Green light for wind energy jobs – thousands of roles to be filled

Already more than 5,000 people are employed in the Irish wind energy industry, and Workinwind.ie is highlighting the many great job opportunities in the sector

Saqib Bahadur, project engineer with Afry, and Ella Brazel, construction support director with Vestas, launching the new workinwind.ie online platform.

Thinking about a new career for 2024? Or maybe you are considering your CAO options. 

Whatever your passion, the wind industry in Ireland has a green career path that’s right for you.

Tanya O’Reilly, wind turbine technician.

A new Work in Wind platform workinwind.ie highlights the many career routes available in the Irish renewable energy industry.

Workinwind.ie also highlights the need for thousands of new workers in Ireland’s fastest-growing energy industry.

Already more than 5,000 people are employed in the Irish wind energy industry but, as the race to achieve the targets set out in the Climate Action Plan accelerates, this number will much more than double by the end of the decade.

Workinwind.ie highlights the job opportunities in the sector, profiles real-life case studies of people working in the industry today and identifies clear career pathways through training programmes and third-level courses.

Noel Cunniffe, CEO of Wind Energy Ireland, said: “The renewable energy industry is growing rapidly in Ireland and around the world. Together, we are creating a future free of fossil fuels. Whatever your passion, whatever your interest, there is a place for you with us.

“Over the next ten years we will need thousands of engineers and technicians, planners and ecologists, pilots and sailors, builders and designers, accountants and lawyers, if we are to build an industry that can decarbonise Ireland’s energy supply.

“Workinwind.ie is the start of a national campaign to inform, inspire and encourage young people to join the global renewable energy revolution, to build a career and save the planet.” 

Lisa-Anne Crookes, communications manager with Wind Energy Ireland, added: “We know that young people are passionate about climate action and there is a much greater emphasis on it in the curriculum with the new Leaving Cert course on Climate Action and Sustainable Development "Workinwind.ie will inspire and empower this generation of young people to play their role in Ireland’s renewable future, by highlighting clear paths to a broad range of careers in the renewable energy sector.”  

What kind of jobs are there? 

The workinwind.ie platform profiles people from a variety of backgrounds who are pursuing careers in wind energy.

Tanya O’Reilly is a wind turbine technician from Cavan: “I can’t believe how well it’s all gone. It’s a new career — I just love it. I’ve worked on wind farms all over Ireland, including one only five minutes from my home in Cavan. But I’ve also got to travel for work to Sweden, England, Scotland and Wales.

“Even if you don’t have a background or knowledge in the renewables area, don’t restrict yourself. If you are willing to work and be open-minded to learning new skills, then jump at the chance.” 

Carmel Brennan, environmental advisor with SSE Renewables.

Carmel Brennan is an environmental advisor with SSE Renewables: “There are so many opportunities in wind energy now, both in Ireland and internationally. The existing onshore industry is still growing and the offshore industry is rapidly emerging as we aim to achieve climate action targets by the end of the decade. It’s a great time to join the industry in any role.

“I work with a wonderful, diverse and talented group of people and I really enjoy getting out to our wind farm sites, many of which are in remote and beautiful parts of the island.” 

If you need more information or inspiration to #Picture Yourself In Wind visit www.workinwind.ie