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”.
