From Donegal to Offshore: How Young Engineers Are Powering the Future of Wind Energy
The offshore wind industry faces a critical challenge: attracting and developing the next generation of engineers. As Ireland and the UK prepare for a surge in renewable energy projects, stories like Seamus McMenamin’s show how curiosity, determination, and the right support can transform ambition into opportunity.
Early Ambitions
“My name is Seamus McMenamin, I’m 18 and from Donegal, Ireland. From an early age, I knew I wanted to build a career in offshore wind,” Seamus explains. Breaking into the industry without experience was daunting, but he took the first step by investing in himself – earning a full set of GWO offshore qualifications at Errigal Training Centre in Falcarragh. Combined with hands-on experience in structural steel fabrication with his father, these credentials opened the door to his first opportunity.
First Offshore Experience
Weeks later, Seamus was offered an offshore support role on a wind turbine installation campaign. “Arriving at the port, I saw a jack-up vessel towering above me, its crane higher than any building I’d ever seen.” For four weeks, Seamus immersed himself in the offshore environment, learning the importance of safety, planning, and coordination – especially how operations hinge on weather windows and strict risk assessments and method statements (RAMS).
He observed turbine installation from start to finish, read RAMS, and spoke to everyone onboard – from wind technicians and crane operators to project managers and marine warranty surveyors. “The experience changed my perspective on what’s possible for my career.”
He also completed a second trip onboard a support vessel (OSV) conducting foundation punchlist inspections.
Building a Career Path
After two offshore trips, Seamus joined GMEC as a trainee project engineer. His focus now includes engineering, design optimization and risk reduction while studying a pre-university engineering course. “I look forward to continuing my studies next year at university and gaining more offshore experience during the summer breaks. The insights I’ve gained so far are invaluable.”
Industry Perspective
Mick Hoyle, GMEC’s Managing Director, says:
“Offshore wind needs young people with drive, curiosity, and integrity. When those qualities are matched with the right support, the results speak for themselves. Seamus’s journey shows why investing in talent early is essential for building the future capability of this industry.”
Closing Thought
As Ireland and the UK accelerate offshore wind development, stories like Seamus’s prove that opportunity and dedication can create the skilled workforce this industry depends on.
Contact our team to discuss further: info@gmec-energy.com