A new mentoring scheme aimed at increasing the number of women working in the renewable energy sector has been launched by RenewableNI.
The Women in Renewables mentoring programme will see participants study for a fully funded OCN Level 2 Award in Mentoring Practice at Belfast Metropolitan College, while simultaneously mentoring other women in the industry.
The pilot phase of the scheme has now concluded, with 14 women qualifying under the new programme. Each will continue mentoring relationships established during the course, supporting women either seeking to enter the sector or to advance their careers within it.
Sara Tinsley, deputy chair of RenewableNI and a participant on the course, said: “RenewableNI has been striving to provide a voice for women in renewable energy since our first Women in Renewables conference three years ago. Feedback each year was that women would like to be mentored to help them transition into the sector or to progress their careers.”
“RenewableNI has created the Women in Renewables Mentoring qualification to empower women to become these much-needed mentors.
“As a course participant, I have thoroughly enjoyed learning about the theory and partaking in the practical application of mentorship. The course has been hugely beneficial, I’ve built new relationships within the industry, strengthened my mentoring skills and enjoyed deeper understanding of the benefits for both mentees and mentors.”
The course attracted a diverse group of professionals, including planners, developers, community engagement specialists, communications experts and lawyers-reflecting the range of careers available within the renewable energy industry.
Margaret McCabe, interim centre manager for business development at Belfast Met, said: “We are incredibly proud to partner with RenewableNI in the delivery of the OCN NI Level 2 Award in Mentoring Practice.
“Funded by Skill Up, this initiative has provided participants with the tools and confidence to support and mentor others in their communities and workplaces. The dedication and enthusiasm shown by the women who completed this course has been truly inspiring.”
McCabe added: “The vision and role of Belfast Met is to support inclusive upskilling and progression opportunities across Northern Ireland and initiatives like this demonstrate the real and lasting impact of collaborative, community-focused education.”
RenewableNI has published profiles of the women who completed the course at RenewableNI.com/renewable-role-models.
The organisation is now inviting new applications to join the scheme, either as a mentee or to enrol in the mentoring qualification.
As part of its broader inclusion efforts, RenewableNI also offers a free public speaker database called The Switch List, designed to connect event organisers with professionals from across the sector.