Projects
Creating an Educational Framework and Curriculum
We are building a comprehensive educational framework and curriculum through close cooperation between industry and academic institutions to guarantee a steady development and provision of highly skilled professionals to the field of offshore wind sector.
Our goal is to establish an educational program inspired by the IDCORE doctoral program in the UK, which is a world leader in offshore wind energy. IDCORE is a four-year postgraduate course run by a consortium of several universities and industry partners, with the University of Edinburgh at the helm. After completing one year of intensive academic study, students participate in a three-year internship where they perform advanced technical work at sponsor companies while earning a competitive salary. Graduates of the program receive doctoral degrees and are recognized as highly skilled professionals in the industry. Established in 2011, this program is funded through a collaboration between the government, which provides two-thirds of the funding, and the industry, which contributes one-third.
IACOW Joint-University Program
/ Credit Transfer System
IACOW is creating a joint-university program designed to provide comprehensive knowledge and advanced skills necessary for leading future offshore wind power projects.
The “IACOW Joint University Offshore Wind Course ” consists of eight graduate-level courses developed by member universities. Four of these courses are available in FY2025. Furthermore, a credit transfer system has been established among member universities, enabling students to receive credits at their home institution for courses taken at other member universities.
Joint-University Program
| Course Name | Providing University | |
|---|---|---|
| ❶ | Wind Turbine Engineering | Akita Prefectural U. |
| ❷ | Fisheries Coexistence and Stakeholder Management | Akita U. |
| ❸ | Power Plant Operation and Maintenance | Nagasaki U. |
| ❹ | Business and Innovation: Introductory Course on Startups A (scheduled to open in FY2026) | Chiba U. |
| ❺ | Project Management (scheduled to open in FY2027) | U. of Kitakyushu |
| ❻ | Finance, Insurance, and Legal Affairs of Offshore Wind Power (scheduled to open in FY2027) | U. of Kitakyushu |
| ❼ | Energy Policy and Systems | Nagasaki U. |
| ❽ | Floating Offshore Wind Technology (tentative title) (scheduled to open in FY2026) | Nagasaki U. |
Fieldwork for On-Site Experience with Offshore Wind Farms
Obtaining experience from real project locations, including offshore wind farms, has a significant and lasting effect on students. By fostering broad partnerships between businesses and universities located close to offshore wind sites, we provide students with valuable opportunities for direct, hands-on learning. These real-world, on-site experiences serves as a strong motivator, cultivating a deep and lasting passion in students.
Learning-Focused Internships Centered on Hands-on Exercise
Although company internship programs are becoming more common in the recruitment process in Japan, we aim to create internships that prioritize learning. Our long-term goal is to establish paid, practical internships similar to those implemented by the IDCORE* program in the UK.
Initially, we promote short-term learning internships lasting about one week and explore collaborative internships that involve multiple universities and companies. Additionally, we organize “Industry and Corporate Research Seminars” to introduce students to various offshore wind industry businesses. These seminars are designed to spark student interest and encourage companies to increase their ability to offer learning-centered internships.
(*) IDCORE: Industrial Centre for Doctoral Training for Offshore Renewable Energy
Innovation through Industry-Academia Research Collaboration
Students’ involvement in research and development centered on actual industry challenges, under the mentorship of university supervisors, improves the quality of graduate education. To achieve this educational benefit, we are implementing initiatives that align industry demands with academic research opportunities, thereby fostering collaborative research and education and building a collection of practical case studies. Several successful examples have already been achieved.
Our goal is to create and manage a system that connects the needs and research opportunities between consortium member universities and companies, while promoting the creation of specific research projects and collaborative studies.
Student Network across University and KOSEN (Technical College)
IACOW runs a student network designed to provide learning opportunities to students from member universities and to all students across Japan interested in the offshore wind industry.
This network links university and technical college (Kosen) students, providing them with latest information about offshore wind, upcoming events, and opportunities for consultation.
Talent Development through Showcasing at Industry Events
We create programs that enable students to engage with the current state and latest trends in offshore wind through commercial exhibitions and events. This involves arranging exhibition booths and information desks at event locations, along with hosting lectures and seminars specifically for students. Some participating companies have recognized these initiatives as valuable opportunities to link the next generation with the offshore wind industry. Consequently, we are receiving growing support from a wider variety of companies beyond our member organizations.
Reskilling Program for Adults
Since the Japanese offshore wind industry is still in its early stage, ongoing reskilling of working professionals is essential. We are creating advanced educational programs designed to meet the needs of upskilling professionals seeking to enhance their skills in offshore wind businesses and to support career changes from other industries. In addition to individual course participation, we also build a network connecting trainees, their employers, and university professors, thereby strengthening human resource development and technological collaboration.
Expansion of Consortium Framework to Align with Industry Requirement
IACOW initiated its work by creating a consortium of power generation companies and universities connected to areas where wind farms are planned. Since then, it has been progressing in developing frameworks and curricula suitable for formal university education. Achieving a steady supply of highly skilled professionals through these frameworks will require ongoing testing and refinement over several years, as well as increased involvement from companies throughout the offshore wind industry. Therefore, we welcome the participation of a diverse range of companies across the supply and value chains involved in offshore wind.