Skillnet Ireland, the national talent development agency for businesses, in partnership with Wind Energy Ireland, Ireland’s leading renewable energy representative body, have launched a new national initiative, Skillnet Offshore Wind Academy.
The Initiative will support professionals through a career switching model, which aims to rapidly create a pipeline of skilled workers for businesses operating in offshore wind services. The Skillnet Offshore Wind Academy will focus on mid-career professionals interested in a career within the industry.
Announcing the launch of Skillnet Offshore Wind Academy, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Patrick O’Donovan TD, said: “It is a key priority for my Department to ensure that we have a talent pool ready and able to meet the requirements of developing our offshore wind resources.
The importance of renewable energy for Ireland cannot be understated, as well as contributing to our energy security and lower carbon emissions, it will also create new jobs and produce cost savings for consumers. Skillnet Offshore Wind Academy will play a crucial role in ensuring the sector has the skills and expertise necessary to meet its climate action goals and in helping to make Ireland a world-leader in offshore energy.”
Paul Healy, Chief Executive, Skillnet Ireland, said Skillnet Offshore Wind Academy will provide new opportunities for skilled workers from a range of industries with transferable skills, to upskill and become future leaders for the offshore wind sector.
"Offshore wind energy presents a unique opportunity to secure a supply of sustainable, indigenous energy, that will contribute to our energy economy in a meaningful way, for generations to come. Skillnet Ireland is committed to supporting this important sector to address its skills and workforce requirements and develop a pipeline exceptional talent.”
Noel Cunniffe, CEO, Wind Energy Ireland, said their members are working every day to build the wind farms, on and offshore, which provide Irish families and businesses with the clean, affordable, energy they need.
"To accelerate the development of renewable energy, to build a more sustainable economy, we will need thousands of skilled workers in the years to come. Whatever your skillset or your experience or your passion there is a place, and an opportunity, for you in the wind energy industry. We look forward to working with Skillnet on this exciting new project to help a new generation of Irish workers build sustainable careers while playing their part in Ireland’s energy revolution.”
Commenting on the new scheme, Jim Breslin, Chairperson, Renewable Energy Ireland welcomed this Initiative which will build further momentum in accelerating the transition to a fully decarbonised energy system.
"Our aim is to support the scaling and integration of all renewables, and the creation of an enhanced workforce, with relevant, top quality skills, is fundamental to the process. I commend the work of Skillnet Ireland in the industry-led approach that they have taken with Wind Energy Ireland. The expertise of companies is key in identifying skills gaps and the corresponding upskilling and training programmes that can achieve clean, secure and affordable energy for Ireland," he said.
