SHOREWINNER Fourth Newsletter

SHOREWINNER Newsletter 4

Welcome to the Fourth Edition of the SHOREWINNER Newsletter!

August 2026

In this fourth edition, we highlight SHOREWINNER’s continued progress in strengthening offshore renewable energy skills development, vocational excellence, and cross-sector collaboration across Southern Europe. From high-level thematic discussions in Rhodes to local Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVE) events in Greece, Cyprus, Spain, and Italy, this edition showcases how SHOREWINNER continues to connect education, industry, and innovation to support the future offshore renewable energy workforce.

Important Updates

SHOREWINNER Thematic Conference in Rhodes Shapes the Future of Offshore Renewable Energy Skills

On 11 May 2026, the SHOREWINNER Thematic Conference, “Shaping the Offshore Renewable Energy Skills Ecosystem: Insights, Curricula and Impact,” was successfully held in Rhodes, Greece, hosted by the University of the Aegean and EduTech Digital Innovation Hub.

The conference brought together vocational education and training (VET) providers, higher education institutions, industry representatives, policymakers, and project partners from across Europe to discuss the future of offshore renewable energy skills development.

Discussions focused on the evolving offshore renewable energy ecosystem, workforce readiness, reskilling and upskilling pathways, curriculum development, and the role of Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs) in supporting Europe’s energy transition. Experts also explored future career opportunities, micro-credentials, mobility initiatives, and strategies for aligning education with rapidly changing industry needs.

A dedicated session highlighted the importance of wellbeing, mental health, resilience, and safety culture in offshore working environments, recognising these as essential components of future vocational education programmes. The conference concluded with a shared commitment to strengthening vocational excellence, fostering innovation, and building a skilled and resilient offshore renewable energy workforce across Europe.

More info: https://shorewinner.eu/shorewinner-thematic-conference-in-rhodes-concludes-with-strong-focus-on-offshore-renewable-energy-skills-and-workforce-development/ 

SHOREWINNER Partners Meet in Rhodes for the Third General Assembly

On 12 May 2026, SHOREWINNER partners gathered in Rhodes for the project’s Third General Assembly, reviewing progress and coordinating the next phase of implementation. The consortium assessed achievements across key work packages, including the development of curricula and qualifications, trainer preparation activities, C-VET courses, career days, internships, skills competitions, and the continued enhancement of the SHOREWINNER digital platform. 

Partners also reviewed upcoming mobility activities, dissemination actions, trainer exchanges, SME engagement, project finances, and preparations for future milestones. The meeting reinforced the consortium’s strong collaboration and commitment to delivering high-quality results that support vocational excellence and workforce development in the offshore renewable energy sector.

More info: https://shorewinner.eu/shorewinner-partners-meet-in-rhodes-for-the-third-general-assembly/ 

Local CoVE Development Events Strengthen Skills Across Southern Europe

Over recent months, SHOREWINNER partners successfully organised a series of Local Centre of Vocational Excellence (CoVE) Development Events across Greece, Cyprus, Spain, Portugal and Italy, bringing together education providers, industry, public authorities, researchers, and regional stakeholders.

η Ελλάδα hosted its Local CoVE Development Event in Athens, where discussions focused on offshore wind development, labour market needs, skills alignment, and the strategic roadmap for the Greek offshore renewable energy ecosystem. Participants highlighted the importance of stronger collaboration between education, industry, and policy to support the country’s energy transition.

More info: https://shorewinner.eu/successful-completion-of-the-shorewinner-gr-cove-local-development-event-advancing-offshore-renewable-energy-skills-in-greece/ 

In Cyprus, Intercollege and the Cyprus Maritime Academy showcased emerging blue careers and offshore renewable energy opportunities. The event presented SHOREWINNER’s vision for workforce development while introducing the proposed occupational profile of the Crewing Personnel Officer, reflecting new career pathways linking the maritime and offshore renewable energy sectors.

More info: https://shorewinner.eu/cyprus-local-cove-development-event-highlights-emerging-blue-careers-and-offshore-energy-opportunities/ 

The Spanish Local CoVE Event in Ferrol brought together vocational education providers and industry representatives to discuss offshore wind workforce needs and strengthen cooperation between education and employers. Participants also visited the facilities of CIFP Ferrolterra, highlighting Spain’s growing role in offshore renewable energy education and innovation.

More info: https://shorewinner.eu/spain-strengthens-its-role-in-offshore-wind-skills-development-through-successful-local-cove-event/ 

In Portugal, the Local CoVE Event, held at the Alfândega Porto Congress Centre, focused on the future of offshore renewable energy skills and workforce readiness. A dedicated session, “The Offshore Moment: Are We Ready to Scale?”, explored the technological, regulatory, investment, and skills challenges associated with accelerating offshore renewable energy deployment. The event reinforced SHOREWINNER’s commitment to strengthening vocational excellence and fostering collaboration between education providers, industry, and regional stakeholders across Southern Europe.

More info: https://shorewinner.eu/shorewinner-hosts-portuguese-local-cove-event-on-offshore-renewable-energy-skills/ 

Meanwhile, Italy’s Green & Blue Energy Event in Bari focused on the increasing demand for skilled professionals in renewable energy. Representatives from institutions, industry, and training organisations discussed skills shortages, upskilling initiatives, and stronger cooperation between education and employers. The event concluded with a Career Day connecting companies with future professionals.

More info: https://shorewinner.eu/shorewinner-cove-italy-green-blue-energy-event-highlights-skills-and-workforce-needs-in-the-renewable-energy-sector-in-bari/ 

Together, these events demonstrated SHOREWINNER’s commitment to strengthening regional CoVE ecosystems, promoting vocational excellence, and supporting the development of a highly skilled offshore renewable energy workforce across Southern Europe.

SHOREWINNER Career Kits Featured on EPALE

SHOREWINNER continues to promote career opportunities in the offshore renewable energy sector beyond the project consortium. A new article published on EPALE (Electronic Platform for Adult Learning in Europe) highlights how the project’s Career Kits are helping learners, jobseekers, and professionals better understand emerging career pathways within the offshore wind industry.

The article showcases how the Career Kits translate labour market intelligence into practical guidance by presenting key occupational profiles, required competencies, training pathways, and future employment opportunities. By supporting informed career choices and lifelong learning, the Career Kits contribute to preparing a skilled workforce for Europe’s growing blue economy.

Read the full article on EPALE and discover how SHOREWINNER is supporting the next generation of offshore renewable energy professionals:

https://epale.ec.europa.eu/en/content/shorewinner-opens-new-career-pathways-offshore-wind-energy

Building a Stronger European Community of Practice

SHOREWINNER continues to strengthen collaboration across Europe through its growing Community of Practice and Networking Platform, connecting education providers, industry, researchers, and future professionals working in offshore renewable energy. The platform supports vocational excellence by encouraging knowledge exchange, fostering innovation, strengthening links between education and labour market needs, and promoting cross-border cooperation throughout Southern Europe.

🎥 Watch our latest video to discover how SHOREWINNER is helping shape the future of offshore renewable energy skills across Europe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ey0_qA-cHJ4 

Stay connected for more updates on SHOREWINNER’s journey towards strengthening vocational excellence, fostering innovation, and developing the next generation of offshore renewable energy professionals across Europe.