The partnership aims to drive the energy sector by bridging the gap between academia and industry.
South East Technological University (SETU) and energy provider ESB Networks have announced a collaboration with a core focus on enhancing Ireland’s energy sector, primarily through learning opportunities, innovation and further developing industry and academic ties.
Initially the idea was broached in August 2024, and since then the organisations have formed a dedicated steering group responsible for guiding the partnership and delivering results in key areas such as education, skills development, instructor upskilling and technological innovation in the energy industry.
An early priority will be a focus on developing SETU-accredited training programmes in Electrical Network Operations. Once this initial programme is off the ground, the aim is to pave the way for a wider range of validated training opportunities.
Those taking part will have access to vital infrastructure, including high-voltage substations, where learners can benefit from the expertise of both organisations and hands-on experience in real-world environments, in line with the challenges and opportunities facing Ireland’s energy sector employees.
Speaking at the announcement event, which was held at the ESB Networks Training Centre in Portlaoise, Anne Meaney, SETU’s head of extended campus, said, “Our upskilling programme will be tailored to enhance the teaching and learning skills of ESB Network’s instructors, fostering a culture of teaching excellence within the organisation.
“Alongside this will be the creation of a strong community of practice, to facilitate knowledge-sharing and collaboration. It will be comprised of a network of electrical lecturing staff from SETU and instructors and subject matter experts from ESB Networks’ Training Centre.”
Keith Kavanagh, senior manager for technical training and development at ESB Networks, said, “We are committed to fostering a highly skilled workforce equipped to meet the evolving demands of the energy industry. Our collaboration with SETU will enable us to share expertise, develop cutting-edge training programmes and ultimately benefit the entire sector.”
Last month, SETU, in collaboration with Engineering the South East Cluster and its automation sub-group, announced a multi-company automation scholarship called Autom8. The scholarship is open to students enrolling on SETU’s Bachelor of Engineering in Automation Engineering course at the Waterford campus and the Bachelor of Robotics and Automated Systems degree in its Carlow facility. This aim is to attract and support students pursuing automation and robotics engineering careers.
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