Academics, learners and business representatives gathered at Munster Technological University (MTU), Tralee on Thursday 19 February for the pre-launch showcase of EduGreen Connect — a new digital platform designed to support green skills development and workforce readiness across Ireland.

Ireland’s transition to a low-carbon, climate-ready economy is already reshaping the labour market. Recent 2024 data shows that Irish job postings requiring green skills increased by over 20% year-on-year, with sustainability competencies now relevant to around three-quarters of roles across the economy. This is driving urgent demand for clearer, more practical routes from learning to emerging green jobs.

EduGreen Connect brings together green skills mapping, skills gap analysis and AI-enabled course recommendations in a single platform designed for Ireland’s education and labour market.

The platform includes a Green Skills Passport that maps individual sustainability skills, identifies gaps against target green job roles, and helps learners choose the right courses and training programmes to build the skills needed for those roles. Early access to the platform is now open, with registrations underway ahead of the full public launch later this summer.

The platform is funded by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) and developed through a consortium involving MTU, University College Dublin (UCD) and Trinity College Dublin (TCD).

Speaking at the pre-launch event, Dr Helena McMahon, Director of EduGreen Connect, said:

“The green transition isn’t a future challenge, it’s happening now. Demand for sustainability skills is rising across almost every sector, yet many learners struggle to see which skills matter and how to build them in a way that leads to real job opportunities. EduGreen Connect is about making that connection clear and practical.”

Guest speaker Dr Susan Gill, Climate Strategy and Skills Manager at SOLAS, outlined the growing need for green-skilled workers to meet Ireland’s 2030 climate targets, including demand for both new entrants and large-scale upskilling across existing sectors.

Attendees at the Tralee event took part in demonstrations and feedback sessions to help shape the next phase of the platform’s development.

Geraldine McGlynn, Business Development Manager, added:

“We are now inviting learners to join the platform as part of this early access phase. Anyone interested in green careers or sustainability skills is encouraged to register and take part ahead of the full launch later this summer.”