Smart Local Energy Systems: Training Needs and Provision

As the energy system transitions to renewable sources and digital energy services, it requires new and different skills for its workforce.

This report summarises the set of skills that are expected to be in short supply within the emerging smart local energy systems (SLES), by drawing on results of three case studies where such transition is in progress. It particularly identifies the training needs and training provision mechanisms (for the skills needs) in transitioning to SLES both at the system level and at within its sub-systems.

The report complements the case study-based data with:
a) a review of the accredited qualifications, to ascertain whether the skills noted to be in short supply have any accredited delivery mechanisms as well as;
b) additional focus groups with senior college representatives to identify what issues college training providers consider critical in addressing training needed for smart local energy systems.

The report concludes with a set of recommendations aimed at fostering such training provision.