It was held the first edition of the virtual fair of photovoltaic work
(sustainabilityenvironment.com) – Bring together supply and demand, in a simple and fast, covering European needs and not only. With this objective in mind, the digital platform #SolarWorks (https://www.solarworksplatform.org/nl) was born, the first one-stop shop for work in photovoltaic. The instrument, created by the solar power Europe association, was presented yesterday during the first edition of the Solar Labor Fair and meets a specific market requirement: to ensure qualified personnel accompany the energy transition.
As emerged in the latest report on employment of the association, the EU Solar Jobs Report 2022, the photovoltaic sector is gradually increasing the number of workers. In 2021, 466,000 people were employed in the Union compared to 358,000 in 2020. But in order for the Old Continent to achieve its decarbonization objectives, this number will have to exceed one million by the end of the decade. In a scenario of greater ambition, the deadline could even be postponed to 2026. The association estimates up to 4 million employees by 2050.
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A growth that must be accompanied by the right competent and qualifications. “Millions of career opportunities are expected in European photovoltaics,” explains Walburga Hemetsberger, CEO of SolarPower Europe. “With the #SolarWorks platform, we are taking a crucial step in creating a qualified solar workforce for Europe, ensuring that a skills gap does not hinder the energy transition”.
The initiative was also welcomed by the European Commissioner for Labour and Social Rights, Nicolas Schmit. “We need massive and urgent investment in people’s skills, as well as mapping and matching them with jobs. So, I very much welcome the #SolarWorks platform being launched today,” said Schmit. “This is exactly the kind of practical initiative that will bring tangible results in the industry, both for companies and job seekers. Young people wishing to start their career can use the platform to hone their skills and find good job opportunities”.
How does the #SolarWorks platform work?
The digital tool is aimed at those looking for work in photovoltaics, but also companies that offer it and trainers and organizers of courses. For everyone, registrations are already open and free. On the platform photovoltaic companies, European and not, are invited to create their own profile by uploading the latest applications for open positions. The site also helps direct job searches by allowing you to select a range of skills or abilities to find the “perfect solar job”. And of course it offers a training program to increase skills in different fields.
