Engineers and project managers among hardest to recruit, finds Solar Ireland

Solar Ireland’s inaugural 'Renewable Energy Workforce & Skills Report' has highlighted a growing challenge in the country's renewable energy sector. The report, launched today, reveals that despite a strong demand for skilled professionals, employers are struggling to recruit the right talent. Engineers and programme managers were identified as the most difficult employees to recruit, with the lack of practical experience posing a significant barrier.

Almost three-quarters of surveyed employers reported that a lack of experience was a barrier to filling roles, compared to 60% who cited a general skills shortage. The report suggests that roughly 11,500 people are employed directly and indirectly by the renewable energy sector, with a significant growth expected towards the end of the decade.

Over 90% of professionals participating in the survey said they are already anticipating an increase in workforce requirements. The challenge lies in finding candidates with the right qualifications who have experience in project delivery, planning processes, grid management, and other critical areas. Only 40% of employers agreed that their current training and education pathways adequately meet the needs of their workforce, with 42% saying they sometimes meet needs and 17% stating it is a rare occurrence.

The report emphasizes the need for increased training and education, but also highlights the importance of redefining what an engineer, project manager, or other renewable energy expert should look like in today's fast-paced industry.