SHOREWINNER CoVE Italy Green & Blue Energy Event Highlights Skills and Workforce Needs in the Renewable Energy Sector in Bari 

Bari, Italy – 24 June 2026

The Green & Blue Energy event held at Porta Futuro Bari on 24 June 2026 brought together institutional representatives, industry leaders, training providers, and jobseekers to address workforce development challenges in the renewable energy sector, with a particular focus on offshore wind and the broader Blue Economy.

Organised within the framework of the SHOREWINNER project, the event was delivered as a local CoVE (Centre of Vocational Excellence) event development activity by CoVE Italy. It focused on the growing demand for technical skills in renewable energy and the persistent mismatch between industry needs and available qualified talent. Discussions underlined the urgency of strengthening vocational pathways, accelerating upskilling initiatives, and improving cooperation between education systems and industry.

The opening institutional session featured contributions from representatives of Regione Puglia, Legambiente Puglia, and the energy sector, alongside the presentation of the SHOREWINNER project by the Università Politecnica delle Marche. Speakers highlighted regional energy transition priorities and the need to align skills development strategies with industrial transformation.

The market scenario session examined investment trends and growth prospects in renewable energy, including offshore wind and large-scale photovoltaic systems. Industry representatives from organisations such as ANIE Rinnovabili, Enel Italia, and Zelestra Italia outlined ongoing developments in supply chains and infrastructure, emphasising the role of SMEs in supporting sector expansion.

A dedicated session on skills and workforce needs addressed the difficulties in recruiting qualified technical profiles. Speakers discussed evolving competency requirements, dual training models, and the importance of structured academy pathways linking education and employment.

Training and upskilling opportunities were presented by organisations including ITS Green Energy Puglia, reinforcing the importance of specialised vocational education in supporting the energy transition.

The event concluded with the Green & Blue Energy Career Day, where candidates participated in direct interviews and informal pitches with companies and recruitment organisations active in the renewable energy and offshore wind sectors. The session provided a practical recruitment platform, facilitating direct engagement between employers and emerging talent.

Overall, the event confirmed the strategic importance of coordinated action between institutions, industry, and training providers to address the skills gap and support sustainable employment growth in the Mediterranean renewable energy sector.