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The second edition of the largest educational career fair in Poland, EDU OFFSHORE WIND, will be held on March 5 and 6 at AMBEREXPO in Gdańsk. The fair is an event organized both for young people looking for a job in the promising offshore industry, which is growing very dynamically, as well as for innovative companies in need of qualified employees. This year’s edition promises to be very interesting.

The novelties of this year’s edition include, among others, the Energy Transformation Island, promoting innovative green technologies, Innovaton Baltic Challenge by Incubator Starter in cooperation with the Baltic Sea States Subregional Co-operation (BSSSC) Youth Council, where during the two days of the fair, young people will cooperate with businesses working on business solutions in the MEW sector. Visitors will find the JOB TRUCK zone, where current offers of internships and apprenticeships in the green energy sector will be presented, as well as many accompanying events, such as competitions, workshops and discussion panels.

The energy transformation is gaining momentum, but for this process to take place, synergy between companies and government institutions is needed. The issue of education plays a key role in the entire process, both in the context of knowledge about the offshore wind sector, its potential and use, as well as training of qualified staff.

– In line with the motto of this year’s edition of the EDU OFFSHORE WIND 2024 fair “We spread passion for green energy”, we would like to draw attention to the fact that Poland’s energy transformation involves relying on alternative energy sources, such as energy storage, hydrogen, quantum technologies, photovoltaics. The development of this economic sector cannot take place without competent staff. Therefore, we encourage school children and students to learn the secrets of these technologies and become professionally involved with green energy in the future. The local government of the Pomeranian Voivodeship supports educational activities that build the resources of the local labor market – says Leszek Bonna, Vice-Marshal of the Pomeranian Voivodeship

Data published by PWEA shows that Poland has an offshore wind potential of 33 GW. Which means that if the total potential of the Baltic Sea were used, offshore wind energy could meet up to 57% of the total electricity demand in Poland.

– Seeing the huge success and enthusiasm of young people during the first edition of the EDU OFFSHORE WIND fair in 2023, we decided to continue our support for this project – says Piotr Borawski, deputy mayor of Gdańsk for entrepreneurship and climate protection. – We are observing the dynamic development of green energy and the offshore wind energy sector. Companies from these sectors are increasingly choosing Gdańsk as their headquarters, strengthening the local supply chain and generating new jobs. We are convinced that our city can not only be a leader in this area, but also provide appropriate education and training for the next generations of specialists whose demand will constantly increase.

Polish companies not only see the potential of the industry, but actively participate in the development of local content. They recognize the need to educate new staff for this dynamic labor market. According to the PWEA report, it is estimated that the demand for competent staff in the green energy sector by 2040 will be will achieve up to 200,000 new jobs. Pomeranian schools have been conducting workshops on offshore wind energy since 2022, thanks to which young people have the opportunity to learn the specifics of the OWF industry. Over 4,500 students have already participated in the workshops.

– We have already visited over 125 schools, and more are yet to come! Lessons are also available on the YouTube channel and e-learning platform. During the meetings, we show step by step how to prepare and implement investments in offshore wind farms. We talk about paths for specific professions, e.g. sheet metal bending machine operator or wind turbine service technician. We indicate what skills are most desired by employers and how to develop them. Working in professions related to offshore wind energy is still a new topic in Poland, so meetings in schools and universities are aimed at introducing students and teachers to these issues in the best possible way before they participate in the fair – says Krzysztof Tomaszewski, the main host of the program in schools, co-organizer of the fair on behalf of the Innovative Maritime Energy Industry Foundation.

Registration for the event will be available soon. Admission for young people and teachers is free. A link to exhibitor registration is also available: EduOffshoreWind.

The organizers of the EDU OFFSHORE WIND 2024 fair are Rumia Invest Park, CO-MADE Sp. z o. o., the #Foundation of the Innovative Maritime Energy Industry (CEE Energy Group) and the Gdańsk International Fair S.A. – AMBEREXPO.

The main partners of #EDUOFFSHOREWIND2024 are: The Pomeranian Voivodeship Government
and the city of #Gdańsk.

Anyone interested in cooperation and the offer is welcome to contact Dr. Karolina Lipińska, k.lipinska@pomorskie.eu or Łukasz Kneba lukasz.kneba@eduoffshorewind.pl

For more information, please visit the event website: www.eduoffshorewind.pl and social profiles LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram