Collaborative Research: Beginnings: Engaging and Preparing the Offshore Wind Workforce through Hybrid Experiential Learning

NSF Award Search · 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT · $882,522 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

Offshore wind energy is an emerging, safety-critical sector facing persistent workforce challenges in building and sustaining a skilled workforce. These include limited early exposure to real-world work environments, costly and risky site access, unclear career pathways, and rapidly evolving digital and automation technologies. These challenges reduce interest, slow skill development, and make it harder to retain workers. By coupling cohort-based mentoring, cross-sector partnerships, participatory co-designed modules, micro-credentials tied to industry skills, and shared digital assets, the project will broaden participation and build a prepared, resilient, and technologically agile workforce. The resources and training model developed through this work can also be applied to other maritime and emerging technology fields with analogous workforce challenges, helping to grow the U.S. workforce and increase access to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics careers. This project will pilot a multi-phase offshore wind experiential learning framework led by an interdisciplinary team with complementary expertise from Northeastern University, the University of Alabama, and a range of industry, educational, and public sector partners. It will support community college and engineering students through low-cost, immersive at-home training that includes personalized coaching powered by artificial intelligence, followed by a supplemental certificate program and co-op or inter

Key facts

NSF award ID
2526200
Awardee
Northeastern University (MA)
SAM.gov UEI
HLTMVS2JZBS6
PI
Yang Ye
Primary program
01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
All programs
UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION
Estimated total
$882,522
Funds obligated
$882,522
Transaction type
Standard Grant
Period
10/01/2025 → 09/30/2028