After an extensive job hunt following his graduation from the wind turbine technician program at the College of the North Atlantic, a resident of St. John’s has decided to pursue training in a different field. Kevin Rogers-Sparkes, who completed the one-year program in Stephenville, expressed frustration over the lack of industry connections and job prospects for graduates. He mentioned that many employers were unaware of the program, leading to difficulties in securing employment without additional training.
Rogers-Sparkes highlighted the gap between the training provided by the college and the industry requirements, stating that graduates were not adequately prepared for immediate employment in the wind turbine sector. He emphasized that individuals with no experience in the field had to undergo similar hiring processes, followed by costly additional training to meet employer standards, rendering their certificates virtually worthless in the industry.
Addressing the situation, Gary Thompson, CNA’s dean of sustainable development, acknowledged the evolving nature of the wind energy sector in Canada, stating that varying companies have different qualification requirements. He explained that while the college provides foundational training, additional employer-specific training is often necessary, as there is no universal standard across Canadian wind projects.
Despite the challenges faced by graduates like Rogers-Sparkes, Thompson mentioned that the wind industry landscape in Newfoundland and Labrador was changing, with ongoing interest from other companies in wind projects. He noted that job opportunities might not be abundant within the province currently, prompting graduates to seek employment elsewhere before potentially returning when opportunities arise.
Rogers-Sparkes shared his experience of financial strain and the need to seek further education in a different field due to the lack of job prospects in the wind turbine industry. Despite the setbacks, he remains hopeful about the potential for wind energy in the province, citing the ample wind resources available.
Having enrolled in an electrician program at a private college with higher tuition fees, Rogers-Sparkes is adapting to a new career path while keeping a positive outlook on the future of turbine energy in Newfoundland and Labrador.