Green Tech Skillnet is playing a pivotal role in supporting businesses of all sizes in the renewables sector, by providing future-focused programmes that enhance specialised skills across the industry.
Green Tech Skillnet’s Graduate and Career Development Programme has been developed for those working in the renewable energy or related sectors and who wish to build on their knowledge of the sector. Over nine months, participants take part in structured training, hands-on learning, and build the skills and industry connections that support long-term career development in the industry.
Green Tech Skillnet’s mission is to support the development of Ireland’s renewables resources through subsidised learning and training programmes. These programmes are designed to facilitate thought leaders within the renewables sector, while contributing to Ireland’s decarbonisation and energy transition.
EnergyPro is an SME which provides businesses with comprehensive renewable energy asset management services, enabling organisations to effectively manage and analyse their assets and maximise clean energy generation. EnergyPro has engaged with Green Tech Skillnet’s Graduate and Career Development Programme since its inception, sending new graduates on each of the four courses delivered to date.
Speaking about the impact of the programme, Mark Ruane, Network Manager at Green Tech Skillnet, said: “The Graduate and Career Development Programme is essential for accelerating talented early-career professionals into roles that will help shape Ireland’s energy future. By giving participants the technical expertise, industry insight and confidence to contribute from an early stage, the programme is helping to build the long-term pipeline of skilled talent needed to support Ireland’s renewable energy ambitions for years to come.”
Discussing the benefits of the programme from a business perspective, Ronan O’Meara, Managing Director at EnergyPro, said: “The Graduate and Career Development Programme helped solve three things for us. Firstly, it gives our graduates really solid technical training, getting them up to speed quickly on wind, solar and battery projects. Secondly, it develops soft skills such as effectively chairing meetings or knowing their best ways of working. Thirdly, the networking element is fantastic, as coming out of college graduates would not have a network built up yet, but the programme gives them an opportunity to network.”
Skillnet Ireland, through its 70 Skillnet Business Networks and National Initiatives, provides a diverse range of training programmes to encourage lifelong learning and upskilling for employees working in businesses across the economy.
Dave Flynn, Director of Business Networks, Skillnet Ireland, said: "Skillnet Ireland is committed to supporting businesses across Ireland, by providing the critical skills needed to grow, innovate, and remain competitive. Upskilling supports such as the Green Tech Skillnet Graduate and Career Development Programme demonstrate how targeted, industry-led upskilling can build a highly capable workforce, enabling businesses to meet evolving demands while unlocking new opportunities for growth.”
Some of the many climate action upskilling supports on offer through Skillnet Ireland include the Skillnet Offshore Wind Academy, which aims to strengthen the offshore renewable energy sector by rapidly creating a pipeline of skilled workers for businesses operating in offshore wind services. Skillnet Climate Ready Academy supports Irish businesses to develop the talent required to deal with and manage the effects and the business requirements of our changing climate and environment. Meanwhile, all 70 Skillnet Business Networks are increasingly supporting businesses to navigate their sustainability challenges, including Shannon Chamber Skillnet which partnered with Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) to deliver Ireland’s first accredited Level 7 programme in Electric Vehicle (EV) Systems Repair.
Skillnet Ireland recently launched its new strategy 'Empowering Enterprise - A Strategy for Next Generation Capability 2026-2028', designed to work with businesses like EnergyPro to develop the talent and skills needed for their future success.
Any business in Ireland, of any size, across multiple sectors, can access upskilling and training supports through one of 70 Skillnet Business Networks. Business Leaders are encouraged to contact either a sector-specific or regional Skillnet Business Network to discuss their future upskilling needs. A list of sector-specific and regional Skillnet Business Networks can be viewed on the Skillnet Ireland website, www.skillnetireland.ie/sectors.
The Graduate and Career Development Programme is open for registration for its 5th cohort, which will run from September 2026 to May 2027. Further information is available at: www.greentechskillnet.com/courses/graduate-and-career-development-programme.
