Driving the Energy Transition through Training Courses in Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency

In Latin America and the Caribbean, the International Climate Initiative supports the development of a highly qualified workforce for the energy transition. 

The energy transition needs clever minds and hard-working hands! For this reason, the IKI project ETRELA II addresses the shortage of skilled professionals in renewable energy technologies—wind, solar thermal, and photovoltaics - as well as energy efficiency. By expanding education and training opportunities, the project contributes to

• greenhouse gas emission reduction by supporting a transition to cleaner energy sources;
• job creation by building a workforce that can sustain and expand the renewable energy and energy efficiency sectors; 
• and educational infrastructure development through the establishment of new training centres and Train the Trainer courses.

Training centres are a key element in advancing the energy transition

Training centres play a pivotal role in equipping professionals with the necessary skills to support the rapid deployment of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. By providing hands-on experience, these centres bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, ensuring that the workforce is prepared to meet industry demands.

The availability of specialised training centres significantly enhances local capacity building, fostering a skilled workforce that can contribute to the maintenance and expansion of renewable energy infrastructure. This is particularly crucial in regions where technical expertise in renewable energy and energy efficiency is still developing. 
Integration with universities and vocational training

By integrating training centres into university programmes and vocational training schemes, the IKI´s ETRELA II project ensures that the future workforce is equipped with the competencies needed for a successful energy transition. Moreover, training centres act as innovation hubs where academia, industry, and policymakers collaborate to develop solutions tailored to local energy challenges. 

The first phase of the project supported the procurement and installation of Wind Farm Management Software at the Technical University of Uruguay (UTEC). Additionally, it facilitated the establishment of multiple training centres, including photovoltaic centres and solar thermal centres in Argentina, Peru, and Uruguay. 

Multiplier effect of Train the Trainer courses

Train the Trainer courses are essential for scaling up the availability of skilled professionals in renewable energy and energy efficiency sectors. By equipping trainers with the latest knowledge and best practices, these programmes create a multiplier effect, enabling a broader reach and faster dissemination of expertise throughout the workforce.

One of the key advantages of these courses is their ability to standardise and improve the quality of education across institutions and regions. By providing structured curricula and hands-on training, these programmes ensure that trainers can effectively pass on practical knowledge to students and professionals.

The spillover potential of Train the Trainer courses is immense. Trainers who complete these programmes not only educate new professionals but also contribute to knowledge-sharing networks, mentoring programmes, and policy advisory roles. As a result, the impact of a single training initiative can extend far beyond its initial participants, supporting long-term capacity building in renewable energy and energy efficiency.

Summing up the first project phase: over 170 trainers trained

During the first phase of the project, several Train the Trainer seminars were conducted in Argentina, Peru, and Uruguay to strengthen local competencies in renewable energy. A total of 176 trainers (41 women and 135 men) were certified in key areas such as solar architecture, building efficiency, legal and economic aspects of solar and wind projects, as well as the installation, operation, and maintenance of photovoltaic and wind energy systems. These training sessions were aimed at both private sector professionals and universities, promoting specialisation and formal education in these technologies. 

Outlook 

The second phase of the project is still being implemented. Further trainers from universities in Brazil, Colombia, the Dominican Republic and Honduras will receive this type of training.

During this second phase of the project, train-the-trainer courses will be dealing with solar photovoltaic, solar thermal, wind and energy efficiency topics. These efforts have been key to addressing the shortage of qualified professionals in Latin America and promoting sustainable development through education and technical training.

Priority field of action: Promoting the energy transition