GWO GWO Blade Repair Training
Working safely with composite materials during blade inspection and repair.
The Training
Training overview
Blade Repair Training is the longest programme in the GWO wind portfolio. It covers the composite materials used in turbine blades, how blades are constructed, how damage is inspected and categorised, and the repair techniques applied to laminates, sandwich panels and blade surfaces.
A substantial part of the training concerns working safely with the chemicals involved — epoxy, polyester, polyurethane, vinyl ester, methacrylate, reinforcement materials and solvents — and selecting the right personal protective equipment for each. Participants are made aware of the risks relating to material allergies, asthma and excessive hand sweating before training begins.
The training is heavily practical, and repairs are carried out and documented against work instructions, reflecting how blade repair is controlled and recorded in the field.
Why this training matters
Blade surface condition directly affects aerodynamic performance, and a poorly executed repair can shorten the life of the blade. Equally, the chemicals used in composite repair carry real health risks that only correct handling and PPE control.
What you will learn
- Take responsibility for working safely with chemicals and using appropriate PPE throughout inspection and repair
- Explain blade construction types, materials, and why surface finish matters to aerodynamic performance
- Work safely with epoxy, polyester, polyurethane, vinyl ester, methacrylate, reinforcement materials and solvents
- Prepare, operate and maintain the correct electrical and mechanical tools and equipment
- Safely perform and document laminate, sandwich panel and surface repairs to work instructions
Training pathways
Initial Training
A single extended programme covering composite materials, inspection and repair technique.
Duration: 70 hours 20 minutes total contact time
Key knowledge
- Blade construction types and composite materials
- Why surface finish affects aerodynamic performance
- Chemical properties and hazards of resins, hardeners and solvents
- Damage inspection and categorisation
- Repair methods for laminates, sandwich panels and surfaces
Practical skills
- Preparing, operating and maintaining electrical and mechanical repair tools
- Carrying out laminate and sandwich panel repairs
- Performing surface repair and finishing
- Documenting completed repairs against work instructions
Safety and risk awareness
- Chemical exposure from epoxy, polyester, polyurethane, vinyl ester, methacrylate and solvents
- Material allergies, asthma and excessive hand sweating as participant risk factors
- Correct PPE selection for each chemical and process
Competencies
- Work safely with composite chemicals using appropriate PPE
- Inspect a blade and categorise damage
- Perform and document laminate, sandwich panel and surface repairs
Key learning outcomes
- Composite materials and blade construction
- Blade inspection and damage assessment
- Laminate, sandwich panel and surface repair
- Safe work with chemicals and PPE
- Documenting repairs to work instructions
Practical training
Extensive supervised practical repair work on representative samples, with each repair documented to work instructions.
Important information
- Maximum 8 hours contact time per day, within a 10-hour training day.