Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board (MSLETB) have been awarded funding, through the SOLAS “Skills to Advance: Innovation through Collaboration” Call for Proposals 2021, to research and develop Immersive Technology (ImTech) Skills Training and Resources for the renewable wind energy sector using immersive technology enhanced-learning tools. 

Over €500k has been awarded by SOLAS to develop virtual reality training with a particular emphasis on the onshore and offshore renewable energy sectors. MSLETB, working in collaboration with Limerick Clare Education and Training Board (LCETB), Western Development Commission (WDC), Immersive Technologies Skillnet, Regional Enterprise Programme Managers in the West, North-West and Mid-West, Eirmersive, and Fastrack to Information Technology (FIT), will deliver this innovation project.   

This project – “Immersive Technology Skills” (ImTech Skills) – aims to develop a strategic approach, in collaboration with stakeholders and businesses, to support the development of ImTech Training specifically for the Renewable Wind Energy sector. The aim of this project is to create fresh opportunities for training and upskilling the existing workforce using high-quality enhanced-learning skills embedded into state-of-the-art Virtual Reality imaging tools.  

Initially, the focus will be on the training requirements for Wind Turbine Engineers as it is relevant to both the onshore and offshore renewable wind energy generation. The ImTech Training developed will have applicability across other renewable energy disciplines and technologies as well as the potential for deployment across other industries and sectors in the future.