SETU and ESB Networks Announce Strategic Collaboration

South East Technological University (SETU) and ESB Networks Training were pleased to announce a new collaboration aimed at enhancing the energy sector in Ireland. The collaboration will create learning opportunities, foster innovation, and strengthen industry-academic partnerships in the sector. The collaboration leverages the outstanding strengths and expertise of each partner that will benefit the wider community.

This initiative builds on the unique strengths and expertise of both organisations. SETU’s Extended Campus, based within the Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, began preliminary consultations with ESB Networks Training in August 2024. These discussions have since led to the formation of a dedicated steering group tasked with guiding the partnership. The group’s focus is on delivering key outcomes in education, skills development, instructor upskilling, and technological innovation within the energy industry.

The collaboration was officially launched this week at the ESB Networks Training Centre in Portlaoise.

Speaking at the event, Dr Frances Hardiman, Head (Carlow) of the Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, said, “This partnership with ESB Networks Training represents a significant step forward in bridging the gap between academia and industry. By working together, we are not only enhancing learning opportunities but also driving innovation in the energy sector.”

Anne Meaney, SETU’s Head of Extended Campus, added, “Our upskilling programme will be tailored to enhance the teaching and learning skills of ESB Networks instructors, fostering a culture of teaching excellence within the organisation. Alongside this will be the creation of a strong community of practice, to facilitate knowledge-sharing and collaboration. It will be comprised from a network of electrical lecturing staff from SETU, and instructors and subject matter experts from ESB Networks’ Training Centre.”

Keith Kavanagh, Senior Manager, Technical Training and Development at ESB Networks, stated: “At ESB Networks, we are committed to fostering a highly skilled workforce equipped to meet the evolving demands of the energy industry. Our collaboration with SETU will enable us to share expertise, develop cutting-edge training programmes, and ultimately benefit the entire sector.”

The partnership highlights the shared commitment of SETU and ESB Networks to skills development, education, and technological progress. This ensures a sustainable and innovative future for the energy sector. The partnership will explore new methods of technology-enhanced learning, including blended delivery models and virtual reality applications.

One of the steering group’s initial priorities is to focus on the development of an SETU-accredited training programme in Electrical Network Operations. Learners enrolled on this programme will be formally registered as SETU students. Upon successful completion, this programme will pave the way for a broader suite of validated training opportunities.

Access to vital infrastructure, including high-voltage substations, will provide learners from both organisations with invaluable, hands-on experience in real-world environments—ensuring Ireland’s energy workforce is prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the future.