COVE

Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs) for Offshore Renewable Energy are dedicated hubs to enhance vocational education and training (VET) to support the expanding offshore renewable energy sector.

The SHOREWINNER project seeks to establish a community of practice in offshore renewable energies, known as the ShoreWinner Community of Practice (CoP). Its main objective is to provide high-quality training that upskill and reskill the workforce to address the shortage of specialists in the offshore energy industry. The ShoreWinner CoP comprises five CoVEs, each located in a different project member country, and they collaborate closely.

Each CoVE includes national representatives from industry, commerce, and vocational education and training institutions, ensuring that the training provided aligns with the needs of the local ecosystem in offshore energies.

CoVE Portugal

CoVE Portugal is made up of six founding members: Polytechnic Institute of Porto, High education institutions and the project coordinator; APREN – Portuguese Renewable Energy Association; INOVA+, Consultancy and business support company, EPATV, vocational education and training school; FOR-MAR, Vocational education and training for fisheries and the Sea, and VOLTALIA, Producer and service provider of renewable energy solutions. We also encompasse national stakeholders and organizations engaged in services, activities, training, and business related to offshore energies.

Portugal is well-positioned to advance its Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) sector due to its extensive coastline and favorable wind and wave conditions. We are dedicated to expanding ORE infrastructure, but to fully leverage these opportunities, developing a skilled workforce to support the industry’s growth is essential.

Together with ShoreWinner CoP, CoVE Portugal is dedicated to investing in vocational education and training programs specifically tailored for the offshore industry. Partnerships among universities, vocational schools, businesses, and industry stakeholders can foster the development of specialized courses tailored to specific needs.

CoVE Greece

With its extensive coastline and increasing commitments to renewable energy targets, Greece is strategically positioned to develop its offshore wind and renewable energy capacities. The SHOREWINNER project supports Greece in fostering excellence in Vocational Education and Training (VET) for ORE through the Centre of Vocational Excellence (CoVE). The Greek CoVE is a collaborative effort led by the University of the Aegean (UAegean), with core members the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), Hellenic Wind Energy Association (ELETAEN), and the Thematic School of Advanced Vocational Training of Egaleo (SAEK Egaleo), engaging stakeholders from academia, industry, and government.

Mission: The Greek CoVE aims to enhance VET in offshore renewable energy by developing training programs that align with industry demands, fostering collaboration between academia and businesses, and promoting workforce adaptability in the rapidly evolving sector. The mission encompasses the development of innovative learning methodologies, integration of emerging technologies in training, and facilitation of knowledge transfer between educational institutions and industry stakeholders. Additionally, the CoVE seeks to establish Greece as a key contributor to the European offshore renewable energy workforce by offering tailored reskilling and upskilling programs.

Vision: To establish Greece as a leading hub for offshore wind energy education and innovation in Southern Europe, providing cutting-edge training, research, and skills development that drive economic growth and sustainability. The Greek CoVE envisions a future where vocational education plays a central role in advancing the offshore renewable energy industry by equipping professionals with the necessary competencies and fostering a culture of continuous learning and adaptation to industry trends. The Greek CoVE aims to enhance VET in offshore renewable energy by developing training programs that align with industry demands, fostering collaboration between academia and businesses, and promoting workforce adaptability in the rapidly evolving sector.

CoVE Spain

CoVE Spain is composed of four founding members: UDC (University of A Coruna), High education institution from Galicia and CoVE coordinator; Consellería de Cultura, Educación, Formación Profesional e Universidades; CETMAR (Technology Centre of the Sea), a public foundation focused on marine sector competitiveness located on Vigo; and AQUATERA Atlántico, specialised in environmental, technical and marine operations consulting services located on the Canary Islands.

Spain has a huge coastline, which offers a lot of potential to develop ORE. It has also experience and facilities for the development of offshore and onshore wind platforms, as one of the few countries with the complete value chain for onshore wind systems.

All the CoVE members have experience in numerous projects related to the ORE field and are fully commited to extend the ShoreWinner CoP with stakeholders from different backgrounds. The CoVE will also aid in the development of specialized formations to upskill and reskill the workforce and continue with the spanish commitment with renewable energies.

CoVE Cyprus

The Cyprus CoVE is a partnership between the University of Cyprus (UCY), the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), the Centre for the Advancement of Research & Development in Educational Technology (CARDET), and INTERCOLLEGE. This collaboration aims to improve vocational education and training (VET) in Cyprus, with a focus on Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE). UCY brings research expertise, CCCI connects the CoVE with the business community, CARDET supports educational development through the dissemination of activities, and INTERCOLLEGE, as a VET organization, provides practical training aligned with European standards.

As part of the SHOREWINNER Project, the CoVE will focus on theoretical training and alternative learning methods to address the lack of offshore renewable energy infrastructure in Cyprus. Working alongside the SHOREWINNER CoP, it aims to prepare professionals with the knowledge needed for future offshore energy projects. This initiative supports environmental responsibility, regulatory compliance, and the broader goal of advancing Cyprus’s renewable energy sector in line with European Union objectives.

CoVE Italy

The Italian CoVE in Offshore Wind Energy represents a strategic alliance of four key institutions with a shared commitment to the advancement of vocational education, research and innovation in the renewable energy sector. This CoVE is of critical importance in the facilitation of high-quality training, the support of industry needs, and the promotion of sustainable development within the offshore wind industry.

The Polytechnic University of Marche (UNIVPM), through its Department of Industrial Engineering and Mathematical Sciences, provides academic excellence, cutting-edge research, and strong industry collaborations in engineering and renewable energy. FORMARE – Polo Nazionale per lo Shipping is a centre of excellence in the Blue Economy and maritime training, with extensive experience in high-level education policies, continuous learning, and stakeholder engagement. It contributes expertise in maritime workforce training, R&D, sustainable development, and digital innovation. IFOA (Istituto Formazione Operatori Aziendali) is a national training institution and employment agency with over 50 years of experience in vocational education and professional development. With 16 offices across Italy, IFOA provides skill-focused training programs, lifelong learning opportunities, and consultancy services for individuals, businesses, and public institutions. Deep Blue, a research and consultancy SME, specializes in Human Factors, safety, and user-centred design in high-risk and complex domains such as Industry 4.0 and Energy, and contributes expertise in human-centric design, system validation, and innovation dissemination.

The collaboration between these institutions fosters a robust ecosystem for vocational excellence, ensuring a skilled workforce and fostering technological and educational advancements in offshore wind energy.