Skillnet Business Networks and National Maritime College of Ireland delivers new upskilling programmes in the Maritime Sector

(L-R): Paul Healy, Chief Executive, Skillnet Ireland; Patrick O’Donovan TD, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science; Maggie Cusack, President, Munster Technological University and Paul Hegarty, Head of College, National Maritime College of Ireland, pictured at the launch of two new upskilling programmes designed to support the sustainable development of the maritime sector into the future. 

Skillnet Business Networks and National Maritime College of Ireland collaboration delivers new upskilling programmes to future-proof the sustainable development of the Maritime Sector

CILT Mobility & Supply Chain Skillnet and Green Tech Skillnet together with the National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI) have collaborated to design and deliver two new upskilling programmes planned to support the sustainable development of the maritime sector into the future.

The NMCI Offshore Wind Marine Bridging Certification Programme, delivered by Green Tech Skillnet, will support the fishing and maritime workforce to reskill and transition into new opportunities in the offshore wind energy sector. The programme will take its first cohort of participants in October of this year.

In addition, the NMCI Master of Science (MSc) in Maritime Operations, delivered by the CILT Mobility & Supply Chain Skillnet, fills a long-standing need in the sector, by creating an education pathway for those seeking to lead Ireland’s maritime industry into a sustainable future. The MSc programme will give learners the knowledge and tools for leadership in onshore management roles, as well as offering support for various maritime operations such as port management, ship management, offshore energy development, aquaculture, and other marine endeavours associated with Ireland.

CILT Mobility & Supply Chain Skillnet and Green Tech Skillnet are two of the 70 Skillnet Ireland Business Networks nationwide. Skillnet Ireland is the national talent development agency of the Government of Ireland, responsible for advancing the competitiveness, productivity, and innovation of Irish businesses through enterprise-led talent development.

Welcoming the launch of the programmes, Patrick O’Donovan TD, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research Innovation and Science, said: “As a nation, our ports and our maritime industry play a critical role for the Irish economy. Essential for the future of the sector is how we support the move for the delivery of Offshore wind energy. I am delighted to see Skillnet Ireland and the National Maritime College of Ireland coming together, in the spirit of collaboration and innovation to meet the talent and skills needs of this important sector.”

Paul Healy, Chief Executive, Skillnet Ireland, said: “Bringing together industry groups with third level institutions to collaborate on future skills is a key part of the Skillnet Ireland mission. The maritime sector, like all sectors, is shifting towards a more sustainable future. These two new programmes will play a vital role in ensuring that businesses operating in the maritime sector have a pipeline of talent with the essential green skills necessary to operate more sustainably and to seize the commercial opportunities that wind generation presents.”

Paul Hegarty, Head of College of NMCI, said: "The NMCI's partnerships with CILT Mobility & Supply Chain Skillnet and Green Tech Skillnet represents a significant milestone in our mission to support Ireland's national aspiration across the maritime sector by providing agile maritime and education training courses. By working together, we can ensure that the future maritime workforce is prepared to meet the challenges and opportunities associated with development of Offshore Renewable Energy and the transition to a sustainable future. These courses in particular highlight the importance of providing new pathways to provide people with a choice of careers at sea."