Navigating the Future of Offshore Renewable Energy Education: Insights from Students, Teachers and Industry Stakeholders

Summary

The offshore renewable energy (ORE) sector in Spain presents a significant growth, driven by national and European strategies. However, this expansion faces a critical challenge: the alignment between educational offerings and the industry needs. This research presents a comprehensive analysis of the current state of ORE education in Spain, based on 111 survey responses and 9 interviews conducted with students, educators, and industry professionals, covering both hard or technical skills and interpersonal or soft skills to offer a complete picture. The main goal is understanding the current state of demand for skills and the existing training offer within a rapidly growing sector that urgently requires qualified professionals. The study seeks to identify gaps between workforce needs and educational provision in the ORE industry. The findings will support the SHOREWINNER project’s broader goal of strengthening vocational excellence and fostering collaboration among Southern European Centers of Vocational Excellence, contributing to the development of a skilled and adaptable workforce for the ORE sector. Findings reveal some interesting results and systemic barriers to effective training, including limited internship opportunities and insufficient coordination between educational institutions and companies. It also highlights underrepresentation of women and the need for inclusive pathways into the ORE workforce.