The clean energy sector is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world, creating a high demand for a skilled and specialized workforce. As solar, wind, battery storage, and smart grid technologies become mainstream, the traditional energy workforce must evolve. To meet this urgent need, there is a critical requirement for a new generation of professionals who are trained not only in the technical aspects of renewable energy but also in a range of complementary skills. Clear career pathways and well-structured apprenticeship programs are the essential tools for attracting diverse talent and building a robust, future-ready workforce that can sustain this growth.

This program provides a comprehensive and practical guide to understanding and developing career pathways and apprenticeship models for the clean energy sector. Participants will gain a fundamental understanding of the diverse job roles available, from solar technicians to grid modernization engineers, and learn how to map the skills required for each. The course covers everything from conducting a skills gap analysis and designing a relevant curriculum to navigating the complexities of program funding and industry partnerships. By focusing on real-world case studies and collaborative exercises, attendees will be equipped to design and implement effective workforce development strategies that empower individuals and strengthen the entire clean energy ecosystem.

Duration: 10 days

Target Audience:

• Career Counselors and Advisors
• Workforce Development Board Professionals
• Educators and Academic Program Directors
• Human Resources Managers and Recruiters
• Energy and Utility Executives
• Labor Union Representatives
• Public Sector and Economic Development Staff
• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Professionals
• NGO and Nonprofit Leaders
• High School and College Career Staff

Objectives:

• Master the core concepts of career pathways in the clean energy sector.
• Learn how to identify high-demand job roles and skills.
• Understand the key components of a successful apprenticeship program.
• Grasp the complexities of curriculum development and industry certifications.
• Develop proficiency in conducting a skills gap and needs analysis.
• Explore best practices for attracting and retaining a diverse talent pool.
• Learn about robust approaches to program funding and partnership building.
• Identify the critical legal and regulatory frameworks for apprenticeships.
• Develop skills in evaluating and measuring program success.
• Formulate strategies for building a sustainable workforce pipeline.

Course Modules:

Module 1: The Clean Energy Jobs Landscape

• The growth of the clean energy economy
• The key sectors: solar, wind, storage, and grid modernization
• In-demand job roles and skills
• The difference between a "green job" and a "brown job"
• Future trends in the clean energy workforce

Module 2: Career Pathway Models

• The concept of a career pathway
• Mapping entry-level jobs to advanced roles
• The role of stackable credentials and certifications
• The importance of a clear and focused research question
• The business case for creating a career pathway

Module 3: Apprenticeship Program Fundamentals

• The definition and benefits of an apprenticeship
• The role of on-the-job learning and related instruction
• The importance of a "risk and mitigation" plan
• The difference between a registered and a non-registered program
• The role of a "data story map"

Module 4: Skills and Competency Mapping

• Breaking down job roles into core competencies
• The importance of technical and soft skills
• The use of skills frameworks and taxonomies
• The importance of a clear and consistent reporting style
• The role of a "stakeholder analysis"

Module 5: Needs and Gap Analysis

• Conducting a labor market analysis
• Identifying the skills gap in a region or industry
• Surveying employers and employees
• The importance of a simple scorecard and a dashboard
• The role of a "program's theory of change"

Module 6: Curriculum Development

• Designing a curriculum that aligns with industry needs
• Integrating technical skills with safety and professional skills
• The role of a clear and compelling KPI
• The use of hands-on training and simulations
• The importance of a "risk and mitigation" plan

Module 7: Recruitment and Diversity

• Attracting a diverse and inclusive talent pool
• The role of community outreach and partnerships
• The use of a "data story map"
• Navigating the application and selection process
• The importance of a "stakeholder analysis"

Module 8: Mentorship and On-the-Job Training

• The importance of a mentorship program
• Training mentors to be effective
• The role of a clear and consistent reporting style
• The use of a simple scorecard and a dashboard
• The importance of a "program's theory of change"

Module 9: Program Funding and Financing

• Sourcing public and private funding
• The role of government grants and tax credits
• The importance of a clear and focused research question
• The business case for investing in training
• The role of a "data story map"

Module 10: Legal and Regulatory Frameworks

• The legal requirements for apprenticeships
• The role of a clear and compelling KPI
• The difference between federal and state regulations
• The importance of a "risk and mitigation" plan
• The role of a "stakeholder analysis"

Module 11: Program Management & Evaluation

• Managing a program from start to finish
• The role of a simple scorecard and a dashboard
• Key performance indicators (KPIs) for apprenticeships
• The importance of a "clear and consistent reporting style"
• Using feedback to improve the program

Module 12: Employer and Industry Partnerships

• The importance of building strong partnerships
• The role of industry associations
• The importance of a "program's theory of change"
• Creating a shared vision and goals
• The role of a "clear and focused research question"

Module 13: Career Development and Retention

• The role of a career pathway in retention
• The importance of a "data story map"
• The use of a "risk and mitigation" plan
• Strategies for continued professional development
• The role of a "clear and compelling KPI"

Module 14: Case Studies

• Case study: A successful solar apprenticeship program
• Case study: A wind technician training program
• Case study: A utility-led clean energy workforce initiative
• Lessons learned from the field
• The importance of a "stakeholder analysis"

Module 15: Policy and Advocacy

• The role of policymakers in supporting clean energy jobs
• Advocating for supportive legislation and funding
• The importance of a clear and consistent reporting style
• The use of a simple scorecard and a dashboard
• The role of a "program's theory of change"

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 10 working days before commencement of the training.