Certificate in the Safe Operation of Offshore High Voltage Power Systems

Ireland’s offshore renewable energy sector is expanding rapidly, creating strong demand for technicians and professionals who can operate and manage high-voltage systems safely. This Level 7 Special Purpose Award provides learners with the technical skills and safety competencies needed to work with HV systems on offshore wind farms, substations, and marine installations.

Delivered in a blended format, the course combines classroom teaching, practical HV laboratory sessions, simulator exercises, and industry-based case studies. Learners develop both hands-on operational capability and an understanding of legal, regulatory, and safety requirements aligned with the new Global Wind Organisation (GWO) High Voltage Standard. Graduates will be able to conduct HV switching operations, apply Safe Systems of Work (SSoW), prepare safety documentation, and interpret the behaviour of HV networks in normal and fault conditions.

Learners complete two 5-credit Level 7 modules that integrate technical HV skills with safety management and compliance.

High Voltage Operations (5 ECTS) – Offshore HV systems (HVAC/HVDC), substations & switchgear Protection systems, fault behaviour, SCADA and control HV switching, isolation & return-to-service procedures Practical switching exercises in the HV laboratory Insulation resistance, PI testing & diagnostic techniques Application of industry standards (EN 50110, EN 61936, IEC TS 63527).

Safe Management of HV Systems (5 ECTS) – Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (SHAWW) Act Health & Safety Authority (HSA) compliance Roles of AP, SAP, PSDP and PSCS Safe Systems of Work (SSoW), RAMS & safety documentation Hazard zones, exclusion boundaries & permit-to-work systems Human factors, offshore safety, incident analysis and case studies Teaching includes lectures, online learning, lab sessions, simulator exercises, and site visits.

Upon completion of this course, learners will be able to:

Perform HV operations using real equipment and simulators
Apply safety legislation and RAMS in offshore contexts
Troubleshoot and test protection relays and HV components
Understand digital substations and emergency procedures

Please see course dates below:

Start Date: Monday, 19th Jan 2026 – 12 Teaching Weeks and 1 Review Week.

The modules will be predominantly delivered online and recorded for learners.

Tuesdays: 2 hours of Safe management of HV Systems, 18:00-20:00 (All Online)
Wednesday: 2 hours of High Voltage Operations and 1hr of Safe Management, 18:00-21:00 (All Online)

* We will have to move one Tuesday session to accommodate St Patrick’s Day. This will be agreed with learners.

There will be 3 in-person practical HV sessions in the NMCI. There will also be a site visit to a HV station. These half day sessions are mandatory and will occur on Fridays in weeks 3, 6, 9 and 13. The dates are as follows:

6th Feb
6th Mar
27th Mar
8th May

Skillnet Course Fee: € 2,000

Full Course Fee: € 1,000

Eligibility for the subsidised Skillnet Course Fee is based on the following factors:

Trainees

Key requirements regarding the trainee:

Trainees must be based in the Republic of Ireland to be eligible.
Trainees must be employed within private enterprise/self-employed.
This program is designed for professionals working in a related sector, seeking to upskill and transition into the offshore wind industry.

Companies

Key requirements regarding the eligibility of businesses to participate in funding:

Companies must be from private enterprise based in the Republic of Ireland.
Skillnet Ireland funding is not available to public sector bodies or organisations that are publicly funded such as community-based not-for-profit companies or charities.
Commercial semi-state companies are eligible providing that income contributed to a Network is not sourced from the public purse.
Sole traders are eligible as Companies.

If you are not eligible for funding then the full course fee will apply. Where a trainee enrols on a course and pays the full fee, no refund will be provided if eligibility is determined later.

If you have further queries on funding, please contact training@skillnetoffshorewindacademy.ie including the module you wish to apply for.

Applicants are normally required to hold a Level 6 qualification (or higher) in electrical, electronic, marine, or mechanical engineering, or a closely related area. The course is suitable for qualified electricians and technicians seeking to progress into high-voltage (HV) operations, offshore wind, or maritime energy roles. Applicants who do not meet the standard entry requirements may apply through MTU’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process. Candidates with significant professional, seagoing, or HV experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Electricians, Electrical engineers & technicians, marine electrical officers, and ORE professionals transitioning into offshore HV roles.

Companies seeking to develop and upskill their workforce to undertake projects related to offshore wind farm development.

Career Pathways:

This course equips learners with the knowledge and practical understanding required for the safe operation of offshore high-voltage (HV) power systems, opening pathways to specialist careers within the offshore wind sector. Graduates will be well-prepared for roles such as Offshore HV Technician, HV Engineer, or other positions responsible for the installation, operation, and maintenance of electrical infrastructure on offshore wind farms. By combining technical competence with a strong focus on safety compliance, the course supports career progression into critical roles that ensure the reliable and efficient delivery of offshore wind energy.

Progression:

Graduates of this Level 7 Special Purpose Award can progress to a range of higher-level qualifications within MTU and the wider engineering and offshore energy sector, including: Level 7 and Level 8 programmes in electrical or marine engineering Level 8 certificates or diplomas in energy, offshore operations, or maritime studies Level 9 postgraduate study in energy systems, engineering, or maritime operations Industry progression to Senior Authorised Person (SAP) roles with further professional training The award also serves as a recognised credential for professionals transitioning into the offshore wind and marine energy workforce.