Forty-seven people have already completed the theoretical part of the first edition of the courses and are beginning to do internships in companies in the sector.
The just energy transition, driven by the challenges of climate change, has led to an increase in demand for skilled and certified professionals in key economic sectors such as renewable energy and construction. These sectors have immense potential to create green jobs that can have a significant impact on poverty reduction and fostering social inclusion.
On the other hand, the integration of migrants into the labour market is a critical challenge faced by many European Union countries. Despite their significant contributions to the economy, migrants often face numerous barriers to employment that result in lower activity rates and higher unemployment levels.
Furthermore, it is worth mentioning that migrant workers are disproportionately employed in low-skilled and unskilled jobs, regardless of their technical knowledge. These jobs are associated with precarious working conditions, lower wages, reduced benefits and less job stability, making their integration difficult and wasting their expertise.
What is being done within the framework of the POWGEN project?
Given this scenario, the general objective of POWGEN is to increase the employability of people from third countries through the creation of 5 pilot job insertion programs in different territories of the European Union (Spain, Portugal, Italy and Germany).
The POWGEN program offers two training itineraries, one for the installation of photovoltaic panels and another for the rehabilitation of buildings. It integrates theoretical classes, practical work in companies and professional support for insertion. The theoretical contents of the courses include technical content, aspects of energy culture, prevention of occupational risks, and transversal and digital skills.
In the Catalan pilot, in which the Active Community of ABD and Ecoserveis participate, 24 people have completed the solar panel installation itinerary and 23 the energy efficiency itinerary. This 2026, they will be able to do internships in companies and receive job orientation support.
11 people are also being trained in Germany, 15 people in Italy and nearly 40 in Portugal, where Pro Arbeit , Cidis Impresa Sociale and Crescer , respectively, lead the rest of the pilot programs.
More information about the project
You can find more information about the project on our website and on the POWGEN project website.
To receive project updates, follow the POWGEN LinkedIn group.
You may also be interested in the collection of good practices for the employment of migrants in the renewable energy sector and the energy rehabilitation that the project has produced.
