If you want to work in the wind industry, especially in Europe, you’ll need to get the GWO Basic Safety Training (BST) certification. It’s the first requirement companies look for, that covers essential safety skills for a technician working in the industry.
1. Why GWO BST is Important
Spain is one of Europe’s major wind-energy countries. There are more than 27GW of installed wind power and thousands of technicians working every day. Because the work involves climbing, heavy equipment and changing weather, the industry keeps safety standards tight.
GWO BST training in Spain ensures you’re fully prepared for onshore and offshore hazards. From emergency response to height safety, you’ll learn how to respond effectively to emergencies, work safely at height, and handle tools and equipment in line with industry best practices.
More importantly, you cannot enter a wind farm without the certification, so it is a key part of the process before you start work. GWO standards are recognised by major OEMs, wind farm operators, and EPC contractors across Europe.
In Spain, Stier Training Services runs accredited GWO courses in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, so getting certified is pretty accessible whether you’re new to the industry or renewing.
View our BST Packages: Onshore BST | Offshore BST
2. What Exactly Is GWO BST?
GWO (Global Wind Organisation) sets the safety standards for wind-energy workers worldwide. Basic Safety Training (BST) is their entry-level training that every technician must complete.
The onshore training programme covers essential modules like First Aid, Fire Awareness, Manual Handling, and Working at Heights.
You’ll learn how to:
- Respond to accidents using basic First Aid
- Manage fire-related incidents safely
- Lift and move equipment correctly
- Work safely at height using approved systems
For offshore work, Sea Survival training is included. This includes how to board liferafts, what is hypothermia and how rescues are done. The training gives participants the ability to act safely, and responsibly and to take the correct preventive actions in all aspects of offshore operations from shore to installation vessel.
If you’re asking, “What is GWO BST?” or “Is it mandatory?” The answer is clear: yes, the certification is mandatory at wind farms across Spain and Europe.
Refer to these links for individual courses:
3. Which Course Should You Take?
Onshore BST
For anyone working on land-based wind farms. It includes all four main modules and prepares you for standard site-access requirements in Spain’s wind sector.
Offshore BST
Covers everything from Onshore BST and adds Sea Survival. You’ll practise liferaft entries, rescue drills, and cold-water procedures — especially relevant for the Bay of Biscay and other international offshore wind projects.
A simple way to choose is to look at your job location. If it is on land, Onshore BST is typically sufficient. If it requires sea access, do Offshore BST.
4. How Long Does It Last?
GWO BST generally takes 4 to 5 days. The certification is valid for 2 years, and before it expires, you’ll need a BSTR refresher to keep your qualification active.
Book BSTR Refresher Courses: BSTR Onshore | BSTR Offshore
5. Who Signs Up for BST?
The course is designed for all personnel working in the wind energy industry to equip them with essential workplace safety skills. They can be:
- new technicians
- people switching careers into renewables
- workers who need official site-access approval
- students preparing for their first industry role
Even if you’re experienced, it’s still required — and companies won’t take you onsite without it.
6. Why Train With Stier Training Services?
Stier Training Services (STS) is a GWO-accredited training provider, delivering courses led by instructors with real offshore wind and industrial experience.. Classes are hands-on and available in English, Spanish or French.
When it’s time to renew, STS can help you with achieving your updated training with the BSTR refresher course.
7. What Will Training Be Like?
Expect to move — this isn’t a classroom-only certification. You’ll go through realistic drills, wear full PPE, get checked physically to see you’re fit to train, and learn how to react calmly when something unexpected happens.
It’s designed to feel like real work, just in a safe environment.
8. Course Dates & Booking
Early registration is recommended as the courses have limited seats. STS also handles group training if a company needs multiple learners certified.
View upcoming courses here or reach out to us via WhatsApp to reserve your spot.
9. FAQ
1. What’s included in BST?
First Aid, Fire Awareness, Manual Handling, Working at Heights. For offshore roles, GWO Sea Survival is included as an additional module. By the end of the course, you’ll have practical experience handling real-life emergencies safely.
2. Do I need BST for offshore jobs?
Yes, generally most Offshore Wind projects globally adhere to the GWO convention for training and it is a mandatory requirement for workers to have up to date GWO training requirements. In practice, most wind farm operators will not grant site access without valid GWO BST certification. Please check with your employer for their exact requirements.
3. What’s the difference between onshore vs offshore?
Onshore BST focuses on safety for land-based wind farms — covering First Aid, Fire Awareness, Manual Handling, and Working at Heights. Offshore BST includes all of this plus Sea Survival, preparing you for emergencies at sea. Your choice depends on where you’ll be working.
4. How long is the BST certificate valid?
GWO BST certification is valid for 24 months, after which a GWO BSTR refresher is required to remain compliant with GWO standards.
5. Do I need BSTR?
Yes, BSTR (Basic Safety Training Refresher) is required before your BST expires. It’s a shorter course designed to refresh your knowledge and practical skills so you can continue working safely without interruption.
Ready to get your GWO BST?
Book now: Onshore BST | Offshore BST | BSTR Refresher
Have questions? Contact us today to speak directly to one of our team.
