Cork universities to get 12 wind-energy courses

Further and higher education minister, James Lawless, has announced that Cork students can look forward to the launch of 12 new university accredited offshore wind courses.

The micro-credential courses were announced this week by Mr Lawless in conjunction with minister of state at the Department of Further and Higher Education Marian Harkin, and Skillnet Offshore Wind Academy, the national initiative developed by Skillnet Ireland in partnership with Wind Energy Ireland.

The courses will be offered both in-person and online through a range of universities nationwide including University College Cork (UCC) and Munster Technological University (MTU).

COURSES

Courses include the Fundamentals to Offshore Wind Energy; Project Management for Offshore Projects; Offshore Wind Ornithology: Field Techniques and Impact Mitigation; Geophysics and Geology for Offshore Wind; Introduction to GIS for Offshore Wind; Introduction to MetOcean: Theory, Acquisition and Processing; Master/Officer of the Watch for Shops Less than 500 Gross Tonnage; High Voltage Engineering for Offshore Wind Engineers; Introduction to Programming for MetOcean; Environment Impact Assessment of Marine Renewable Energy Developments; Offshore Wind Energy; and Introduction to Coastal and Marine Governance.

Mr Lawless said that these courses will “play an instrumental role in the building of a sustainable workforce and the supporting of the long-term growth of crucial offshore wind capabilities”.

“Micro-credentials are a valuable part of lifelong learning, and these courses developed by Skillnet Offshore Wind Academy are a best-in-class example of practical, demand-led training aligned with the needs of employers and the Irish economy,” said Mr Lawless.

“As a part of the Government’s Offshore Wind Action Plan, addressing the skills gap in this sector is a key objective.”

The courses, now open for applications from mid-career professionals, are designed to provide participants with practical skills and recognised qualifications.

For more information or to register your interest in upcoming courses, visit: skillnetoffshorewindacademy.ie.