Building a new career in Renewable Energy

Igor (44), originally from Ukraine, moved to Ireland with his family following the outbreak of war. While actively seeking work, he faced challenges finding opportunities in his local area.

“Before joining the bootcamp, I had been a jobseeker for over a year.”

Determined to improve his employment prospects and develop new skills, he enrolled in Generation’s Solar PV Installer bootcamp in Ireland, July 2025,

The programme provided an opportunity to gain industry-specific knowledge while building the skills needed to succeed in a rapidly growing sector. Ireland’s solar industry is forecast to grow by over 40% each year to 2030, but a shortage of skilled installers means employers are actively seeking new talent. Against this backdrop, the bootcamp gave Igor the technical knowledge, confidence and practical skills needed to transition into a new profession in the green economy.

“I got new knowledge, improved my soft skills and gained a new profession.”

Shortly after completing the bootcamp, Igor secured a role as a Solar PV Installer where he has been employed now for one year. In his role, he helps deliver renewable energy solutions for homes and businesses. Recently, while installing solar panels on a home outside Dublin, he was recognised by a member of Generation’s team who had met him when he first applied for the programme. Seeing Igor thriving in the role was a powerful reminder of how determination, new skills and opportunity can come together to create lasting change. 

Working on-site, Igor installs solar panel systems and contributes to projects that support the transition to clean energy. One of the aspects he enjoys most is being part of a supportive team and seeing the immediate impact of his work.

“What I enjoy most is the strong crew camaraderie on-site and the immediate satisfaction of turning empty roofs into working clean-energy systems.”

As the renewable energy sector continues to grow, he is excited by the opportunities to develop new skills and work with emerging technologies.

“Looking ahead, I’m excited to work with evolving smart-energy technology like battery storage and EV charging as the demand for renewable energy continues to soar.”

Securing employment has had a significant impact on his financial security and wellbeing.

“Gaining employment has provided me with financial stability, allowing me to build an emergency fund while consistently helping my family with daily living expenses. Having a structured work routine and a steady income has greatly reduced my daily stress and significantly improved my mental wellbeing.”

For Igor, the bootcamp provided both a route into employment and the opportunity to build a long-term career in a sector that is helping shape a more sustainable future.