any doubt regarding the medical fitness or ability to fully participate safely of any course participant, the training provider shall stop training the course participant, and refer to the course participant’s immediate manager or seek a physician’s advice in so far as this is permitted by applicable legislation.
Be wearing long pants and work boots (all other PPE are provided)
Language, Literacy & Numeracy (LLN)
Participants should possess basic language, literacy, and numeracy skills to ensure they can comprehend training materials and instructions effectively.
Assessment
Includes practical and theoretical assessments to ensure mastery of each safety module
Certification/Training Record
Participants receive a Statement of Attainment for each completed unit, with credentials entered into the WINDA database generally within 24 hours post-completion. Valid for 24 months.
Validity Period
GWO BST Initial training is valid for a period of 2 years (24 months)
What is the cost of training?
Global Wind Organisation Basic Safety Training (BST) – Initial fees:
Title
Fee
Individual cost
$2,205.00 plus GST
Corporate Cost
Please contact our administration for potential group booking pricing
Full payment - Required prior to course commencement
Cancellations - Must be made at least one week prior to the start of the course to avoid penalties.
What are the payment options?
To secure your spot in the course, a deposit of $1500 is required before the course start date. This deposit will be credited towards the course’s total fee.
Payments can be made via credit card via our Online Enrolment portal
For corporate bookings, invoicing options are available upon request
If you have any questions related to the GWO Basic Safety Training (BST) please contact us here
Frequently Asked Questions
What is WINDA registration in the wind turbine industry?
WINDA (Wind Industry Database) is a global certification system managed by the Global Wind Organisation (GWO). It allows workers to register their GWO training certifications, enabling employers to verify their qualifications for safety and compliance in the wind industry.
Related Articles
What is GWO Training? Essentials in Wind Turbine Safety
Understanding GWO Training
GWO Training (Global Wind Organisation Training) is a series of standardised courses designed to enhance safety and emergency preparedness for professionals in the wind energy sector.
The Global Wind Organisation developed this training to equip workers with the skills and knowledge required to safely manage risks in high-risk environments, particularly focused on wind turbine safety. Given the complexity of wind energy operations, GWO training represents a vital investment in both employee safety and operational efficiency.
The global wind energy sector is witnessing unprecedented growth as countries worldwide accelerate their transition to renewable energy. With wind power being one of the most sustainable and scalable energy sources, the demand for skilled professionals in the wind turbine industry is surging. This growth is supported by a network of 579 active training providers and 616 training centres across 55 countries, ensuring a well-prepared workforce to meet the needs of this expanding industry. These numbers reflect the global commitment to renewable energy and highlight the critical role of standardised training in fostering industry growth.
In the Oceania region, particularly in Australia, the growth of GWO training and certification programs is steadily rising. This trend is fueled by the expanding adoption of wind energy and the increasing emphasis on safety compliance within the industry. Australia alone has seen significant progress, with active training numbers growing from 187 in 2017 to an impressive 3,147 in 2025. These figures, combined with the broader efforts across Oceania, highlight Australia’s pivotal role in developing a skilled renewable energy workforce and cementing its position as a key contributor to the global wind energy sector.
Wind power plays an important role in our energy shift. It’s crucial that workers are trained well to ensure safety and boost productivity in the industry.
Role of Global Wind Organisation
The Global Wind Organisation (GWO) is an international body committed to creating a safer workplace in the wind energy industry. By establishing a common training standard, the GWO enables better collaboration between training providers and operators.
The GWO sets the framework for training and certification programs, ensuring that all accredited organisations meet rigorous quality benchmarks. The organisation’s main goal is to make workers in the wind energy sector safer. They do this by regularly updating training materials and methods to keep up with changes in the industry.
One of the primary focuses of GWO is to enhance safety across all areas of wind energy operations. This dedication is particularly significant in Australia, where the wind industry is rapidly growing. Furthermore, GWO aims to develop a skilled workforce that can respond effectively to emergencies in various wind turbine environments.
Overview of GWO Certification
GWO Certification is essential for workers in the wind energy sector, serving as a benchmark for safety and competency. Getting this certification shows a commitment to safety rules and following industry standards. It also makes employees more valuable to their employers.
The GWO Certification includes several training modules. These modules focus on the important safety and technical needs of the industry. By obtaining GWO Certification, professionals not only enhance their skills but also increase their employability and career advancement prospects in the competitive renewable energy landscape.
Skylar Education, a Registered Training Organisation (RTO 21647) in Australia, is an accredited provider of GWO training and offers a pathway for professionals to achieve this important certification.
Key Training Modules
GWO Training includes important modules to help professionals get ready for the challenges in the wind energy field. These modules encompass both safety procedures and technical expertise essential for wind turbine operations.
Safety and Emergency Procedures
Sea Survival: This module trains participants on techniques for surviving in maritime environments, which are crucial for workers engaged in offshore wind farms. The training includes emergency evacuation protocols, use of survival equipment, and fundamental survival techniques to manage unforeseen incidents in the sea.
Fire Awareness: In this module, trainees learn to identify fire hazards and implement safety measures to prevent fires from occurring. They also learn how to react properly during a fire. This training is important for keeping the workplace safe in wind energy jobs.
First Aid: First Aid training is a vital component of GWO certification. This module covers essential first aid principles, enabling participants to provide immediate support to colleagues in case of injuries or medical emergencies.
What you learn in this module can greatly improve emergency response times and may even save lives.
Technical Expertise in Wind Turbines
Basic Technical Training: This foundational module covers the essential mechanical and electrical systems that drive wind turbine operations. Participants will learn how to do routine maintenance, troubleshoot problems, and understand how wind turbines work. This knowledge helps keep wind turbines safe.
Advanced Rescue Training: This specialised module prepares professionals to handle emergency rescue operations within wind turbine environments. Participants learn important skills to rescue people from high places or tight spaces. This training helps them handle unexpected situations that might happen while working with turbines.
Impact of GWO Training on Wind Industry Professionals
Compliance with Industry Standards
One of the key benefits of GWO Training is that it helps wind industry workers follow safety standards, both in their country and around the world. Compliance with these standards is not only crucial for the safety of employees but also for maintaining operational integrity and preventing costly accidents. Organisations that invest in GWO training show they care about safety standards. This can lead to better safety records and a stronger reputation in the industry.
Career Advancement
Obtaining GWO Certification provides considerable leverage for professionals seeking to advance their careers in the wind energy sector. As more companies need skilled workers, people with GWO certification will have better job chances.
Employers recognise the importance of safety and technical competency, making certified individuals more attractive candidates for advanced roles.
GWO trained professionals can find chances to move up in their careers. They can take on specialized roles and earn more money as they gain experience.
How to Get Started with GWO Training
Finding Accredited GWO Training Providers
The first step to obtaining GWO Certification is to find an accredited training provider. In Australia, many organisations provide GWO training programs. It is important to choose one that is recognized by the Global Wind Organisation.
Skylar Education is an excellent choice for GWO training as a nationally recognised training provider. With a commitment to quality and safety, Skylar Education is dedicated to equipping wind energy professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in their roles.
Preparing for GWO Certification
Preparation for GWO Certification involves understanding the course structure and requirements. Prospective trainees should research the specific modules they wish to enrol in and ensure they meet any prerequisites. Getting to know themselves with the training content will enhance their learning experience.
Skylar Education provides both beginner and refresher courses. This allows professionals to pick a training path that works best for them. It’s advised to stay engaged with the training process and prepare thoroughly to maximise the benefits of the certification.
Conclusion
The Essential Role of GWO Training in Wind Safety
In conclusion, GWO Training is an indispensable resource for professionals in the wind energy sector. When workers improve their safety skills and technical abilities, they help keep themselves safe. They also make their organizations run better and more effectively. GWO Certification is an important sign of safety and professionalism. It opens many job opportunities and chances for career growth.
As the wind energy industry grows in Australia and worldwide, GWO Training and certification will play a key role in promoting safety and quality.
Choose Skylar Education for complete training that is practical and meets international standards. This will help make your journey in the wind energy field safe and successful.
Refresh your critical rescue skills with the GWO Combined Advanced Rescue Training (ART) Refresher course, specifically designed for wind industry personnel. This intensive 3-day program ensures you remain competent in executing advanced rescues in challenging environments.
Discover the essential skills needed for advanced rescue operations in the wind industry with our comprehensive 3-day GWO Combined Advanced Rescue Training. Learn from experienced trainers in realistic scenarios to ensure your readiness for any emergency.
Keep your wind industry safety skills sharp with Skylar Education’s GWO BST Refresher course. Update your certification in just three days and stay compliant with industry standards.