Wind turbine technician, retrofit assistant, carbon analyst – these are just some of the new jobs that have been created by the energy transition. And while companies of all sizes need to equip workers with the skills needed to meet demand, there are shortages across the European Union. The good news, however, is that the pathways to get there are more accessible than ever. Microcredentials, for instance, allow workers to gain qualifications for specific skills needed, which can be stacked into a larger qualification over time.“Retrofitting homes, installing energy systems, solar PV installation, building energy rating (Ber) assessments, meeting the target of 400,000 heat pumps installed in existing homes by 2030, improving buildings and maintaining infrastructure will require skilled people on the ground,” says Penny Keogh, supply chain programme manager with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).“There is a strong opportunity to reposition to practical technical careers, apprenticeships and the built environment sectors. Skilled trade workers were the fastest-growing sector between 2023 and 2024, but worldwide, energy-related qualifications need to rise by 43 per cent to keep up with demand. Penny Keogh, supply chain programme manager with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland: 'Skilled trade workers were the fastest-growing sector between 2023 and 2024.' “Green skills are seen as an advantage on LinkedIn, for instance, with workers here changing jobs faster than other sectors – demonstrating how in-demand they are. And most workers with green skills are hired into jobs with non-green skills titles.”David Corscadden, acting microcredentials project lead at the Irish Universities Association, agrees that sustainability is reshaping roles across all sectors in the Irish economy, not just in traditionally “green” industries.“While we are seeing growth in new job titles such as sustainability managers, ESG [environmental, social and governance] leads and carbon analysts, an equally important shift is happening within existing roles, where green and sustainability-related knowledge and practices are increasingly becoming part of everyone’s day-to-day work,” Corscadden says. Green Skills 2030, the first national further education and training (FET) strategy for the green transition, was published by Solas, the FET authority for Ireland, in 2024. As part of this, Solas surveyed a range of employers across various sectors.“What we are seeing is a ‘greening’ of existing occupations,” says Susan Gill, climate strategy and skills manager at Solas. David Corscadden, acting project lead for MicroCreds with the Irish Universities Association: 'For those just starting out, a sustainability microcredential at the University of Limerick provides a solid foundation.' “Technical gaps differ hugely across industries and occupations. In agriculture, it’s everything from data analytics and land-use management to regenerative farming and bio-based fertilisers. Within accounting and business, we found things like ESG reporting and green procurement, while in transport and logistics we see gaps like e-vehicle repair and working with alternative fuels, to eco-driving and supply chain management.”Gill adds that it’s not just these “hard” skills that are needed – “soft” or transversal skills like leadership, adaptability and proactive thinking are also essential for navigating this transition.This is perhaps the most surprising finding: that regardless of sector, the human qualities most needed for the green transition are the same ones needed in any period of significant change. It turns out that knowing how to lead people through uncertainty matters as much as knowing how to install a heat pump.To register with SEAI, heat pump installers must have the QQI level six domestic heat pump certification. This is run out of five locations in Ireland, including the City of Dublin Education and Training Board (ETB), Laois and Offaly ETB, Waterford and Wexford ETB, ATU and Dundalk IT. “Installers also require a manufacturer’s certificate,” says Keogh. “Manufacturers generally require installers to attend a one-day course before they can purchase their brand of heat pump. Domestic Ber assessors carry out Ber assessments for homes, providing homeowners, buyers and tenants with clear insights into a home’s energy performance.”Sustainable Ireland Special ReportPhotograph: iStock (Getty Images) Geopolitical headwinds have stunted global efforts to decarbonise, but a green transition is quietly advancing. In Sustainable Ireland, a special report from The Irish Times, our journalists offer insight into the defining issues of our time, including:This year has been marked by war on multiple fronts, and a glaring lack of energy independence has become evident over a few short weeks. A green revolution, however, presses on: Ireland has made remarkable progress in solar generation, which is becoming an important presence in its energy mix, writes Kevin O’Sullivan, former editor of The Irish Times. Read more.In theory, it should be a slam dunk for electric buses to be cheaper to operate than diesel buses. If we were talking about private cars, then the maths is incredibly straightforward. When it comes to electric buses, however, the balance of cost seems less clear, writes Neil Briscoe, a contributor specialising in motoring. Read more.Trump’s anti-climate antics have led to many multinationals abandoning their sustainability commitments; however, Europe has no option but to push on with the green energy transition, writes Kevin O’Sullivan. Read more.As energy security concerns drive urgent demand for renewable gas, Ireland aims to scale biomethane by 2030; but policy, pricing and regulatory barriers must be resolved to unlock its potential, writes Edel Corrigan. Read more.Applicants must first demonstrate to the SEAI that they have the fundamental skills required, says Keogh.“This can be through a level six or higher advanced certificate in a relevant construction-related discipline or [by] completing an experiential route. The experiential route requires at least two years of full-time, relevant professional experience within the past 10 years, supported by accumulated awards in a relevant construction discipline.”Ber assessors working on commercial, industrial and other non-domestic buildings require a level seven degree or equivalent qualification in a building or construction-related discipline. From there, they must complete the SEAI’s approved non-domestic Ber assessor training course.Beyond the trades, Corscadden says that MicroCreds.ie, the national platform for university-accredited microcredentials, allows learners to choose from introductory courses to more advanced, industry-focused programmes. “These include options such as a course in ESG investing and reporting at Maynooth University, or environmental impact assessment for marine renewable energy developments at the University of Galway,” he says.“Or, for those just starting out, a sustainability microcredential at the University of Limerick provides a solid foundation.”Learners may be eligible for certain exemptions if they demonstrate prior learning through their work life (see PriorLearning.ie for more information).For those still unsure where to begin, Gill points to FetchCourses.ie and local ETBs as a useful first step. “The green transition is well under way and set to accelerate in the years ahead,” she adds.