TSL Instructor, Ian White, GWO Instructor of the Year 2025 Nominee

Describe how you maintain instructor qualification in relation to specific modules and standards they instruct.

Ian takes a proactive and hands-on approach to maintaining his qualifications, ensuring that the instruction he delivers is grounded in current industry practices and safety standards. He regularly performs site visits to wind farms to stay connected to the real-world environments his trainees work in. This allows him to adapt and tailor his instruction to the evolving challenges technicians face in the field.

Ian consistently seeks out opportunities for professional development. He earned his ASME Industrial Bolting Certification through HYTORC, which he directly integrates into his instruction for the Basic Technical Training – Bolt Tightening (BTT-B) module. In addition, he holds certification in suspended scaffolding through the Scaffold & Access Industry Association (SAIA), as well as several specialized certifications through KEE Safety.

These qualifications not only demonstrate Ian’s commitment to his own continued learning—they also enhance the quality and credibility of the training he provides. His diverse expertise allows him to connect with technicians on a deeper level and deliver instruction that meaningfully improves safety outcomes in the field.

How does your nominee gather feedback and use for continuous improvement?

Ian actively prioritizes feedback as a tool for growth—both for himself and for the participants he trains. In addition to utilizing formal mechanisms like class surveys and Global Wind Organisation (GWO) feedback sessions, Ian goes beyond the standard by creating open, two-way dialogue in the classroom.

He regularly asks thoughtful, engaging questions during one-on-one interactions and group discussions, encouraging participants to share their experiences and perspectives. Ian listens attentively and values the insights offered by those in the field, recognizing that meaningful feedback often arises organically in conversation.

He also fosters an environment where participants feel comfortable exploring new ideas. During and after practical sessions, Ian gives individuals the space to problem-solve and think critically—learning as much from their approaches as they do from his instruction. This willingness to adapt, evolve, and continuously refine his methods reflects Ian’s deep commitment to delivering the most relevant and impactful training possible.

Please give an example of a difficult training situation where the nominee involved participants successfully.

In a recent Basic Safety Training (BST) course, Ian was faced with a mixed group of newcomers and seasoned industry veterans. One participant, who had several years of experience and had completed BST multiple times, appeared disengaged and unmotivated by the material.

Recognizing the challenge, Ian skillfully applied GWO’s student-led learning approach to shift the dynamic of the class. Rather than treating the experienced participant as a passive attendee, Ian invited them to share their knowledge and contribute to discussions on industry best practices. By empowering this individual to take on a leadership role within the group, Ian not only re-engaged the participant but also enriched the learning experience for the entire class.

His ability to recognize and harness the strengths of his participants turned what could have been a routine or difficult session into a collaborative, energizing environment. This approach transformed the veteran’s experience into something meaningful and new—while reinforcing a culture of respect and shared learning across all experience levels.