Creating a Strong Offshore Skills Network for Ireland

20 Jan 2024

Skillnet Offshore Wind Academy

Earlier this year we launched Building our Potential: Ireland’s Offshore Wind Skills and Talent Needs report (produced for Green Tech Skillnet by BVG Associates). It highlighted the significant economic potential of the offshore wind energy industry to Ireland. It also pointed out the critical need for skills development now to maximise the benefits from this substantial investment.

It reinforced the importance of a Focused Skills Development Fund to ensure that Irish workers and businesses can capitalise on the opportunities around achieving Ireland’s 2050 offshore wind energy targets - estimated to be worth at least €38 billion to the Irish economy.

The report emphasises the need for a larger workforce in the offshore wind energy industry to achieve the targets set by the Government. It also highlights the potential for employment opportunities through targeted investment in upskilling and retraining, particularly in parallel industries with transferable skills to wind energy development, such as marine and engineering.

Taoiseach Simon Harris and Minister Eamon Ryan expressed strong support for the findings of the report, the considerable economic and social benefits and the importance of developing green skills and green jobs as a top priority.

The report sets out several key recommendations, these include:

Wind Energy Ireland and Skillnet Ireland have secured dedicated funding for developing skills in the offshore wind sector.

We are proud to announce the launch of our new initiative, the Skillnet Offshore Wind Academy, which will offer micro-credentials in response to the skills needs identified in the Offshore Wind Skills Action Plan 2024.

The programmes available include:

The talent development initiatives play a crucial role in meeting the targets outlined in Ireland’s 2030 Climate Action Plan. By addressing the skills challenges and workforce capacity requirements in the offshore wind energy sector, this scheme directly aligns with the country’s goals to increase renewable energy capacity, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and transition to a low-carbon economy.

As part of the 2030 climate action plan Ireland has committed to significantly increasing its renewable energy capacity, with a particular focus on offshore wind. The talent bridging scheme will contribute to this goal by ensuring that the industry has a skilled and qualified workforce to support the development, construction, and operation of offshore wind farms. By targeting mid-career professionals and providing them with the necessary skills and knowledge to transition into the offshore wind sector, the scheme will help meet the demand for skilled workers in this rapidly growing industry.

If you are interested in learning more about the initiative and our upcoming programmes, visit our stand at the Wind Energy Ireland Trade Show or email [email protected].