Europe needs stronger STEM skills – industry partnerships can help

Europe needs more young people with strong skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to meet its energy security goals. Across Europe, wind energy companies, schools and education partners are already working together to bring real-world renewable energy learning into classrooms. But to scale this work, Europe now needs national and regional coordination, better alignment with school curricula, and frameworks that enable structured industry engagement. 

Europe wants to build much more onshore and offshore wind to strengthen its energy security and industrial competitiveness. Heads of State and Government just doubled down on their offshore wind commitments at this week’s North Sea Summit. Meeting these targets requires a skilled and future-ready wind energy workforce.  

Europe needs more STEM skills 

To meet this demand, Europe must boost science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. But today many schools struggle to access practical STEM activities or real-world learning. Teachers also lack support to link STEM lessons to industry examples. 

Renewable energy education can fill this gap. WindEurope started working with authorities, education NGOs, national wind energy associations, companies, and teachers across pilot projects in three countries: Denmark, Ireland and Poland.  

Together, we co-designed teacher tools, site visits, and hands on learning linked to national curricula. As an example, there is now a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) available, which showcases practical models of cooperation between industry and education partners. These pilots show that coordinated partnerships make STEM learning more accessible, engaging, and relevant for students. 

A new WindEurope White Paper shares success stories from those pilot projects. Companies, education partners and schools can build on these experiences. They can use the success stories  when they create partnerships between industry and schools for STEM learning. 

Scaling industry–education partnerships for STEM learning  

But that’s only the beginning. WindEurope calls for stronger coordination and curriculum alignment across Member States, and for EU level recognition of renewable energy as a core STEM education priority.  

The wind industry is ready to collaborate and contribute to strengthening STEM education in Europe. We already engage with thousands of pupils every year. But without structured cooperation, curriculum alignment and long-term frameworks these efforts remain fragmented and difficult to scale.  

We are committed to working with policymakers, education partners and schools to strengthen STEM education – and to support the workforce Europe needs to deliver its energy security and climate objectives.