Get into Wind
Government targets to tackle climate change mean even more wind and renewable energy jobs are on the way. This is great news for Ireland! Now we need even more people to build a new generation of wind farms. But this is also creating a skills gap in the industry, because there are more jobs than qualified people in many areas.
So, we know there are lots of jobs, but how do you get started on your green career?
In this section you will find information on the paths you can take to start or change your career path.
Third Level Courses
CARO
Academic courses in the areas of Climate, Environment, Energy, Transport Planning and Sustainability
Training and Upskilling
Green Tech Skillnet (GTS) is a partnership between industry and government that identifies workforce needs and develops talent to meet these skill gaps.
“We partner with training providers, higher education institutes and industry experts to deliver bespoke training for areas where skill gaps exist and to improve performance and career development. This training is supported with grant funding to accelerate workforce development.
“We research skill needs in growth areas to ensure the required workforce will be in place to meet targets and identify any gaps.
“We are funded to develop new innovations, programmes and training courses that did not previously exist. These are identified through the research we carry out and consultation with industry through training needs analysis surveys.”
Of most interest to school leavers and jokseekers is the training and work placement programmes we run to reskill/upskill jobseekers looking to get into a career in renewable energy.
Green Tech Skillnet works across all technologies that contribute to a zero-carbon energy system. These include onshore and offshore wind energy, solar energy, battery energy storage, electrification including retrofit, hydrogen, and sustainability.
Wind Turbine Maintenance Technician (WTMT) Apprenticeship
This apprenticeship is for people who wish to pursue a career in the maintenance of large scale commercial wind turbines. It is designed to meet the needs of the growing Irish Renewable and Sustainable Energy sector. The WTMT Apprenticeship adopts an ‘Earn while you Learn’ model so apprentices are paid for the duration of their apprenticeship.
Specialist Training for Renewables, Wind Energy, Maritime & Offshore Oil & Gas Industry
Errigal Training Centre is Ireland’s First and Only GWO accredited Training Provider offering all 5 Basic Safety Training Modules under the one roof.
ASL Safety and Training is a safety and training consultancy with a background in health, safety, security, environmental, general business training and consultancy dating back to 1994.
Based at Arklow in Co Wicklow, ASL offers a broad range of onshore and offshore wind related training. Their mobile teams also offer certified training in other areas around the country.
Renewables Academy (established in 2012) are a leading wind energy training provider based in Wexford. They are specialists at delivering GWO BST, GWO BTT, GWO ART and GWO EFA courses as well as WTSR at their training centre.
They also deliver health and safety courses for the construction, engineering, and manufacturing sectors.
NMCI Training Services in Cork provide specialised training programs and certifications for professionals working in the renewable and wind energy sector.
They are maritime training specialists in STCW, STCW Refresher, OPITO, GWO, Simulation, Port and Bespoke Courses. NMCI Training Services works with individuals entering or already working in the renewable wind energy industry.