Energy Transition Course
Implementation of energy transition goals requires dedicated professionals from various fields. Despite high demand, companies are urgently seeking new talent.
TOOLS FOR LIFE has partnered with the "Energiewende-Held*innen" project since this fall, a vocational orientation project by the Arbeitsgemeinschaft Natur- und Umweltbildung Hessen e.V., sponsored by LEA LandesEnergieAgentur Hessen GmbH with funds from the Hessian Ministry for Economic Affairs, Energy, Transport, and Housing. Workshops are conducted with the assistance of trainers from the Bildungswerk der Hessischen Wirtschaft.
Through our Energiewende courses, we aim to inspire young people for craft apprenticeships. At various stations, students engage in tasks related to the Energiewende, gaining insights into professions relevant to this field.
Current Situation:
The shortage of skilled workers in Germany, particularly in the trades, is becoming a critical issue, especially in the context of climate change and the Energiewende. It is crucial to inspire students early on for craft professions to secure future skilled workers.
The challenges of climate change necessitate innovative solutions in renewable energy and building energy efficiency. Craft professions, such as electricians and installers, play a central role by providing practical skills and expertise to install and improve sustainable technologies, particularly regarding the energy efficiency of buildings.
To address the skilled labor shortage and meet the demands of climate change, it's vital for students to explore the diverse possibilities in the trades early on. Practical school projects, internships, and informational events are essential. Upgrading the image of craft professions is necessary to highlight their attractiveness and forward-looking perspectives.
The Energiewende requires a shift to sustainable technologies and the expansion of renewable energy, with local craft businesses playing a key role. Enhanced collaboration between educational institutions, companies, and policymakers is necessary to promote training in craft professions and create conditions for a sustainable professional future.
Our Measures:
The workshop starts with a theoretical introduction using digital learning methods, particularly the Mentimeter tool, making the session interactive. Surveys and quizzes actively engage students, allowing them to visually grasp the theoretical foundations.
In the practical part of the project day, students go through various stations to develop a deep understanding of different aspects of the Energiewende. For example, at the heat pump station, students are not only introduced to the topic through an explanatory video but also get hands-on experience by connecting different pipe systems, learning practical techniques like soldering, connecting, gluing, clamping, and screwing. Installing a switching valve gives students the opportunity to test functionality and experience the versatility of this craft process.
In the solar technology station, students are motivated to build a solar power bank for smartphones. This involves not only craftsmanship in assembly but also dealing with electronic components and experiencing how renewable energy sources can create tangible products. The sustainable aspect is emphasized by the opportunity for students to take home the solar power bank they built.
The wind energy station focuses on the practical demonstration of energy generation from wind. With a self-assembled wind turbine, students can experience the dependence of generated energy on the wind and even illuminate a lamp. This experimental approach not only imparts theoretical knowledge but also allows students to directly experience the physical principles of wind energy.
The conclusion of the project day aims to reiterate the importance and future viability of the acquired skills for students. Introducing various professions in the field of the Energiewende, such as plumbing and heating system mechanics, electricians, and mechatronics, highlights the diverse opportunities in this sector. Attention is given to the entry requirements and evolving demands of these professions, providing students with clear perspectives.
Conclusion:
By the end of December 2023, a total of 6 school classes will have gone through the Energiewende courses. Approximately 100 students will be introduced to craft apprenticeships and professions relevant to the Energiewende. The Energiewende Parcours initiative is one of the projects by the TOOLS FOR LIFE Foundation to promote craftsmanship and the Energiewende, addressing the skilled labor shortage.
Facts and numbers
People helped
The background to the project
TOOLS FOR LIFE has been a project partner since this fall in the project 'Energiewende-Heroes,' a vocational orientation project by the Arbeitsgemeinschaft Natur- und Umweltbildung Hessen e.V., sponsored by LEA LandesEnergieAgentur Hessen GmbH with funds from the Hessian Ministry for Economic Affairs, Energy, Transport, and Housing. The Energiewende Parcours are a subproject of the Energiewende-Heroes project.