Minister Lawless Launches New University Accredited Courses in Offshore Wind

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD, and Minister of State at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Marian Harkin TD, today joined Skillnet Offshore Wind Academy, the national initiative developed by Skillnet Ireland in partnership with Wind Energy Ireland, to launch 12 new university accredited micro-credential courses.

Minister Lawless said, “Micro-credentials are a valuable part of lifelong learning, and these courses developed by Skillnet Offshore Wind Academy are a best-in-class example of practical, demand-led training aligned with the needs of employers and the Irish economy. As a part of the Government’s Offshore Wind Action Plan, addressing the skills gap in this sector is a key objective. These flexible micro-credentials will play an instrumental role in building a sustainable workforce and supporting the long-term growth of offshore wind capabilities.”

Minister Harkin, who also attended the launch said, “The new university-accredited courses offered by Skillnet Offshore Wind Academy will equip professionals with the specialised skills needed to drive the development of Ireland’s offshore wind sector. These programmes will provide pathways into high-impact, future-proofed careers that will help us deliver on our net-zero commitments, strengthen our economy, and protect our environment for generations to come."

Skillnet Offshore Wind Academy offers a range of flexible micro-credential courses targeted at mid-career professionals currently employed who have the potential to transition into offshore renewable energy. This year, the Academy is targeting priority roles aligned with Ireland’s development stages of offshore wind that include Offshore Project Managers, Ornithologists, Geophysicists, GIS Technicians, Resource Analysts, Offshore EIA Managers, Offshore HV Technicians, and Able Seafarers. Employers are encouraged to upskill for their businesses in these key areas.

Mark Jordan, Chief Executive, Skillnet Ireland, said: “The Skillnet Offshore Wind Academy is a powerful example of how industry and education can come together to address critical skills gaps in Ireland’s renewable energy sector. Through targeted micro-credentials, we are empowering professionals to upskill and transition into high-demand roles within offshore wind energy. This industry is crucial to Ireland's green economy and energy independence. This collaboration with Wind Energy Ireland represents our commitment to developing the workforce needed to drive sustainable growth and secure Ireland's place as a leader in renewable energy.”

Skillnet Offshore Wind Academy responds directly to the growing demand for skilled workers in Ireland’s green economy and supports the Government’s ambitious net-zero targets. A report last year from Green Tech Skillnet estimated that the Irish offshore wind energy sector will be worth at least €38 billion to the Irish economy by 2050.

Noel Cunniffe, CEO of Wind Energy Ireland, added: “We are proud to be working with Skillnet Ireland to create the Skillnet Offshore Wind Academy, which will help to give people the skills and the confidence they need to be part of building a clean, green energy future, for Irish families and businesses. By making it easier for professionals to transition into offshore wind careers, we are creating new opportunities and strengthening Ireland’s energy independence.”

Open for applications from mid-career professionals from today, the Academy’s 12 specialised micro-credential courses, developed in partnership with leading Irish universities, are designed to provide participants with practical skills and recognised qualifications.

The courses include:

• Fundamentals to Offshore Wind Energy
• Project Management for Offshore Projects
• Offshore Wind Ornithology: Field Techniques and Impact Mitigation
• Geophysics and Geology for Offshore Wind
• Introduction to GIS for Offshore Wind
• Introduction to MetOcean: Theory, Acquisition and Processing
• Master/Officer of the Watch for Shops Less than 500 Gross Tonnage
• High Voltage Engineering for Offshore Wind Engineers
•  Introduction to Programming for MetOcean
• Environment Impact Assessment of Marine Renewable Energy Developments
• Offshore Wind Energy
• Introduction to Coastal and Marine Governance

Each course is crafted to remove barriers to entry, offering accessible pathways into an industry set to transform Ireland’s energy landscape, delivering clean, affordable electricity to homes and businesses while creating thousands of high-value jobs.

For more information and to register your interest in upcoming courses, visit www.skillnetoffshorewindacademy.ie.