Wind Energy Ireland’s annual conference this week marked an important milestone for the sector, with the launch of its 2026-2030 Strategy, Delivering Energy Independence, Powering Growth. Pillar 4 – Making Industry Ready sends a clear and timely signal – the success of Ireland’s offshore wind ambitions will be determined not only by policy, ports, and projects, but by having people with the right skills, at the right time.
At Skillnet Offshore Wind Academy, we strongly welcome the focus on offshore wind skills development in Ireland. We are already delivering the upskilling and skills development that underpins this pillar – preparing professionals and companies for the scale, complexity, nuances and opportunities that offshore wind will bring.
Skills as Critical Infrastructure for Offshore Wind
Ireland’s offshore wind pipeline is advancing, with gigawatt-scale projects planned across the east, south, and west coasts. However, international experience is clear: skills shortages are one of the most significant risks to delivery and ensuring the benefits of this investment remain within our economy.
Pillar 4 of Wind Energy Ireland’s 2026-2030 strategy recognises that a future-ready industry requires:
- A workforce with offshore-specific technical, regulatory, and commercial expertise
- Strong cross-sector transfer of skills from onshore wind, oil & gas, construction, engineering, maritime, utilities and energy.
- Early and continuous investment in professional development, not reactive training once projects are underway.
This is where Skillnet Offshore Wind Academy plays a central role, delivering offshore wind skills development.
Skillnet Offshore Wind Academy: Underpinning Pillar 4
Established to support Ireland’s offshore wind skills ecosystem, we are a national, industry-led training network focused on building capability across the full offshore wind value chain.
Working in close collaboration with industry and leading Irish universities, we design and deliver fully accredited micro-credential courses that are flexible to suit working professionals and respond directly to emerging project requirements.
Our portfolio supports professionals across:
- Offshore wind foundations, turbines, cables, and substations,
- Project development, consenting, and marine planning,
- Offshore construction, installation, and operations,
- Health, safety, and offshore risk management,
- Commercial, legal, and supply chain readiness.
Our programmes are designed for professionals transitioning into offshore wind or expanding their remit as projects move from planning to delivery. Use our micro-credential courses to mix and match modules based on your career focus, and stack module credits to comprise major awards (Level 9).
The Importance of Early Skills Adoption
Wind Energy Ireland’s Strategy 2026-2030 send a strong message on the need to act early. Offshore wind skills cannot be developed overnight. Waiting until final investment decisions or construction phases are released creates bottlenecks, increased costs, and reliance on international labour markets. Early engagement in upskilling delivers clear advantages:
- Stronger project resilience through informed decision-making,
- Reduced delivery risk by building internal offshore capability,
- Improved competitiveness for Irish companies in the offshore supply chain,
- Career progression and retention for experienced professionals.
By investing in offshore wind training now, organisations position themselves as credible, capable partners in a rapidly evolving market.
Building Momentum Towards 2030
Pillar 4 of Wind Energy Ireland’s Strategy 2026-2030 rightly positions skills as a foundation for success. We are proud to be a driving force behind this ambition, translating strategic intent into practical, accessible learning pathways for industry.
As Ireland accelerates towards its offshore wind targets, the question is no longer whether to invest in skills, but how early. Now is the time to build capability, confidence, and competitiveness.
Explore Offshore Wind Training Opportunities
Skillnet Offshore Wind Academy offers a growing suite of offshore wind micro-credentials and targeted training programmes, developed with industry and delivered by leading universities and experts. There are also subsidised course fees for eligible learners, learn more here.
Whether you are transitioning from onshore wind, construction, engineering, energy – or seeking to formalise/scale your existing experience or for offshore delivery – our programmes are designed to support your next step.
Explore upcoming courses and register your interest today to be part of Ireland’s offshore wind future: https://skillnetoffshorewindacademy.ie/microcredential-courses/
