WindEurope steps up efforts to elevate vocational careers in wind energy and expand talent pool

11 July 2025

WindEurope Deputy CEO Malgosia Bartosik and European Commission Executive Vice-President Roxana Minzatu presenting the sectoral pledge at the European Alliance for Apprenticeships High-Level Event

WindEurope is further stepping up its efforts to strengthen vocational pathways and grow the talent pipeline for Europe’s wind energy sector. To this end, WindEurope joined the European Alliance for Apprenticeships (EAfA). With a new sectoral pledge, WindEurope committed to boosting awareness of technical career paths and expanding apprenticeship opportunities across Europe’s wind industry.

On 1 July WindEurope committed to supporting the European Alliance for Apprenticeships (EAfA)’s goals of increasing the supply, quality, image, and mobility of apprenticeships across Europe. With a new sectoral pledge, WindEurope committed to boosting awareness of technical career paths and expanding apprenticeship opportunities across Europe’s wind industry.

Apprenticeships – closing the skills gap

Almost 400,000 people are working in Europe’s wind industry today. This number could increase to 600,000 by 2030. Finding and training skilled workers to take on these additional positions is among the key challenges facing the wind industry today.

In light of this looming shortage of skilled workers—particularly in vocational and technical roles—WindEurope’s pledge outlines a series of targeted actions to strengthen apprenticeships across the industry. These include supporting the development of modern, relevant training content; improving the image of vocational careers; and launching awareness campaigns aimed at young people, women, and underrepresented groups.

Together, these efforts aim to make apprenticeships more visible, more attractive, and better aligned with the needs of the energy transition—ultimately helping vocational education become a first-choice pathway into the wind workforce.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, European Commission Executive Vice-President for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness Roxana Minzatu emphasised: “Europe’s competitiveness depends on people—and right now, the biggest shortages are in the sectors we need most. That’s why apprenticeships must become more attractive, more visible, and more valued. We’ve set ambitious targets: by 2028, 40% of vocational students should be enrolled in STEM programmes (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), and women should make up at least 25%—up from just 16% today. We’re also working toward a diploma with clear, recognised pathways across the EU. And as we prepare the next EU budget, we must ensure it delivers the investment needed to support vocational education and training.”

The European Commission is not just talking the talk—they’re walking the walk too: starting next year, the Commission will open 100 placements for vocational students as part of its prestigious Blue Book Traineeship Programme.

What the wind industry is doing already

The wind industry is leading by example. In the Netherlands, for example, the creation of the Internship Covenant brought together government, industry, and education to secure placements for wind energy students. This covenant is now even included as a tender criterion in the country’s current offshore wind tender, making apprenticeships a formal part of project delivery.

What began as a national initiative is now inspiring similar efforts abroad, such as Denmark’s new wind electrician programme launched under the T-shore project. Building on these successes, WindEurope is working with the Dutch national association to translate their model into a scalable blueprint that can support apprenticeship development across Europe.

By joining the European Alliance for Apprenticeships, WindEurope members also gain access to the EAfAs knowledge-sharing portal and activities hub, including webinars with experts, practical tools and guidance, fact sheets, spotlight articles, and cross-sector collaboration opportunities. These resources will support WindEurope and its members in improving the quality and reach of apprenticeships across the EU.

To learn more about WindEurope’s sectoral pledge and apprenticeship initiatives, contact [email protected]