Hannah Gibb

Hannah (24) has always strived for a rewarding career where she can make a real impact. She is part of the first ever ECITB Wind Turbine Technician Scholarship group that started their training in 2022, and are on track to complete their programme in summer.

From Drumoak, Hannah worked in her local garden centre after leaving school. She decided to study for a Maths degree with the Open University, but found the workload difficult to juggle with work.

Although she loved her job and colleagues, when she spotted the Engineering: Wind Turbine Technician Pathway course on the NESCol website, she decided to go for it.

She said: “It was the sustainability aspect of the programme that really appealed to me, and the mix of engineering and renewables.”

The intensive two-year course provides learners with the engineering skills, knowledge and industry-standard qualifications required for a career in the energy sector. The first year covers mechanical engineering, before the group move on to electrical engineering in year two.

Hannah said: “I would recommend the scholarship to anyone who is considering an engineering career.

“I enjoyed the combination of hands-on workshops and theory, which was particularly beneficial as someone who is fresh to the industry with no background experience.”

As part of the programme, scholars receive a £100 learner allowance each week during term time, which Hannah found helpful.

She said: “It was a bonus to receive the grant while we were training. I wouldn’t have been able to complete the scholarship without it.”

As well as training, the scholars get the opportunity to connect with local employers and gain industry experience during site visits.

One of Hannah’s highlights from the past two years was the group’s trip on board the Edda Brint vessel at Montrose Port. The vessel was designed to operate as a platform used by wind technicians carrying out work on Seagreen’s offshore wind turbines.

Looking to the future, Hannah hopes to make a difference as the UK moves towards net zero greenhouse gas emissions. In the upcoming spring break, she is set to do work experience with KCA Deutag and Altrad Sparrows.

She said: “My ultimate goal is a career in renewables. I’m open to building up my experience in the energy sector as a whole but sustainable energy is where I can see myself thriving.

“I’m driven by feeling like I’m contributing to something important, and renewable energy is a growing and exciting sector to be involved in.”

Paul Balfour, Head of Sector for Mechanical, Electrical and Vehicle Technologies, NESCol, said: “Hannah is a talented young engineer. Combined with her passion to be part of the energy transition, she is destined for an exciting and rewarding career.”