Energy Student

<< Background >>We applied for this project because of the following urgent worldwide issues we have to deal with related to the energy transition. We need qualified staff for future jobs, particularly in technical fields contributing to the energy transition. The urgency is clear, as many modern professions struggle to find skilled workers. In fields like installation engineering, there is a critical shortage, slowing down the implementation of technologies such as solar panels and energy storage systems. Globally, energy sector jobs are expected to rise from 18 million to 26 million by 2050, aligning with climate targets set by the Paris Agreement.However, children and students are often unaware of these emerging opportunities, as current educational materials focus on traditional careers. Without awareness of these new prospects, guided by outdated advice, many young people continue to pursue conventional paths. To ensure the energy transition's success, we must inform and prepare the next generation for a more digital, energy-intensive world, emphasizing the importance of new, sustainable careers to combat climate change effectively.<< Objectives >>Promoting awareness and education: The project aimed to raise awareness among students about emerging jobs and educational opportunities in the field of energy transition and de-carbonization. This includes informing them about how they can contribute to solving the climate crisis through their career choices. At the same time we tried, through this focus on education and awareness, to serve employers by ensuring a future workforce equipped with the green skills necessary for the energy transition, addressing the needs of the labor markAddressing skills gaps: with the project we seeked to fill skills gaps in the energy sector by encouraging students to pursue studies in technical fields related to energy innovations. It aims to re-balance gender inequality in technical professions and prepare a workforce with the necessary green skills. By engaging students in energy challenges, the project promotes practical actions to reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions in schools. This not only teaches students about energy efficiency but also contributes to the de-carbonization efforts directly.<< Implementation >>We organized the following activities during the project-period:Energy challenges with Energy students NLEnergy challenges with Energy students SloveniaQuantitative and qualitative research on impact of our energy challenges, resulting in an impact analysisMultiplier events for new teachers, further education and employers NLMultiplier events for new teachers, further education and employers SloveniaTransnational project meeting in the NetherlandsTransnational partner meeting in SloveniaProject management activities: communication, preparation and implementation; Monitoring of progress of project activities; Quality assurance, evaluation and sustainability activities; Dissemination and exploitation activities<< Results >>•Interest of students in saving energy and de-carbonization increased. More students pursued studies in fields that contributed to de- carbonization.•Energy use and CO2 emissions in the schools were reduced, with an average savings of 15% achieved.•375 children participated in our surveys, and 15 teachers took part in our interviews.•25 new stakeholders continued our activities after the project in the Netherlands, and 15 in Slovenia.•A cohesive group of partners was formed, who could easily communicate and work together