SOLAS Launches Green Skills 2030, the 1st National Further Education & Training (FET) Strategy for the Green Transition

SOLAS/15.10.2024

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Patrick O’Donovan TD has launched Green Skills 2030, the first National Further Education and Training (FET) Strategy for the Green Transition on Tuesday 15th October 2024.

The publication of the strategy marks an important milestone in setting out the direction for the Irish FET sector’s response to emerging green skills needs.

Green Skills 2030 identifies key skills gaps impacting Ireland’s ability to transition to a climate neutral society across critical sectors such as construction, agriculture, transport, energy, hospitality, and finance.

Speaking at the launch in the Mansion House today, Minister O’Donovan said: “Government has set ambitious climate action targets, and rightly so.

“This is one of the great challenges of our time and it is incumbent upon us to do everything we can to deliver a better world for the generations that follow us.

“That’s why the launch of this strategy is such an important moment not only for the FET sector, but for the entire country.

“It is crucial that workers have the skills required to meet our goals and ultimately to ensure that Ireland is climate ready.

“Green Skills 2030 marks a significant step forward in our efforts to address the climate challenge in Ireland, ensuring that we are prepared for the green transition.”

In collaboration with the 16 Education and Training Boards (ETBs), public bodies, government departments, and key industry stakeholders, the strategy outlines the opportunities available for the FET sector to respond to these skills gaps and build an inclusive workforce at the forefront of the green transition.

CEO of SOLAS, Andrew Brownlee, said: “SOLAS is committed to ensuring that industries have the necessary skills supply to thrive in this changing economy, and that learners have opportunities to develop sustainable, meaningful careers.

“Green Skills 2030 represents our commitment to sustainability, economic resilience, and a future for our learners. As a collective, we can build a workforce that is prepared for the challenges ahead and that will play its part in contributing to a greener, more sustainable world.”

Dr. Susan Gill, SOLAS Manager of Climate Strategy & Skills, added: "The importance of FET in the fight against climate change cannot be understated.

“Skills are the currency of the green transition, and through Green Skills 2030, FET can ensure that our workforce is prepared to shape a sustainable future.

“Green Skills 2030 can empower learners through targeted training programmes, upskilling opportunities, and industry and tertiary partnerships to support and accelerate the green transition, providing a pathway for workers and ensuring no one is left behind as industries evolve.”

Green Skills 2030 will help to inform future programme development and ensure that the necessary national FET infrastructure is in place to deliver on key targets.

SustainABILITY Awareness, a new online FET programme was also launched at the event, in collaboration between SOLAS, Kildare and Wicklow Education & Training Board and Fifty Shades Greener.

This programme raises awareness of climate action and social justice and is short, fully online and fully funded. In keeping with the principal of the “Just Transition” this programme is available in a variety of languages, including English, Irish, Ukrainian and Polish.

The launch event is being held in the Mansion House, Dublin, today and being hosted by Environmental Scientist and Lecturer, Dr Cara Augustenborg with an opening key address by Geo-Political Expert and Journalist, Fintan O’Toole.

The agenda also features a range of talks, panel discussions, and workshops from experts across education, government, and industry.

Find out more information about Green Skills.