Green Skills

SOLAS is committed to ensuring that learners develop the skills needed for the green transition. Green Skills 2030 is a five-year strategy that aligns skills development for the FET sector with Ireland’s climate goal of halving greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.

Ensuring that the right skills and training are available to both the economy and the community is essential to supporting a just and inclusive transition, and a prosperous future for all. SOLAS is working with the Education and Training Boards (ETBs), Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI), the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS), and other key stakeholders to deliver on the recommendations set out in Green Skills 2030, Ireland’s first national Further Education and Training (FET) strategy for the green transition.

The Green Skills 2030 Implementation Plan, published in October 2025, is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It includes 24 strategic actions and 71 sectoral actions that support the development of both transversal and technical skills, aligned with national climate goals in key sectors for the green transition.

Governance and monitoring arrangements for implementation have been established, including the creation of a Green Skills 2030 Oversight Committee. The committee oversees, advises on, monitors and supports delivery of the plan, and includes representatives from DFHERIS, SOLAS, ETBI and the ETBs.

Green Skills Programmes

Research from the SOLAS Skills and Labour Market Research Unit (SLMRU) shows that 75% of employment in Ireland now requires some level of green skills, highlighting the growing importance of sustainability across all sectors of the economy.

FET offers extensive opportunities to develop green skills and access growing employment opportunities. A wide range of courses is available, developed by Education and Training Boards (ETBs) across the country and accessible to learners nationwide. Areas include:

  • Accounting & business

  • Agriculture, forestry & marine

  • Art & design

  • Biodiversity & environment

  • Construction & built environment

  • Tourism & hospitality

  • Engineering, energy & manufacturing

  • Services

  • Sports

  • Transport & logistics

Find available Green Skills courses at https://www.thisisfet.ie/about-fet/green-skills/