Fundamentals of Offshore Wind

This micro-credential provides a multidisciplinary, industry led, overview of the Offshore Wind Energy industry, with a specific focus on the Irish context. Participants will be instructed on the fundamentals of wind energy and given a comprehensive overview on the challenges associated with offshore locations. Through lectures, guest lectures and case studies, participants will be led through the lifecycle of an offshore wind farm from initial site assessments, through planning and financing, to construction and commissioning, and finally the operations and maintenance associated with the offshore wind energy sector. Cutting edge technologies and policy changes will be deliberated to ensure that the learner is prepared for the evolving nature of this emerging industry

Upon completion of the module, learners will be able to:

Apply the fundamental principles of offshore wind energy, including wind resource assessment, turbine technology, marine engineering and environmental considerations in practical contexts.
Evaluate the complexities of integrating offshore wind farms into existing power grids and energy markets, demonstrating and understanding of the technical, economic and regulatory challenges.
Assess the technical, environmental, and economic factors influencing the offshore wind farm life cycle, including site selection (using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) spatial data), design and construction, operation and maintenance and decommissioning.
Evaluate the distinct procedural, environmental and operational challenges of offshore wind energy development, demonstrating and appreciation for the shift in knowledge and skills required from onshore to offshore contexts.
Analyse emerging trends, evaluating potential impacts and formulating strategic solutions to enhance operational resilience and sustainability.

This course will take place on Fridays via blended delivery, with online and in-person attendance required.

Skillnet Course Fee: € 600

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 the course fee is €1,000. 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 will typically hold a level 8 qualification and have relevant industry experience.

Participants must be based in the Republic of Ireland and employed in a private enterprise in the Republic of Ireland.

This program is designed for professionals working in a related sector, seeking to upskill and transition into the offshore wind industry.

Professionals working in a related sector, seeking to upskill and transition into the offshore wind industry.
Companies seeking to develop and upskill their workforce to undertake projects related to offshore wind farm development.

Career Pathways:

This course offers a broad introduction to the offshore wind energy industry, with a particular focus on the Irish context. It provides a foundational understanding of the sector’s key principles, stakeholders, and operational environment, making it relevant to all potential career pathways. Graduates will be well-positioned to pursue diverse roles, including:

Resource Analyst,
GIS Technician,
Project Manager,
Ornithologist,
Offshore EIA Manager,
Geophysicist,
Offshore HV Engineer,
Offshore HV Technician,
and Able Seafarer.

Progression:

Further study opportunities vary depending on the learner’s chosen career within the offshore wind sector. These micro-credentials provide targeted expertise to support both technical and operational roles across the industry. Current courses include: