A just energy transition will create more opportunities for better employment. However, this process also demands new skills, and Viet Nam’s labor market needs to be well-prepared to embrace this trend. The GIZ Energy Support Programme (ESP) understands this and consistently engages in appropriate and timely activities to support Viet Nam in achieving its just energy transition goals. The The training of trainers on “Rooftop solar installation in Viet Nam” conducted by the GIZ in 2023 vividly demonstrates the spillover effects in vocational training within Viet Nam.  

Following the success of the theoretical course in June 2023, from July 24th to July 28th, 2023, a Training of Trainers course on “Rooftop solar installation in Viet Nam” was successfully organized by the Energy Support Programme (ESP) and the Programme Reform of Technical Vocational Education and Training in Viet Nam (TVET) – GIZ, for 19 teachers from 8 vocational colleges across Viet Nam. 

It is part of a series of activities aiming at improving the effectiveness of vocational training programmes, bridging the gap between schools and businesses. 

Nguyen Van Chuong, Principal of the  Vocational College of Mechinary and Irrigation Dong Nai (VCMI), highlighted the necessity of this course in the current context of Viet Nam: “This is an essential course, taking place at a time when we are facing energy shortages for both daily life and production. Participants in this course will apply the knowledge gained to quickly implement training in this new field at their institutions, meeting the needs and trends of society.” 

During the 5-day training, participants were guided on the whole process to build an actual solar PV system project by experienced and qualified trainers. Participants not only learned about the installation of residential solar panel systems, but also practiced disassembling and assembling frame structures, solar panels, inverters, connectors, grounding systems, lightning protection, and other electrical components. Additionally, participants performed parameter measurements under normal operating conditions and changing conditions, discussed and addressed related issues such as common errors and troubleshooting methods, ensuring safety and optimal performance of residential solar panel systems. 

During this training course, participants also visited a solar PV system at the AGTEX Long Binh Industrial Park in Bien Hoa City, Dong Nai Province. This field trip allowed participants to apply the knowledge to real life. This activity helped them better understand the factors related to the deployment, operation, and management of solar panel systems. 

Nguyen Dang Que, Deputy Head of the Electrical and Electronics Department at the Vietnamese-German Technical College of Ha Tinh, stated that the training course met his and other participants’ expectations. Que shared: “The content and requirements of the course are very fundamental and suitable for the participants. The knowledge and skills they acquire here will contribute to the development of training programmes for the Electronics and Building Energy Technology sector, which is expected to be implemented at the school in the near future.”  

Viet Nam is currently taking initial steps in the process of transitioning from traditional energy sources to cleaner and greener renewable energy, aiming for a sustainable economy. That’s why enhancing technical knowledge and practical skills for solar energy trainers in accordance with international standards is crucial. This pivotal factor helps Viet Nam meet the future demand for a skilled workforce,Sven Ernedal, representative of the GIZ Energy Support Programme (ESP), shared this insight. 

The training of trainers on “Rooftop solar installation in Viet Nam” at the Vocational College of Mechinery and Irrigation Dong Nai (VCMI) marked an important step forward in enhancing the capacity of vocational educators in the field of renewable energy in Viet Nam. The collaboration between ESP, TVET, and VCMI created an engaging learning and practical environment, ensuring that educators will deliver the highest quality knowledge and skills to their students, thus promoting sustainable development of the renewable energy sector in Viet Nam. 

Project information:

Training of Trainers on “Rooftop solar installation in Viet Nam” is jointly developed and implemented by the “Clean, Affordable and Secure Energy for Southeast Asia” (CASE/GIZ ESP) project and TVET programme. It aims to enhance the capacity of all stakeholders involved in the energy transition process through comprehensive approaches to public and private organizations and research institutions. 

The Clean, Affordable and Secure Energy for Southeast Asia (CASE) project, funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Actions (BMWK), aims to support Southeast Asian partner countries in the transition to a future energy system that provides reliable and affordable energy to the people while increasing political ambition to comply with the Paris Agreement. Through a comprehensive approach, including public, private and research organizations, CASE contributes to shifting the narrative of the energy sector in Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines and Viet Nam towards an evidence-based energy transition.