RES supports WindEurope Student programme to build future talent

Madrid / London, 21 April 2026 – As Europe accelerates its energy transition, RES is highlighting the critical role of people in delivering a greener future through its sponsorship of the Student Programme at WindEurope 2026, in Madrid.

While the wind industry continues to expand rapidly across Europe – supporting over 440,000 jobs – the sector faces a growing workforce challenge. Meeting future demand will require not only more people, but a broader, more diverse pipeline of talent with skills spanning engineering, digitalisation, environmental science and business.

Through its sponsorship of the Student Programme, RES is helping to open pathways into the sector for the next generation. The programme connects students from a wide range of disciplines with industry professionals, providing practical insight into careers in wind energy and the skills needed to succeed.

Maria Irvin, Chief People & Culture Officer at RES, said: “The energy transition is not just a technical challenge. If we are serious about delivering a greener future, we need to attract and retain a much wider range of talent, including students, more women, more diverse backgrounds and interdisciplinary skills from other sectors.”

Mariana Batista – Head of education and skills at WindEurope, said: “Europe’s wind industry has a major role to play in delivering a more competitive, secure and electrified energy system, but that depends on having the right people and skills in place. That is why programmes like this matter. By helping students understand the breadth of opportunities in wind, from engineering and operations to digital and environmental roles, RES is supporting the talent pipeline the sector needs to keep growing.”

Ahead of the event, RES also hosted a group of students at its operations and maintenance workshop in Albacete, Spain. The visit provided a behind-the-scenes look at how wind assets are maintained in practice, giving students direct exposure to the operational side of the industry.

Maria added: “Students and indeed mature workers in adjacent sectors want to understand where they fit in and how they can contribute. By connecting them directly with industry professionals and real-world challenges, we’re helping them see the opportunities and their potential role in shaping the future.”

The WindEurope Student Programme is designed to challenge traditional perceptions of the sector. It showcases the wide variety of roles available. That includes roles in digital technologies and AI to project development and environmental expertise, showing that a career in wind extends far beyond engineering alone.

By supporting initiatives like the Student Programme, RES is reinforcing its commitment to addressing the sector’s long-term workforce needs and ensuring the energy transition is powered not only by technology, but by people.

ENDS

Notes for editors:

About RES
RES is the world’s largest independent renewable energy company, working across 24 countries and active in wind, solar, energy storage, green hydrogen, transmission, and distribution. An industry innovator for over 40 years, RES has delivered more than 29GW of renewable energy projects across the globe and plans to bring more than 26GW of new capacity online in the next five years.

As a service provider, RES has the skills and experience in asset management, operations and maintenance (O&M), and spare parts – supporting 45GW of renewable assets. RES brings to the market a range of purposeful, practical technology-based products and digital solutions designed to maximise investment and deployment of renewable energy.

RES is the power behind a clean energy future where everyone has access to affordable zero carbon energy bringing together global experience, passion, and the innovation of its 4,500 people to transform the way energy is generated, stored and supplied. Visit: www.res-group.com

CONTACT FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Marcus Dunér
RES Press Office
+46 723 762829
[email protected]