Offshore Wind Works Community of Practice

MassCEC administers the Offshore Wind Works program, which has awarded 67 grants since 2017 to advance offshore wind workforce development, improve access to opportunities, and conduct workforce studies. The program supports projects that develop a well-trained and highly skilled workforce with emphasis on diversity and safety, while expanding Massachusetts' role as a national leader and innovator in offshore wind workforce training and education.

Supported activities include the construction of training facilities and infrastructure, purchase of specialized equipment for offshore wind training and certification, development of educational pathways from primary to higher education levels, targeted recruitment for training programs, and provision of financial incentives and support services to enable participation. Programs focus on cultivating interest in offshore wind careers through internships spanning all education levels, with particular emphasis on serving underrepresented communities including women, BIPOC individuals, veterans, and low-income populations.

The Offshore Wind Workforce Community of Practice meets quarterly (twice virtually and twice in-person) to connect workforce grantees, partners, and community development organizations, ensuring collaboration and coordinated resource sharing. In-person meetings are typically hosted by grantee organizations and feature facility tours showcasing educational and training spaces.

Funded organizations operate across Massachusetts including New Bedford, Martha's Vineyard, Cape Cod, Boston, Taunton, Millbury, and other regions, providing training in areas such as Global Wind Organization (GWO) certifications, basic and advanced safety training, technical training programs, crew transfer vessel operations, helicopter underwater escape training (HUET), commercial diving, ROV operations, and specialized equipment training.