RECOA.EU - Renewable Construction Academy

As the offshore wind sector accelerates to meet global renewable energy goals, industry leaders are rallying to address a major challenge: the skills gap. The complexity of offshore wind projects requires a specialised, technically proficient workforce to meet the demand for project development and transport and installation. To achieve the pace and scale required for the global energy transition, high-quality education and training for new generations of sector professionals is essential.

While industry-wide efforts have standardised Basic Safety Training (GWO BST) for offshore personnel, similar strides are needed to bridge the skills gap in technical and development roles and ensure role-specific onboarding across the sector. A 2023 study by RECOA underscores this gap, showing that 74% of project teams have less than one project experience, and only 6% have two or more. To address this, a structured education framework is crucial to alleviate the organisational burden and prepare a capable workforce for the challenges ahead.

The Renewable Construction Academy (RECOA) and its partners, including Offshore Construction Associates (OCA) and the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) and Women in Wind (WiW), are tackling this need with targeted training initiatives to equip new and diverse professionals.

Building Specialised Skills Through RECOA’s T&I Project Development Course

RECOA and OCA launched a specialised course on Transport & Installation, designed to address offshore wind's unique project development needs. This course is not just another technical course; it’s part of a larger, strategic commitment to building up the industry’s workforce with robust, high-quality training.

The T&I Project Development course offers in-depth knowledge of the offshore wind lifecycle, focusing on critical topics such as DEVEX and CAPEX planning, cost optimisation, stakeholder management, and risk mitigation. Participants engage with real-world scenarios to apply theoretical knowledge, developing skills essential for managing the complexities of offshore wind installations. By delivering this training, RECOA and OCA are helping industry professionals gain the tools and experience needed to navigate the nuances of offshore wind projects successfully.

"Partnering with RECOA allows us to share our experience with the next generation of renewable energy professionals," said Nick Wordsworth, Director at OCA. "This collaboration enables us to help bridge the skills gap by providing ambitious individuals with hands-on knowledge that directly impacts project success."

Empowering Women in Offshore Wind

In addition to addressing technical skills gaps, RECOA is committed to promoting diversity in offshore wind through a strategic partnership with GWEC’s Women in Wind Global Leadership Programme. Recognising the pressing need for a more inclusive offshore wind workforce, RECOA donated 100 licenses of the essential “Elements of an Offshore Wind Farm” course to the programme. This training offers a foundational understanding of offshore wind technology, development, and operations, helping women to advance in their careers and increase gender diversity in a field where only 8% of senior management roles are held by women.

Women in Wind’s latest initiative, the EqualWIND Global Campaign, seeks to boost women's participation in wind energy, particularly in technical and leadership roles. Jeanette Gitobu, Director of the Women in Wind Global Leadership Programme, highlighted the initiative’s importance: "As the sector continues to expand, it is critical to create pathways for women to take on technical and leadership roles. Our partnership with RECOA provides women with the tools and support needed to thrive."

Martin Schnoor Warming reaffirmed RECOA’s commitment to empowering women in this traditionally male-dominated sector. "To build a resilient, diverse workforce, we must provide accessible education and remove the barriers that limit women’s participation," he said. “By investing in training and mentorship, RECOA is helping to ensure a future offshore wind workforce that is both skilled and inclusive.”

A Broader Industry Effort to Meet Global Demand

RECOA's partnerships with OCA and GWEC represent just one part of a growing, industry-wide movement to tackle the talent shortage in offshore wind. The sector’s rapid growth demands a consistent pipeline of professionals with specialised training in both technical and project development roles. Programmes like the T&I Project Development course and the Women in Wind initiative not only aim to close the skills gap but also seek to establish inclusive career pathways that will sustain the industry as it expands.

These partnerships reflect a new wave of collaboration among key stakeholders to build a well-trained, diverse offshore wind workforce. As the global energy transition accelerates, industry leaders recognise that investing in targeted training, inclusive hiring practices, and diverse leadership development is critical. RECOA, OCA, and GWEC’s Women in Wind programmes exemplify how the offshore wind sector is coming together to ensure that the next generation of professionals is ready to drive innovation and meet the challenges ahead.

By addressing technical and development expertise needs, and promoting diversity in the workforce, initiatives like these are reshaping the offshore wind industry for a sustainable future. Together, they provide a blueprint for how industry collaboration can effectively support the green energy transition and create a thriving, capable workforce for the years to come.

For media inquiries or more information on strategic partnerships with RECOA, please contact:

Michelle Adamick
Marketing & Communications Director
The Renewable Construction Academy
+45 2151 4123
[email protected]