Young talents on the solar path: Energy transition begins in Darmstadt!

Young talents on the solar path: Energy transition begins in Darmstadt!

A special event is currently taking place in the heart of Darmstadt: The “Solar Camp” offers around 20 young people the opportunity to intensively engage with the craft of renewable energies. From October 5th to 10th, participants will learn how to install photovoltaic systems at the Bessunger Forst youth center. The initiative aims to counteract the shortage of skilled workers in the field of renewable energies. Here the participants learn both theoretical and practical knowledge, which they can put to good use for a possible career in the climate trade. 

“The camp is a great opportunity to exchange ideas and learn from each other,” says Katharina Blau, co-organizer of the event. The social aspect is particularly emphasized: the focus is on supporting and promoting underrepresented groups, such as women in the skilled trades. The camp focuses primarily on the basics of photovoltaic installation, and what is particularly exciting for the participants are the practical exercises on a practice roof, which includes four modules that are based on real installations.

Skilled labor shortage in the industry

The shortage of skilled workers could seriously jeopardize the energy transition in Germany. Experts estimate that around 560,000 skilled workers will be needed to expand renewable energies by 2030. The professional fields are as diverse as they are important: from heating and air conditioning mechanics to electricians and roofers, numerous professions are affected, all of which are crucial for the implementation of the energy transition. The “Solar Camp” initiative attempts to actively address this bottleneck.

The fact that there is a real shortage in many jobs in the renewable energy sector cannot be ignored. Five out of ten occupations in this area are classified as shortage occupations, which means that there are fewer applicants for the required training positions than are actually needed. Andreas Koch-Martin, managing director of the professional association for plumbing, heating and plumbing, points out that around 10% of skilled workers could be missing when the baby boomers retire.

The future of the energy sectors

A look into the future shows that the renewable energy sector is a crisis-resilient job engine. The Bertelsmann Foundation predicts that the number of advertised positions will double between 2019 and 2024. There are therefore plenty of opportunities for young people to further their training and pursue a career in this sector. In order for the industry to remain attractive for young talent, it will be necessary to attract younger and female specialists in particular. As part of these efforts, the plumbing, heating and plumbing professional association is planning a climate camp for 14 to 19 year olds.

Celebrating its 16th edition this year, “Solarcamp for Future” is part of an alliance that emerged during the energy crisis in 2022 to create practical ways to support the energy transition. The camp is not only aimed at young people in the orientation phase, but also attracts participants of different ages who want to further their education or simply implement their private solar projects. This diversity shows that interest in renewable energies is high and needs to be further promoted.

In summary, it can be said that the “Solar Camp” initiative is an important step in getting young people interested in careers in the energy transition and at the same time combating the urgent shortage of skilled workers. There is a good chance that through such programs the next generation of professionals can make a meaningful difference not only for themselves, but also for our environment.

Interested people and companies from the trades can contact us at any time to actively participate in this valuable initiative and help advance the energy transition.