Dangle Academy opens Belfast's First Rope Access Training Centre

Dangle Academy Launches in Belfast: Training the Future of Rope Access & Wind Turbine Repair Technicians

Dangle is proud to announce the launch of its cutting-edge training division, Dangle Academy, right in the heart of Belfast. With this major investment, we’re not just opening our doors—we’re opening up a whole new world of opportunity in Northern Ireland and beyond for rope access technicians and wind energy specialists.

Meeting the Global Skills Demand: A Milestone for Belfast and Beyond

The global energy industry is transforming and Dangle is spearheading that lead to change.

With nearly 600,000 new technicians needed by 2027 to support the growth of the global wind industry, there has never been a more critical time to invest in people, skills, and infrastructure. Wind turbine repair and maintenance remain at the heart of this transition, as countries work towards achieving ambitious net zero targets by 2050.

Until now, aspiring technicians across Northern Ireland were forced to travel to the Republic of Ireland, mainland UK or even further afield for training, an often costly and logistically challenging step. All that changes from today, because of Dangle!

With the launch of Dangle Academy, we are not only addressing a significant skills gap but also establishing a first for Northern Ireland, as Dangle stands as the sole independent training facility in Belfast that offers in-house, accredited IRATA rope access, Train the Painter (exclusively licensed to Dangle Academy in Northern Ireland), and workplace health and safety courses, all housed within a state-of-the-art industrial facility at our Belfast site.

Why Dangle Academy & Why Now?

At Dangle Academy, we understand the critical importance of industry led, expert training. With operations across the UK and a growing footprint in global markets, our experience has shown us first-hand the need for technicians who are not just qualified, but job ready.

Dangle Academy has been created with one clear mission: to train and up-skill the next generation of rope access professionals with hands-on, accredited, and expertly delivered training in one of the most exciting growth sectors in the world, using the deep industrial heritage that Northern Ireland has to offer.

We’ve invested in state-of-the-art infrastructure, including:

• A 7,500 sq ft facility at our headquarters in Belfast Harbour
• New purpose built steel platform structures for realistic training scenarios
• Accredited IRATA Rope Access Training (Levels 1–3)
• Train the Painter Industrial Coatings Programme (exclusively licensed rights to Dangle Academy in Northern Ireland)
• Soon to offer GWO (Global Wind Organisation) Safety Training

This facility represents a strategic expansion of our successful operations, with a tailored offering designed to meet the demands of the Irish markets and Europe.

The First of Its Kind in Northern Ireland

Dangle Academy is proud to be the first independent service provider in Northern Ireland, and indeed only one of very few, across the Republic of Ireland, to offer in-house training and certification in both IRATA rope access and Train the Painter, alongside our workplace health and safety coursesall under one roof.

Dangle Academy is the only provider in Northern Ireland with exclusive rights to deliver the internationally recognised Train the Painter programme, setting a new benchmark for professional protective coatings training in the region.

This milestone means:

• No more costly travel to mainland UK for industry recognised training
• Faster, more accessible routes into a growing industry from Northern Irelands capital city
• Confidence for clients that technicians are competent, qualified, and field ready

Whether you’re just starting your journey, renewing your certification, or advancing your skills, Dangle Academy offers a unique opportunity to train locally for globally recognised industrial standards.

Rope Access: High Demand, High Reward

Rope access is one of the fastest growing career paths within industrial services and renewable energy.

From offshore wind farms to civil engineering structures, bridges and confined spaces - rope access allows for safe, efficient, and cost-effective access to areas that traditional methods like scaffolding or MEWPs can’t reach at a fraction of the price.

But the job is not without its risks, which is why IRATA (Industrial Rope Access Trade Association) training is globally recognised as the gold standard for working at height.

At Dangle Academy, we offer:

• IRATA Level 1 training: Entry-level training for newcomers
• IRATA Level 2 training: Intermediate training for those with experience
• IRATA Level 3 training: Supervisor-level training for seasoned technicians
• IRATA Revalidation Training, essential for all rope access technicians every three years, to maintain certification and on-site eligibility

Our courses follow strict IRATA guidelines and procedures, ensuring safety, professionalism, and competence at every stage, whether you’re starting out or keeping your skills current.

What is Train the Painter?

Train the Painter is a globally recognised certification programme developed by Corrodere to raise standards in surface preparation and industrial painting.

As the only provider in Northern Ireland licensed to deliver this programme, Dangle Academy ensures that trainees receive the highest level of instruction in accordance with global best practice.

What does Train the Painter training entail?

The Train the Painter training programmes ensure that trainees;

• Understand corrosion protection and protective coating systems
• Can safely and effectively carry out surface prep (e.g. blasting, cleaning)
• Know how to apply coatings according to industry specifications
• Are familiar with inspection and quality assurance standards

At Dangle Academy, our certified Train the Painter courses include;

• Protective Coatings Applicator
• Abrasive Blast Cleaning
• Spray Painting
• Thin Film Intumescent Painting (PFP)
• Marine Coating Applicator

These skills are critical not only for wind turbine maintenance but also for work in shipyards (such as Harland & Wolff), bridges, refineries, and marine infrastructure sectors where protective coatings are a safety critical discipline.

A New Era of Training, Led by Experts

Our training isn’t just about ticking boxes, it’s about preparing professionals for real-life, high-pressure environments, where safety is critical.

Every course at Dangle Academy is delivered by industry veterans with years of on-site experience. They bring a practical, scenario-based approach that mirrors the challenges faced by technicians in the field.

This hands-on style of training helps address one of the biggest barriers to entry into the industry, which is how do you gain relevant experience, as a new start? Until now, there were very few options for rope access or industrial painting training in Northern Ireland.

By eliminating the need to travel across the water to England or Scotland, or the drive down to Dublin, we’re making this industry more accessible, affordable, and attainable for local talent.

Supporting Net Zero and Industrial Heritage

Dangle’s Belfast headquarters is strategically located at Belfast Harbour—a site steeped in industrial heritage and now playing a pivotal role in the UK and Ireland’s net zero journey.

This location gives our trainees:

• Access to realistic, marine-facing environments
• Close proximity to live infrastructure projects
• Immersion in the working culture and challenges they’ll encounter on a typical job site

Our investment is not just in buildings and platforms, it’s very much in people! It’s about training confident, competent professionals who can help deliver the projects that will shape the future of clean energy in Northern Ireland.

Who Should Train at Dangle Academy?

We warmly welcome a diverse range of participants to join our programs, including:

• New entrants who are eager to embark on an exciting career journey in wind energy, rope access, or industrial painting. This is a fantastic opportunity for those looking to break into these dynamic industries.
• Skilled tradespeople seeking to transition into new sectors, where they can apply their valuable expertise and open up new avenues for professional growth and development.
• IRATA-qualified technicians who are looking to renew or advance their qualification levels, ensuring they remain at the forefront of industry standards and practices.
• Companies keen on up-skilling their staff to fulfil compliance and competence requirements, recognising the importance of training in fostering a knowledgeable and capable workforce.

Together, we aim to build a stronger and more skilled community in these essential fields.

Our facility supports both individual learning and group bookings for corporate clients. Training can also be integrated into workforce mobilisation plans, helping companies reduce downtime and improve on-site performance on a project to project basis also.

A Message from Our Founder

“The launch of these facilities is another significant development for Dangle. It is part of our wider global mission to invest in and up-skill a local technician pool while building confidence for both technicians and clients, on future projects with the goal to be Ireland's first choice for working at height services and industrial training.

Offering certified training for newly qualified technicians and ensuring experienced operatives possess the in-field skills to excel globally is pivotal. Our ability to offer in-house IRATA rope access, Train the Painter, work place health and safety training and soon, GWO courses, will play a crucial role in accelerating efforts to meet 2050 net zero targets.”

– Simon Dunn, Founder & Managing Director, Dangle Academy

Why Choose Dangle’s Academy?

Here at Dangle, we pride ourselves on offering a wide range of professional and comprehensive inspection, access, coatings, and composite (IACC) industrial services and training courses to cater to the needs of both the private and public sectors. Our dedication to providing high-quality work at height solutions and training has helped us establish a strong reputation in the industry.

With a team of highly skilled and experienced professionals, we are committed to delivering exceptional results that not only meet but exceed our clients' expectations. Our on-site working at height services are designed to minimise maintenance costs in the long and short-term, allowing our clients to save on valuable resources.

Located in Belfast, Northern Ireland, our headquarters serve as the centre of our operations across Ireland. However, we also have a Dangle office based in Scotland, ensuring that we can extend our services to a wider clientele across the United Kingdom. No matter where you are located, our team is always ready to assist you with your industrial maintenance or training needs.

If you would like to learn more about how our dedicated team can help you, we encourage you to get in touch with us today. Our friendly and professional staff are always available to provide you with the information and support you require.

Contact us now to discover the Dangle difference and let us be your trusted partner in meeting your industrial service and training needs today.