The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Kosovo hosted a certification ceremony, celebrating the achievements of the future trainers for solar panel installation. This event, held at the Vocational Training Center, in Ferizaj/Uroševac, marked the completion of rigorous training, designed to equip participants with the latest in solar installation techniques, ensuring they can pass on this expertise to the next generation of professionals, in different Vocational Training Centers (VTC).

In the presence of the Minister of Finance, Labour, and Transfers, Hekuran Murati, UNDP Resident Representative, Nuno Queirós, and the Executive Director of the Employment Agency, Jehona Namani Rexha, five trainers from the VTCs in Ferizaj/Uroševac, Mitrovicë/a, Prizren, Gjakovë/Đakovica, and Prishtinë/Priština were presented with their certificates. Their dedication, hard work, and readiness to contribute to the solar energy industry by educating future generations of solar panel installers were acknowledged and celebrated.

Minister Murati in his opening remarks, underscored the importance of skilled workforce in meeting the growing demand for clean energy solutions. “The beginning of solar installation trainings at Kosovo Vocational Training Centers marks a very important step for the Employment Agency and for us as a Ministry, as it opens the doors for new employment opportunities. Labor market analyses show that over 10,000 new professionals are needed to achieve the targets we have set for decarbonization. Therefore, the timing to offer training in the field of solar energy could not be better than this”-Minister Murati added.

By pointing out the significant skills gap in the labor market, Mr. Queirós recognized the continuous efforts of UNDP in bridging this gap by providing comprehensive training and education to equip the youth for the evolving labor market demands.

“Through the solar panel installation training programme, we aim to establish a robust mechanism that equips the workforce with the skills necessary to meet the demands of the evolving market. The trainers assembled here today have undergone comprehensive training, specializing in various aspects of solar installation, from design and safety to legislation and installation techniques across different modalities. I have full confidence that the training provided, along with the materials and equipment being distributed today, will lay the foundation for independent training sessions to be conducted with our support by the Vocational Training Centers.” Mr. Queirós stated.

On the other hand, Ms. Namani-Rexha emphasized the need for ongoing research and the upskilling of the workforce due to the evolving demands of the labor market, particularly in sectors like solar energy.

“Through detailed research, over the years, the Kosovo Employment Agency has identified key profiles crucial for our economic development. Among these, the role of solar panel installers stands out, aligning perfectly with the strategic objectives for energy and sustainability, and as stated in research conducted in recent years, with more than 3,000 individuals required to work in this sector.” Ms. Namani Rexha added.

At the end of the ceremony, Mr. Queirós, and Mrs. Jehona Namani Rexha signed the handover agreement for the equipment that will be used for future solar panel installation training in the five participating VTCs.

The activity that focused on training Solar Panel Installers aimed to support the integration of the Solar Installation module in Vocational Training Centers, was designed to promote green recovery, sustainable economic development and energy transition, and was supported by the Climate Promise Project funded by the Government of Sweden and implemented by UNDP Kosovo.

For more information, please contact:
Burbuqe Dobranja, UNDP Communications Associate 
Phone: (038) 249 066 ext. 410;   mobile: 049 720 800      e-mail: burbuqe.dobranja@undp.org

Danijela Mitić, Communications Associate UNDP 
Phone: (038) 249 066 ext. 412;    mobile: 049 720 824     e-mail: danijela.mitic@undp.org