Scottish-Irish Offshore Wind Internship launches

Scotland and Ireland join forces to build renewable energy workforce

A new pilot will see the Scottish and Irish governments collaborate to offer 20 paid placements for students to help build the skilled workforce needed for the growing offshore wind sector. 

The Scottish-Irish Offshore Wind Internship Pilot will provide ten Scottish and ten Irish students with 12-week paid internships during Summer 2026. 

The pilot aims to strengthen links between Scotland and Ireland helping both countries to tackle common skills challenges and enhance their collective capacity to attract future investment while delivering high-quality employment in the offshore wind energy sector. 

It will be open to undergraduate students from universities and colleges in both countries and is supported by investment of £100,000 from each government in addition to £20,000 from the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) in Renfrewshire. 

NMIS, operated by the University of Strathclyde, will lead on the delivery of the internship pilot, supported by Propel Ireland, working with offshore wind companies and businesses within their supply chain to host placements offering students practical hands on experience while they learn.   

Announcing the launch of the pilot, Energy Secretary Gillian Martin said: “Scotland’s offshore wind sector has the potential to support tens of thousands of jobs in the coming decades, and it is vital that we build the skilled workforce needed to seize this opportunity.

“This pilot brings together Scotland and Ireland in a practical and targeted way to address shared skill challenges and create real opportunities into the offshore wind industry for the next generation. 

“By working with NMIS, we are drawing on a proven model that gets students into meaningful, paid placements with industry – and creating a shared pool of skilled talent as our offshore wind industry expands.  

“This is about investing now in the people who will form the backbone of our future jobs market, whilst cementing Scotland’s position as the world’s leading destination for developing and training skilled offshore wind workers.” 

The Irish Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke TD, said: “Developing a strong offshore wind industry is a key priority for Government, supporting enterprise growth, innovation and job creation. 

“This pilot directly supports the national ambition for offshore wind development outlined in Powering Prosperity: Ireland’s Offshore Wind Industrial Strategy. 

“Working with our Scottish counterparts, it also builds on commitments under the Ireland–Scotland Bilateral Cooperation Framework 2030, through which both governments have agreed to deepen cooperation on advancing offshore wind energy, sharing expertise, growing supply chains, and aligning policy to accelerate deployment.”

Minister of State with special responsibility for Further Education, Apprenticeship, Construction and Climate Skills in Ireland, Marian Harkin TD said: “I am delighted to announce this bilateral Offshore Wind pilot, jointly delivered by the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) and by Propel Ireland under my Department. 

“Cork Education and Training Board who come under my Department will lead on the recruitment of students for this very exciting initiative. 

“The Scottish–Irish Offshore Wind Internship Programme forms a key part of ongoing efforts to build a highly skilled, mobile, and future‑ready offshore wind workforce, capable of supporting the rapid expansion of the sector in Ireland, Scotland, and the wider region. The programme will ensure balanced participation and strengthen shared long‑term benefits across both jurisdictions.”

National Manufacturing Institute Scotland, Skills Director, Stewart McKinlay said: “Offshore wind is creating new opportunities for manufacturers across Scotland, but the sector requires a new generation of skilled engineers, technicians and specialists to support that growth. 

“Through this pilot, NMIS will work with offshore wind companies and businesses within their supply chains to provide students from Scotland and Ireland with valuable hands-on experience in real industry environments. 

“By bringing emerging talent into the sector early, we can help develop the practical skills that companies need as offshore wind continues to scale up and ensure that more of Scotland’s engineering talent can build their careers right here in Scotland.”

Background

The 2026 Scottish-Irish Offshore Wind Internship pilot will be open to undergraduate students from universities and colleges in both countries and will focus on high‑demand offshore wind disciplines. Participants will gain valuable hands‑on experience across leading and emerging supply‑chain companies operating within the sector. Applications will open on Wednesday 25th March via NMIS.scot.

About the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) 

The National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) is a group of industry-led manufacturing R&D, innovation and skills facilities supported by a network of Partners across Scotland, all working together to transform the future of manufacturing. NMIS is operated by the University of Strathclyde. It is supported by the Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Island Enterprise, South of Scotland Enterprise, Skills Development Scotland, Renfrewshire Council and the Scottish Funding Council. It is part of the UK’s High Value Manufacturing (HVM) Catapult. www.nmis.scot

About Propel Ireland

Propel Ireland brings together developers, SMEs, researchers and Government stakeholders to strengthen collaboration across the offshore wind ecosystem and accelerate innovation. The initiative is supported by a cross-sectoral steering group, including representatives from Government Departments and agencies, industry and the research community, ensuring alignment with national policy and industry needs. More information: https://shorturl.at/p10aE

Cork Education and Training Board on the instruction of Solas, Ireland’s state agency responsible for the coordination of further education and training provision will undertake the recruitment of students from Ireland. More information: 

https://www.corketb.ie/ireland-scotland-offshore-wind-traineeship-programme-2026/

For further information contact
press@enterprise-ireland.com