RIF subsidy for vocational education: 3.400 skilled workers for the energy transition
Groningen – With the awarding of a RIF subsidy of 2 million euros, the Noord-Nederland region is able to move forward. The project application was approved today. The Energy College project will train 3,400 professionals over the next four years who will work in Noord-Nederland region to help transition from fossil fuels to sustainable energy. This is a joint project involving vocational colleges in the north, businesses, provinces, and municipalities. With this project, the stakeholders respond to the Groningen natural gas phase-out by 2030 and the increasing demand for sustainable energy, enabling the region to remain a leader in the energy sector..
The transition to a sustainable energy supply requires different and new knowledge and skills. Energy College project Therefore, the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science is committed to developing educational programs that allow for continuous changes in the business world and incorporate current (technological) developments into education. Furthermore, many new professionals are needed in technology to facilitate this transition. Therefore, the focus is on recruiting students for technical programs. Furthermore, new target groups are being approached to prepare for work in energy-related professions through retraining and further training.
Results
After four years, the project should lead to a continued, equal inflow of students into technical courses in Noord-Nederland despite the expected demographic decline. It will also improve the knowledge and skills of 2.400 students and 1.000 staff members in the field of energy transition and sustainable alternatives. The project will also help over 300 lecturers and practical trainers develop their professional skills in the field of energy transition and sustainable alternatives.
Broad cooperation
The Energy College project is an initiative of Energy College and New Energy Coalition In collaboration with 45 regional companies, the project is also supported by Hanze University of Applied Sciences Groningen, the provinces of Drenthe, Groningen, and Friesland, and the municipalities of Emmen, Groningen, Assen, and Leeuwarden. A grant application was submitted to the Regional Investment Fund (RIF), which was approved and granted today.
About Energy College
By training 3.400 skilled workers and strengthening technical training, Energy College contributes to reducing the shortage of qualified personnel in the energy sector. The project facilitates the transition from fossil fuels to sustainable energy sources. Noord-Nederland and supports the regional energy transition.
Now that the project is over, Drenthe College, Noorderpoort en Alpha College decided to continue under the name DNA.
