XRHub Hosts Training to Advance Wind Energy Skills Through Immersive Technology

The MSLETB XRHub in Sligo recently welcomed partners from Denmark and colleagues from Education and Training Boards (ETBs) across Ireland for a specialised training programme focused on the use of immersive technology in wind energy education.

The visit brought together further education and training practitioners from eight ETBs who will be delivering the new Wind Energy with Immersive Technology Level 5 Micro Qualification, a programme designed to equip learners with industry-relevant skills for Ireland's growing renewable energy sector.

At the centre of the initiative is virtual reality training software developed by Danish company Kanda, which enables learners to experience realistic wind turbine environments before stepping onto a live work site. Through immersive simulations, participants can develop practical skills and confidence in a safe and controlled setting.

Welcoming the delegation to Sligo, XRHub Manager Iris Kerssebeeck highlighted the role of immersive technology in bridging the gap between education and industry.

"The XRHub is all about bringing real industry skills into the classroom through immersive technology, putting learners inside real-world environments before they ever step foot on a job site," she said. "Kanda's VR software does exactly that, taking learners straight into the wind energy environment and training them on the skills needed to work on wind turbines."

The training sessions were facilitated by Lene Thirup, Chief Commercial Officer at Kanda, and colleague Franz Ejskjaer, whose visit to Ireland was supported through the Erasmus+ programme. Over several days, participants had the opportunity to receive hands-on training directly from the team behind the software, gaining a deeper understanding of how immersive technologies can enhance the delivery of green skills education.

The Kanda team covered an ‘Onboarding to Offshore’ tutorial, technical modules on Electrical, Hydraulic, and Mechanical systems, and a brand-new crane training module. The teams worked in pairs to navigate a load through a maze with a physical Scanreco controller and two overhead cranes in a digital warehouse.

According to Kerssebeeck, the in-person format created valuable opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing.

"Opportunities to learn together, ask questions, share experiences and build connections face-to-face are incredibly valuable," she said.

The event also served as a platform for collaboration across the Further Education and Training sector. Representatives from ETBs nationwide gathered at the XRHub to explore the technology, exchange ideas and discuss how immersive learning can support workforce development in emerging industries.

Among those attending was Paul O'Brien, Business Development Manager with WWETB, who described the workshop as an important example of how collaboration can help prepare both educators and learners for the green and digital transitions.

‍ ‍"These initiatives demonstrate how partnerships across the FET sector can support innovation and ensure learners are equipped with the skills required for a sustainable, technology-enabled future," he said.

O'Brien also praised the contribution of the XRHub team and Kanda's experts, noting the value of learning alongside colleagues from across the network who are working to develop innovative training solutions in green skills and immersive technology.

The workshop underscores the growing role of extended reality technologies in further education and training, particularly in sectors facing significant skills demand. By combining immersive learning with industry-focused curricula, initiatives such as the Wind Energy with Immersive Technology Micro Qualification are helping to prepare learners for careers in Ireland's rapidly evolving renewable energy industry.

As the programme rolls out across participating ETBs, the collaboration between XRHub, Kanda and education providers nationwide demonstrates how international partnerships and emerging technologies can work together to create innovative pathways into the jobs of the future.

Photo via XRHub