DEVELOPING SKILLS FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
Skillnet Ireland, the national talent development agency, has been leading the way in developing talent for climate change through a range of initiatives that develop skills in key areas such as energy management, sustainable finance, offshore wind, water stewardship, biodiversity, efficiency in building systems, and the circular economy. New programmes have been designed in both leadership and technical skills to tackle climate issues. By investing in workforce development, Ireland’s business community can rise to the challenges of creating a low-carbon future.
According to Tracey Donnery, Director of Policy & Communications, Skillnet Ireland: “All businesses will undergo a significant shift and having access to responsive business supports will be key. Skillnet Ireland is engaging with industry to develop talent frameworks to build sustainable and digitally adept businesses that enable innovation. We are committed to helping Irish businesses understand their talent needs and stay ahead of the curve as the transition to a new, carbon-neutral economy gathers pace.”
The Talent for the Green Economy 2022 report published by Skillnet Ireland in partnership with the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) found waste management, corporate sustainability strategy and carbon management skills are in demand among businesses looking to become greener. The research, which analysed skills prioritised by companies for the low-carbon transition, showed that talent and skills development was the top challenge associated with implementing Ireland’s Climate Action Plan. Other key challenges include improving the way in which resources are used in their supply chain to reduce emissions and improving energy efficiency of processes, buildings, and transport.
To further meet the skills gaps faced by businesses, Skillnet Ireland has produced a range of of meaningful, relevant supports and solutions including the Climate Ready Academy, which prepares Irish businesses for the transition to a low-carbon economy. Recently the Academy launched the Biodiversity Leaders programme, an eight-week course led by Anja Murray, broadcaster and ecologist, which aims to guide and empower businesses to adopt responsible and sustainable practices to promote and enhance biodiversity within their field.
Green Tech Skillnet, in collaboration with Wind Energy Ireland, is assisting in the development of the Irish renewable energy industry by supporting new learning and development initiatives that promote the integration of renewables on the grid and contribute to the country’s decarbonisation and energy transition. An example is Green Tech Skillnet’s Wind Turbine Technician Programme which is aimed at people with electrical, mechanical or engineering backgrounds.
The
Construction Professionals Skillnet
launched a new microcredential in Strategic Co-ordination and Collaboration for Modern Methods of Construction. The programme, the first of its kind, was developed following engagement with industry to identify the key knowledge and skill gaps in the sector. The micro-credential is designed to provide practical skills and knowledge in project management, commercial relationships and collaboration to support delivery of the Government’s Housing for All and Project Ireland 2040 targets.
The International Sustainable Finance Centre of Excellence was established by Skillnet Ireland to provide as an international hub for the Irish finance community to develop its response to sustainability demands through research and learning. The Centre will play a critical role in delivering the Sustainable Finance Roadmap and ‘Ireland for Finance Strategy 2025’ which aims to position Ireland as a global centre of sustainable finance by 2025.
As the Government agency with responsibility for spearheading workforce development, Skillnet Ireland will continue to focus on the needs of businesses to respond to climate change both commercially and in a socially responsible way, and to manage the challenges and opportunities that transitioning to a low-carbon economy presents.