What Is GWO BST Training and How Does It Compare to GWO BTT Certification?

If you are planning to work in the wind industry, GWO BST and BTT are two terms you will see often. They are more than just acronyms. They are your entry points into one of the fastest-growing sectors in energy.

This article will help you understand what these certifications mean, who they are for, how they differ, and why you might need both.

Who Sets These Standards?

Both BST and BTT are developed by the Global Wind Organisation (GWO). This group includes some of the world’s leading turbine manufacturers and operators. They set training standards to make sure everyone working on wind turbines is safe and capable.

You can read more about GWO on the official website.

What Is GWO BST?

GWO BST stands for Basic Safety Training. It is designed to prepare you for the risks and conditions involved in working on wind turbines.

Whether you are climbing towers, working in harsh weather, or spending time offshore, safety is critical. This is what BST focuses on.

What You Learn

• Working at Heights
  Teaches you how to climb safely, use harnesses, and carry out basic rescues.

• Manual Handling
  Shows how to lift and move loads without causing injury.

• Fire Awareness
  Helps you recognise fire hazards and respond with confidence.

• First Aid
  Prepares you to respond quickly in case of injury or illness on-site.

• Sea Survival (offshore roles only)
  Covers how to stay alive if you fall into water or need to evacuate a vessel.

Who Needs It?

Most people working on or near wind turbines will need this certification, especially if they are working offshore. This includes:

• Wind turbine technicians

• Supervisors or HSE personnel

• Engineers or site visitors

Validity

GWO BST certification is valid for 24 months. After that, you need to take a refresher course.

What Is GWO BTT?

GWO BTT stands for Basic Technical Training. It focuses on the mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems found inside wind turbines.

Where BST is about staying safe, BTT is about knowing how turbines work and how to handle the systems inside them.

What You Learn

• Mechanical Module
  Covers how gears, brakes, and rotating systems work, and how to inspect or service them.

• Electrical Module
  Introduces turbine wiring, sensors, and basic electrical safety.

• Hydraulic Module
  Explains how pressure systems, valves, and pumps operate.

• Installation Module (optional)
  Offers an overview of how turbine parts are installed, aligned, and tested.

Who Needs It?

BTT is ideal for people who want to:

• Start working as a wind turbine technician

• Transition from another technical field

• Move from basic support roles into hands-on maintenance work

It is not always required, but more and more employers look for it.

Validity

BTT currently has no expiry date, although employers may still prefer recent training.

Key Differences Between GWO BST and GWO BTT

• Focus
  BST is about working safely.
  BTT is about working with technical systems.

• Modules
  BST includes safety and emergency response.
  BTT includes mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems.

• Purpose
  BST helps you stay safe and manage risks.
  BTT prepares you to work inside turbines and perform maintenance.

• Who It’s For
  BST is for anyone working on or near turbines.
  BTT is for technicians and technical staff.

• Certification Validity
  BST must be renewed every 24 months.
  BTT has no fixed expiry.

• Site Access
  BST is usually required to access turbine sites.
  BTT is not always required but adds strong value.

Why You Might Need Both

You do not have to choose between BST and BTT. They cover different skills, and most people working in wind will benefit from holding both.

Employers often list both as requirements or preferences when hiring. Why?

• BST shows you can work safely.

• BTT shows you can work effectively.

Together, they show you are ready for the challenges of modern wind energy work.

What the Training Looks Like

GWO BST

This is usually a 5-day course delivered in person. You will spend time in classrooms and practical sessions, including tower climbs and rescue drills. It can be physically demanding, but it is also highly rewarding.

Some training providers offer blended options, where theory is delivered online and practical sessions are completed at a facility.

GWO BTT

This course usually runs for 3 to 5 days, depending on the number of modules. It combines classroom learning with hands-on activities using real turbine systems or simulators.

If you already have some technical experience, BTT helps formalise and certify your knowledge.

Where to Take These Courses

Many certified providers deliver GWO training around the world. At Maersk Training, we offer both BST and BTT at multiple global training centres, including:

• United Kingdom

• Denmark

• United States

• Germany

• Middle East

You can find available locations on our Maersk Training locations page.

What Employers Are Looking For

According to WindEurope, the industry is expected to create over 250,000 new jobs by 2030. As wind farms get larger and more advanced, employers need people who are both safe and skilled.

Holding both BST and BTT puts you ahead of other applicants. It shows:

• You understand the risks involved in turbine work

• You can handle both emergency and day-to-day technical challenges

• You are committed to working at professional standards

Common Questions

Can I take BTT before BST?

You can, but it is not common. Most employers will not let you on-site without a valid BST. It makes sense to start with safety first.

Do I need both for offshore work?

Yes. If you plan to work offshore, BST is mandatory and includes Sea Survival. BTT is usually expected for most technical offshore roles.

Are there refresher courses?

Yes. BST refresher courses are available and required every 2 years. Some training centres also offer BTT refreshers, especially for companies managing large teams.

Is online learning accepted?

Parts of the theory can be done online, especially for BTT. But practical modules must be completed in person.

Final Thoughts

GWO BST and BTT are not competing courses. They are two sides of the same coin.

• One keeps you safe.

• The other helps you do the job right.

If you are serious about joining the wind industry, investing in both gives you the confidence and credibility to stand out.

Whether you are just starting out or looking to grow your career, BST and BTT together make a strong foundation.