SHINE Project: Enhancing Green Skills in the Solar Sector through Collaborative Dialogue  

The SHINE Project, led by MUNDUS, is revolutionizing the solar energy sector in Ghana by providing vocational training and skills development to young people to address unemployment. The project facilitates collaborative discussions to create industry-relevant curricula, train trainers, and establish a capacity-building platform. The project recently organized a multi-stakeholder dialogue event in Accra, attended by figures in the educational field, industry players, and international partners. The event aimed to exchange insights, identify solutions, and gain profound insights into labor market trends, training needs, and vocational education training.

                                      Stakeholders promoting the SHINE project 

Ghana, akin to numerous African nations, is confronted with significant barriers in its quest to adopt solar energy, which consequently has impeded the smooth transition to a sustainable and renewable energy supply. Despite an abundance of solar irradiance, the solar energy sector in Ghana grapples with a plethora of challenges that have hindered this development. From limited awareness and understanding of solar energy benefits to a shortage of skilled professionals and inadequate infrastructure. As the world gravitates towards a more sustainable and green future, we must overcome these challenges and unlock the full potential of solar energy. With the country’s energy demand projected to grow exponentially in the coming years, the need for a reliable and sustainable energy source has never been more pressing.

In response to these challenges, the European Commission has introduced an innovative project called The SHINE Project. It aims to alleviate these impediments and create a conducive environment for the growth and proliferation of a thriving solar energy industry in Ghana. In this article, we will explore the SHINE project’s objectives, strategies, and potential impact on the solar energy sector in Ghana.

The Project’s Collaborative Approach to Solar Energy Training

The SHINE project is a collaborative effort between Mundus and Zubigune Fondazoa from Spain, INCLUDE from The Netherlands, AKMI from Greece, Pan Atlantic University and Jobitech from Nigeria, Kryiandongo Technical Institute and Huys Link Community from Uganda, Suame Technical Institute and SSC Ghana from Ghana.  

The  project aims to align with Ghana’s national strategies and priorities to develop a skilled and competent workforce capable of driving growth in the country’s solar sector. The project’s key objectives include creating outcomes that will directly impact the industry by ensuring that training programs are not only relevant and effective but also aligned with the specific needs of the solar sector. By dedicating itself to enhancing green skills in the industry, the SHINE project represents a significant stride toward building a sustainable future for Ghana. Through fostering collaboration among various stakeholders, the initiative seeks to pave the way for a highly skilled workforce that will drive the growth of the solar sector and contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future. The SHINE project is built on three core principles, with its focus on enhancing green skills in the solar sector through collaborative dialogue at the forefront.

Co-creation of market-oriented curricula

The project is dedicated to the meticulous development of training programs tailored to the unique requirements of the solar industry, achieved through partnerships with industry experts and educational institutions. This collaborative method guarantees that the curriculum is not only pertinent and efficient but also in sync with the demands of the industry.

One of the key strategies employed is the Training of Trainers (ToT) initiative, which places a strong emphasis on enhancing the capabilities of trainers to deliver specialized training tailored to the solar sector. By providing trainers with the essential skills and knowledge, the project ensures that they are well-equipped to effectively transfer their expertise to others, thereby establishing a continuous cycle of proficiency within the solar industry.

Establishing a Capacity Building Platform

The primary objective of the project is to establish a comprehensive platform for sharing knowledge, resources, and best practices within the solar industry, aiming to promote collaboration, foster continuous improvement, and stimulate growth and development within the sector. As Ghana focuses on creating innovative opportunities, initiatives like this are crucial in inspiring and engaging the youth in pursuing non-traditional career paths, creating job opportunities. Mr. Richard Addo-Gyamfi emphasized the importance of integrating the initiative into the educational curriculum and equipping VET facilitators with necessary skills. The pilot project is scheduled to begin at the Suame Technical Institute, with discussions ongoing to expand its implementation. Jorge Appiah highlighted the need for a curriculum aligned with industry requirements and emphasized the importance of training students in various aspects of the solar sector beyond domestic applications.

Upholding the Sustainable Development Goals

The SHINE project is in full alignment with the Affordable and Clean Energy Sustainable Development Goal, which aims to provide affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy to everyone. The project focuses on significantly increasing the proportion of renewable energy in the global energy mix and doubling the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency. It also emphasizes international cooperation to improve access to clean energy research and technology, as well as to encourage investment in energy infrastructure and clean energy technology. The overarching objective is to expand infrastructure and upgrade technology to provide modern and sustainable energy services to all in developing countries. By offering affordable and dependable solar energy, the project ensures access to clean energy for all, thus reducing reliance on fossil fuels and addressing climate change. These efforts directly support the goal’s target of increasing the global proportion of renewable energy sources.

Conclusion

The SHINE project is set to bring about a significant transformation in Ghana’s solar energy sector, addressing the country’s longstanding issue of relying heavily on traditional job avenues. As Ghana works towards shifting to sustainable and renewable energy sources, the SHINE project stands out as a shining example of innovation and collaborative efforts aimed at creating a more promising future for everyone. Given its widespread impact, this project is poised to spark the rise of a new wave of leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators in the solar energy industry, solidifying Ghana’s role as a guiding light for sustainability in the African continent