The interview with Dr. James Carton, Assistant Professor in Energy Sustainability & Hydrogen at Dublin City University, was conducted as part of the “Professionals and their skills in hydrogen” project (Project number: 2023-1-PL01-KA220-VET-000159821). Dr. Carton emphasized the importance of continuously updating vocational education and training (VET/FE) curricula to align with emerging hydrogen technologies and industry demands. He highlighted the need for an interdisciplinary approach, incorporating risk and project management as well as innovation.
Dr. Carton identified notable gaps in technical, human, and conceptual skills within the hydrogen sector. He recommended addressing these through comprehensive training programs that foster teamwork, broad environmental understanding, and practical industry engagement. Strong partnerships between academia and industry were suggested as essential for providing authentic hands-on learning experiences.
Discussing the role of Dublin City University’s hydrogen department, Dr. Carton noted its significant influence in shaping national VET policies, driven by innovative research and collaboration. Sustainability and environmental considerations, he stated, should form a central part of hydrogen training, offering students comprehensive knowledge of the hydrogen supply chain and its environmental impacts.
Emerging digital tools like virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and artificial intelligence (AI) were discussed as potential assets for practical training, improving safety, and offering immersive learning experiences. To assess the long-term effectiveness of VET/FE initiatives, Dr. Carton proposed metrics such as skills acquisition and retention, employment outcomes, and broader industry and economic impacts.
The complete interview, including detailed insights and recommendations from Dr. James Carton, is available in the attached document.
