SHOREWINNER Thematic Conference in Rhodes Concludes with Strong Focus on Offshore Renewable Energy Skills and Workforce Development

The SHOREWINNER Thematic Conference, titled “Shaping the Offshore Renewable Energy Skills Ecosystem: Insights, Curricula and Impact”, successfully concluded in Rhodes bringing together educators, offshore renewable energy experts, vocational education and training (VET) providers, industry leaders, and European project partners from across Europe.

Hosted on Monday, 11th of May, by the University of the Aegean and EduTech DIH, the conference served as a dynamic platform for dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge exchange on the future of offshore renewable energy skills development in Southern Europe and beyond.

The event opened with welcoming remarks from Prof. Em. Chryssi Vitsilaki, Dr. Stavros Pitsikalis and Dr. Ilona-Elefteryja Lasica, representatives of the University of the Aegean, who highlighted the importance of strengthening cooperation between academia, industry, and vocational education stakeholders to support Europe’s green and energy transition.

A key highlight of the conference was the discussion on the development of offshore wind energy in Greece and Southern Europe. Papastamatiou Panagiotis, General Director of the Hellenic Wind Energy Association, addressed current institutional challenges, policy considerations, and growth opportunities shaping the offshore renewable energy sector.

Throughout the conference, participants explored critical themes related to workforce readiness, vocational excellence, innovation, and skills development. Session 1A focused on the offshore renewable energy ecosystem in Southern Europe, featuring expert contributions from partners including Politécnico do Porto, CETMAR, IFOA, APREN – Associação Portuguesa de Energias Renováveis, and Deep Blue. Discussions addressed industry trends, employment analysis, reskilling and upskilling pathways, and the role of digital collaboration spaces and Communities of Practice.

Session B showcased how Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs) are supporting Europe’s offshore transition through innovative approaches to skills analysis, curriculum design, quality assurance, and strategic planning. SHOREWINNER partners from Greece, Cyprus, Spain, Italy, and Portugal presented transnational VET initiatives aimed at strengthening vocational excellence and improving workforce preparedness.

The conference also featured a forward-looking discussion on the future of offshore careers. Experts from Intercollege, Universidade da Coruña, Università Politecnica delle Marche, IFOA, SAEK Egaleo and the University of the Aegean examined emerging skills needs, workforce priorities, flexible VET curricula, micro-credentials, and mobility opportunities expected to shape offshore employment by 2030.

Another important theme of the conference focused on wellbeing and safety in offshore work environments. Moderated by representatives from INOVA+, the session highlighted the importance of mental health, resilience, worker protection, and safety culture within offshore industries. Contributions from experts and partners including ADMFA, ForMare, and Aquatera underlined the need to integrate wellbeing and support systems into vocational education and training programmes.

The SHOREWINNER conference concluded with a shared commitment among project partners and stakeholders to continue strengthening vocational excellence, fostering innovation, and supporting the development of a skilled and resilient offshore renewable energy workforce across Europe.

Learn mora about the SHOREWINNER Project, here.