An offshore energy business's training division has become one of just two in the country certified to carry out mandatory training.

3sun Academy hopes its ability to deliver safety and technical training for wind turbine technicians will place it at the forefront of the industry.

International classification body DNV-GL has confirmed 3sun's certification for the industry training which it believes means it is joining three centres in mainland Europe and one in the UK that can offer the Global Wind Organisation (GWO) New Basic Maintenance Training (BMT) – which will be compulsory for all technicians from November.

The six-and-a half day course, consisting of hydraulics, mechanical and electrical training modules, is designed to cut risks to technicians by introducing common industry training and best practice standards for basic technical skills.

Andy Holyland, head of Great Yarmouth-based 3sun Academy, said he was currently in talks to enable 3sun to deliver the training at three more centres across the UK, including Scotland and the North East.

He said: 'We are continuing to enhance the course, with further developments planned.

'3sun Group is committed to skills and competency across the industry and this standard has drawn a line in the sand and ensures everyone has the minimum basic knowledge to stay safe.'

'I am looking at how to make it as accessible as possible for everyone, especially those looking to enter the industry as well as those that require evaluation and assessment in acknowledgement of prior qualifications and experience.'

The BMT modules are targeted at candidates with little or no previous experience of the basic principles of mechanical, electrical and hydraulic systems within a wind turbine generator but also offer knowledge to allow technicians the knowledge to operate across multiple model types safely under supervision.