Training and Career Development Needs Assessment of the Renewable Energy Sector

Transcription

1 Training and Career Development Needs Assessment of the Renewable Energy Sector

2 Overview In the past decade, the emanation of renewable energy technologies has resonated with Jordan s critical energy situation and lead to flourishing investments in the renewable energy field in Jordan. EDAMA, as a business association that supports energy independence, decided to evaluate the current training needs of the renewable energy local market to better understand the requirements of the sector. This report is based on an online survey that was conducted to assess the training needs of EDAMA s members and other companies involved in the renewable energy and energy efficiency field. Survey Purpose The purpose of the conducted survey is to assess training and employment needs of companies involved in renewable energy projects. The survey also aims to highlight current and possible future collaborations between renewable energy companies and higher education institutions. Recommendations of the report will be taken into consideration while arranging for future training and career development courses in order to meet the sector s needs. Methodologies The training and career development services assessment focusing on Jordan s Renewable Energy (RE) workforce and stakeholders took place between November and December 2014, and was conducted using an online form. At the beginning, the questionnaire was circulated among EDAMA s members and other companies via , but due to the low number of respondents, further phone calls and follow ups were carried out. Survey Sample The total number of respondents was 23 companies of which 22 are EDAMA members. The response ratio was (22/77 29%) out of EDAMA members, and (20/34 59%) out of members 2

3 who are involved in the RE sector. The following chart shows the distribution of the participating companies according to their industry segment: 87.0% Companies' Industry Segment 4.3% 21.7% 21.7% 8.7% 8.7% 8.7% 8.7% 0.0% 0.0% Respondents may select more than one segment, thus percentages may add up to more than 100 % It can be noticed that companies working in Solar Energy and PV represent more than 85% of the participants. Part 1: Training Needs In this section of the survey, companies were asked to assess whether they face problems finding relevant training opportunities for their employees locally, and to indicate areas of expertise, soft skills and training courses in demand. 52% of the respondents declared that they do face problems finding relevant training opportunities according to the chart below: 3

4 Percentage of respondents having problems finding good training opportunities in the local labor market No 48% Yes 52% Technical Needs Companies were asked to indicate training courses and areas that would be most beneficial for employees working in the Renewable Energy field. The list of suggested courses includes: Certified Energy Manager (CEM) Renewable Energy Professional (REP) Carbon & GHG Reduction Manager (CRM) Certified Measurement & Verification Professional (CMVP) Certified Energy Auditor (CEA) PV System Installation Certification Renewable Energy Systems Energy Efficiency Certified Renewable Energy Designer Renewable Energy Regulations in Jordan Renewable Energy Technologies Energy Conservation In Industry and Commercial Buildings It was found that the top four courses in demand are: PV system Installation Certification followed by Renewable Energy Professional (REP), Certified Energy Manager (CEM) and 4

5 Renewable Energy regulations in Jordan. Some of the suggested courses are offered by the Jordan Energy Chapter (JEC) like: CEM, REP, and CRM. The chart below shows all suggested courses distributed according to demand. Energy Conservation In Industry and Commercial Buildings Renewable Energy Technologies Renewable Energy Regulations in Jordan Certified Renewable Energy Designer Energy Efficiency Areas of expertise needed in the RE field: PV System Installation Certification Courses in Demand Renewable Energy Systems Certified Energy Auditor (CEA) Certified Measurement & Verification Professional (CMVP) Carbon & GHG Reduction Manager (CRM) Renewable Energy Professional (REP) Certified Energy Manager (CEM) Companies were also asked about areas of expertise in the RE field and to rate their importance in terms of need for their energy projects. The list of suggested areas of expertise includes: Energy Efficiency Engineer Maintenance and Installation Engineer Energy Auditor Installation Technician Operation Technician Maintenance Technician It was found that: Maintenance and Installation Engineers, Operation Technicians and Installation Technicians were considered of High Need to most companies followed by Maintenance Technicians. Around 40% of the respondents rated Energy Auditor as either of low importance or not needed. 5

6 The following chart summarizes the necessity for each area of expertise. Areas of Expertise in Demand Maintenance Technician Operation Technician Installation Technician Energy Auditor Maintenance and Installation Engineer High Need Moderate Need Low Need Not Needed Energy Efficiency Engineer Soft Skills In addition to assessing the needs from the technical perspective of career development, the survey tried to assess the needs of life and soft skills required for the RE sector employees. The list of the suggested life skills includes: English Language Skills Project Management Skills Presentation Skills Communication Skills Technical Writing Skills Professional Workplace Ethics It was found that: Most of the suggested skills were classified as highly or moderately needed. Project Management skills were exclusively rated as either highly or moderately needed. The following chart summarizes the necessity for each of the soft skills in demand. 6

7 Soft Skills in Demand Professional Workplace Ethics Technical Writing Skills Communication Skills Presentation Skills Project Management Skills High Need Moderate Need Low Need Not Needed English Language Skills Part 2: Higher Education Collaborations In this section, companies were asked about their interest in having industry collaborations with higher education institutions (i.e.: Universities) and whether or not they offer placements or internships for fresh graduates. Results are promising as 78% of the respondents are either interested or already have some sort of industry collaboration with universities in Jordan, according to the chart below: Percentage of companies having industry collaboration programs with universities No, but interested No, and not interested Yes 35% 43% 22% 7

8 Also, 74% of the respondents declared that they already offer internship opportunities for fresh graduates. Percentage of companies offering placements/internships for fresh graduates: Yes No 26% 74% Some of the companies who already have collaborations with higher education institutions specified the following universities: University of Jordan Balqa Applied University Coventry University Al-Zaytoonah University German Jordanian University Recommendations Based on the report and analysis above, recommendations have been proposed to meet the sector s needs and address its shortcomings: Launch a certified training course focused on PV system installation and promote it among Renewable Energy companies. 8

9 Cooperate with Vocational Training Centers to supply the sector with qualified technicians and equip them with skills and knowledge needed for PV system installation, operation and maintenance. Encourage Jordanian Universities offering engineering programs relevant to the RE sector to train and educate students on topics related to PV system installation and maintenance. Launch a certified training course on Project Management. Organize courses on technical communication and English language skills. Prepare and distribute a booklet on Professional Workplace Ethics and Code of Conduct. Bridge the gap between universities and companies in the RE sector as 43% of respondents indicated they don t have collaborations with higher education institutions, yet they are interested. 9

10 Respondent Companies - Members 1. Spectrum Investment Int 2. Mustakbal Clean Tech 3. SunEdison 4. Clean Energy Concepts 5. Tamkeen Leasing 6. Consolidated Contractors Group Off Shore 7. City Spark Energy 8. HANANIA Energy 9. Future Sun for Renewable Energy Services 10. Jordanian Egyptian Fajr 11. Modern Arabia for Solar Energy 12. ASTRACO 13. Petra Solar-Jordan 14. E2E Integrated Solutions 15. Panmed Energy 16. Shamsuna Power Company 17. Izzat Marji Group 18. Kawar Energy 19. Catalyst Private Equity 20. Philadelphia Solar 21. Second Energy 22. ENNERA Respondent Companies Non-members 1. NUR SOLAR SYSTEMS 10