To address this challenge, SolarPower Europe has partnered with Grow with Google, an initiative to help people get the skills they need to find a job, grow their career or business, to create the #SolarWorks campaign. This new programme aims to showcase the diverse range of careers in the solar sector and connect potential solar workers with the right training to get them started.
SolarPower Europe has produced #SolarWorks videos in the markets where major solar growth is forecast: France, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland and Spain.
The video series tells the stories of current solar workers on various sites, from an agri-PV plant, floating solar installation to manufacturing facility, where they share their experience and advice on kickstarting a solar career. The inspirational testimonies aim to mobilise the future solar workforce and help guide those interested in joining the sector with reskilling.
Stefano Grassi, Head of Cabinet of Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson, said: “This week’s State of the Energy Union report shows that, as an energy source for Europe, renewables overtook fossil fuels for the first time in 2020. To continue this encouraging trend, and ensure we meet our climate goals, we need to mobilise a workforce to support the green transition. SolarPower Europe's campaign will accelerate much-needed recruitment for green jobs, and help maximise the potential of the European solar industry.”
Amanda Peterson Corio, Global Lead, Energy Delivery at Google, adds: “Solar power is expected to grow exponentially in Europe, creating millions of jobs across a diverse range of professions. Through our partnership with SolarPower Europe, we’re helping to raise awareness about the wide range of career opportunities available in the sector and connect people with the right training to get them started.”
Walburga Hemetsberger, CEO of SolarPower Europe, said: “Solar is one of the most job-intensive energy technologies, and a major contributor to local and socioeconomic development that can support a Just Transition and Green Recovery. Currently, there is a lack of skilled EU workers in clean energy technologies, which is quickly becoming a critical bottleneck that could hamper the deployment of solar and renewables. With this campaign, we want to show that there is a career for everyone in solar and help those interested find their new sustainable mission.”
EuropeOn, the European association for electrical contractors, has also been an important partner for this campaign, since electrical contractors are a key aspect of the solar chain.
Julie Beaufils, Secretary General of EuropeOn said: “Electrical contractors are responsible for installing rooftop solar panels and integrating them with other clean energy technologies. They play an instrumental role in advising citizens and companies in switching to solar and becoming prosumers. This is an exciting time to join this fast-evolving trade where 270.000 new professionals will need to be hired across Europe by 2030”.
Have a look at the videos and campaign website here.
