Ireland’s offshore wind targets are ambitious, time-bound, and globally competitive. Achieving them will depend not only on project pipelines, ports, and policy alignment, but on the availability of highly skilled professionals across every stage of offshore wind development.
At Skillnet Offshore Wind Academy, we have adopted an industry-led approach to workforce development – working directly with businesses and industry to identify the most critical skills gaps and shortages facing the sector. These gaps have been prioritised by stage of development, ensuring that training aligns with real project needs as offshore wind projects move from early planning through to construction and operations.
The result is a clear, structured initial framework of eight offshore wind career pathways, each supported by fully accredited, flexible, and subsidised micro-credential courses designed to help learners upskill and progress into defined offshore wind roles. These eight pathways are just the initial starting point, each year we will expand on them and the courses within each pathway, in line with industry needs and feedback.
Responding to Offshore Wind Skills Gaps
Offshore wind is a multidisciplinary industry, requiring expertise that spans environmental science, marine surveys and vessel operations, electrical engineering, offshore operations, and complex project management. International experience consistently shows that skills shortages – particularly in specialist and senior roles – can delay projects and increase delivery risk.
Our pathways and courses help to address this challenge by:
- Aligning training to specific stages of the project lifecycle where skills gaps remain.
- Supporting professionals to transition or deepen their offshore expertise.
- Providing targeted, role-relevant learning, which is specific to the Irish context rather than generic training.
- Offering a blend of theoretical learning with practical application, ensuring ‘real and ready’ project skills at course completion.
This approach ensures that Ireland develops the right skills, at the right time, in the right sequence and delivers them at the scale.
Transferable Skills and Entry Pathways
Many professionals already possess highly relevant skills that can be adapted with targeted upskilling for offshore wind. Typical feeder sectors include:
- Onshore wind and renewable energy,
- Environmental consultancy and ecology,
- Civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering,
- Construction, infrastructure, and utilities,
- Maritime, shipping, and offshore services,
- Oil and gas, subsea, and marine operations,
- Project management, planning, and geospatial services,
Skillnet Offshore Wind Academy’s courses are designed to bridge the gap between existing expertise and offshore-specific requirements, accelerating transition into offshore wind roles.
Eight Offshore Wind Career Pathways
Our career pathways reflect the breadth and complexity of offshore wind development. Each pathway is supported by micro-credential courses that build offshore-specific capability while recognising existing professional experience:
Onboarding or Multi-Purpose
Addressing foundational offshore wind knowledge and essential competencies, regardless of role or specialism – spanning all eight career pathways. These courses are particularly valuable for professionals transitioning into offshore wind, taking on broader responsibilities, or seeking a comprehensive understanding of offshore project delivery.
Environmental Impact Assessment Manager
Supporting planning and consenting by leading environmental impact assessments, stakeholder engagement, and regulatory compliance throughout the project lifecycle.
Resource Analyst
Analysing wind, MetOcean, and site data to inform project feasibility, energy yield assessments, and long-term asset performance.
Geophysicist
Delivering critical seabed and subsurface analysis through geophysical surveys to inform foundation design, cable routing, and construction planning.
GIS Technician
Managing and interpreting spatial data to support site selection, environmental assessment, marine planning, and offshore project execution.
Offshore High Voltage (HV) Engineering
Designing, delivering, and maintaining high-voltage offshore electrical systems, including substations, export cables, and grid connections.
Offshore Project Manager
Leading complex offshore wind projects across development, procurement, construction, and delivery-balancing cost, programme, risk, and stakeholder requirements. This is one of our most popular courses and early registration is advised.
Able Seafarer
Providing essential offshore vessel operations and marine support, ensuring safe and efficient offshore construction, surveys, and operations.
Ornithologist
Assessing and managing impacts on bird populations, supporting environmental compliance, monitoring programmes, and sustainable offshore wind development.
Subsidised Training and Flexible Courses
Through Skillnet Ireland’s investment in offshore workforce development, eligible learners can access discounts of up to 80% on our courses, (learn more here). This funding support reduces financial barriers, enabling individuals and employers to invest in skills strengthening for Ireland’s offshore wind readiness while supporting career progression.
Our programmes are designed to meet the needs of working professionals, offering:
- Flexible delivery formats, including online and blended learning
- Accredited certification recognised across the energy sector
- Short, focused modules aligned to specific offshore roles
- Clear progression routes within offshore wind career pathways
This modular approach enables learners to upskill efficiently while remaining active in their current roles.
An Exciting Time to Upskill for Offshore Wind
With offshore wind projects accelerating and skills demand increasing, now is a pivotal moment for professionals considering their next career move.
Skillnet Offshore Wind Academy provides a clear, industry-led pathway to developing the specialist skills that will shape Ireland’s offshore wind sector for decades to come.
Explore our offshore wind career pathways and accredited micro-credential courses today, and start upskilling with confidence: www.skillnetoffshorewindacademy.ie/microcredential-courses/
