Graduate & Career Development Programme 2026–2027 Now Open

02 March 2026

Wind Energy Ireland has opened registration for the 2026–2027 Graduate & Career Development Programme, running from September 2026 to May 2027.

The programme is open to early-career professionals working across Ireland’s renewable energy industry. While many participants come from WEI member companies, the programme is open across the wider sector.

Over the past four cohorts, 81 trainees from 19 companies have completed the programme.

As Ireland continues to scale renewable deployment across onshore and offshore wind, grid, policy and supply chain, developing early-career capability across the industry is critical. This programme provides structured, sector-specific development alongside peers working in different parts of the ecosystem.

Participants begin together in September, building a cross-company cohort that works closely over nine months.

An early highlight is the visit to ESB’s Ardnacrusha power station. It places the energy transition in context, connecting Ireland’s renewable future with the foundations of its electricity system.

2025–2026 cohort at a site visit to ESB's Ardnacrusha power station. 

As Shane Grogan, ESB, described:

“The highlight of the programme was visiting the Ardnacrusha hydroelectric power station – 100 years old and still operational. It was a great insight into the history of the country and a piece of industrial heritage.”

From there, the programme builds a broader understanding of how the renewable energy sector operates. Sessions provide insight into the Irish policy landscape, market structures, project development, energy trading, sustainability, and the terminology and acronyms that define the industry.

Shane Grogan, ESB, also noted:

“There is so much to learn when you come into the sector like regulations, terminology and acronyms. Doing a programme like this was a great structured way to learn about the sector.”

For participants coming from technical backgrounds, the exposure beyond their immediate discipline is particularly valuable.

Jack Scouler, BnM, shared:

“Coming from a civil engineering background, my experience had been primarily on the construction side. This programme gave me valuable insight into other key areas such as energy trading, sustainability and policy, helping me see the bigger picture of how the industry operates.”

For others, the broader overview of the industry landscape is key.

Conor Dorgan, EnergyPro, reflected:

“The course gave me chance to learn more about the Irish wind energy landscape outside of my own role. The knowledge gained from industry experts and the other graduates on the course has been invaluable.”

Throughout the year, participants gain access to the full WEI calendar of events, including the Renewables Expo in Q3, the Annual Conference in Q1 and the Offshore Conference in Q2.

The Annual Conference becomes a central milestone. Participants work in cross-company groups to develop research and insights over the course of the programme. This culminates in presenting their work at the Conference, including on the main stage in front of industry leaders.

2025–2026 cohort at  Wind Energy Ireland's Annual Conference 2026.

Eva McCarthy, Wind Energy Ireland, described this experience:

“The group project, which involved presenting our research in front of hundreds of attendees at WEI's Annual Conference, was a great opportunity and confidence boost.”

Beyond the technical and policy insight, the programme places a strong emphasis on professional development and networking.

Nyah Hogan, BnM, said:

“It provided a valuable overview of the renewable energy sector and allowed me to understand the business from multiple perspectives. It was also a great chance to connect with professionals from across the industry, building a strong network.”

Ellen Hilliard, BnM, reflected on the impact within her organisation:

“The programme was a great opportunity to grow my knowledge on all aspects of renewable energy. It has helped me to settle into my organisation by giving me the confidence and knowledge to network with other teams.”

For many participants, the impact extends beyond the programme itself.

Sean McAuliffe, Gas Network, Ireland noted:

“Whether you are new to the energy industry or more experienced, this programme packs a lot of great material into 20 weeks, and the networking opportunities are invaluable. I have now joined WEI’s Net Zero Committee and look forward to many more years of collaboration with WEI.”

Robert Murphy, EnergyPro, summarised the longer-term impact:

“The combination of technical knowledge, soft skills development and networking opportunities has made me more effective in my current role and better prepared for future challenges in the renewables sector.”

By the end of the programme in May, participants leave with a stronger understanding of Ireland’s renewable energy ecosystem, increased confidence presenting in front of industry audiences, and a peer network that extends across companies and disciplines.

Graduates join an alumni network of 81 renewable energy professionals working across 19 companies in Ireland.

Registration for the 2026–2027 cohort is now open.

To find out more, please visit Graduate & Career Development Programme.

 2025–2026 cohort, reflecting on their experience.