Future-Proofing the Wind Industry Through STEM Education in Irish Schools

By Isabel Meza, Programme Manager, The STEM Passport for Inclusion Centre for Inclusive Higher Education, Maynooth University.

Ireland’s renewable energy sector is at a tipping point. With ambitious climate targets and a rapidly growing need for skilled professionals in wind energy, the demand for a technically literate, innovative, and diverse workforce has never been higher. The challenge? The talent pipeline starts in our schools and right now, too many young people, especially from underrepresented backgrounds, don’t see themselves in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) careers.

Investing in STEM education at school level is not just a matter of equality, it’s a strategic move for the future resilience of the wind industry. This is where the STEM Passport for Inclusion comes in.

The STEM Passport for Inclusion: Changing the Game

The STEM Passport for Inclusion is a programme that works with Transition Year (TY) students from DEIS schools, offering:

• A university-accredited Level 6 micro-credential in STEM;
• Hands-on STEM workshops and skills;
• Mentoring from industry professionals;
• Exposure to real-world STEM careers through work experience and site visits.

The programme was launched by Maynooth University in partnership with Microsoft Ireland DreamSpace, Research Ireland and the Department of Education and Youth. The STEM Passport for Inclusion is a ground-breaking initiative designed to remove barriers for young women from underserved communities in Ireland.

The results speak for themselves. Since 2021, the STEM Passport for Inclusion programme has reached over 6,000 students and over 4,000 have graduated. Their students consider now going to university STEM courses, which before they might never have considered. This is talent we cannot afford to overlook, especially in sectors like wind energy, where innovation thrives on diversity of thought and experience.

The STEM Passport for Inclusion was founded by Professor Katriona O’Sullivan, a leading advocate for educational equity and a woman whose own life story embodies the transformative power of opportunity. By championing access, mentoring, and accredited learning, Katriona and her team are changing the narrative for thousands of students across Ireland.

Fuelling the Future Workforce

The future of Ireland’s wind industry depends on a skilled and adaptable workforce. Engineers, data scientists, project managers, sustainability analysts...the roles are varied and evolving and by engaging with STEM Passport for Inclusion now, the wind sector can:

• Inspire early career interest: Show students that wind energy is an exciting, impactful career path.
• Diversify the talent pool: Bring in voices and perspectives that will drive creativity and problem-solving.
• Strengthen public perception: Demonstrate commitment to community, equality and climate action.

Imagine a student from a rural community seeing their first wind turbine up close during a site visit, realising it’s not just a landmark, but a possible career. That’s how industry leaders are made.

Ways to Power Up the Next STEM Generation

There are several ways for wind energy companies to get involved:

• Mentoring: Share your knowledge and experience with students exploring STEM.
• Work Experience Placements: This is a chance to offer hands-on experience in turbine maintenance, data monitoring, environmental assessments, and more.
• Site Visits: Bring students onto wind farms to see renewable energy in action.

Empowering Students, Energising Ireland

By investing in STEM education now, the wind industry secures its own future. Every turbine built, every innovation developed, every megawatt of clean energy generated will rely on the talent we inspire today.

The STEM Passport for Inclusion is already transforming lives. With the backing of Ireland’s wind sector, it could transform the energy landscape too, making sure that the engineers and innovators of tomorrow are already in our classrooms today.

Be part of a movement that is breaking barriers, building futures, and powering Ireland towards a cleaner, fairer tomorrow. Get involved here: [email protected]