On 27 September 2024, as part of the SDG Local Solutions series, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) held a webinar to explore how municipalities are creating local skills to support the green energy transition. The webinar highlighted efforts in Mexico City, Mexico, and Northampton, United Kingdom, where cities are investing in local training programs to build the necessary skills for renewable energy projects and create job opportunities for the unemployed.
As global demand for renewable energy grows, the need for local skills to support the installation, operation, and maintenance of green energy systems has become a critical priority. Local communities are active drivers of sustainable development. In this web article, we explore local training programs developed in the two cities.
The video recording can be watched on our YouTube channel, available in English, Spanish and French.
Mexico City’s Solar Program
Mexico City, situated over 2,200 meters above sea level, is uniquely positioned to harness solar energy due to its abundant sunshine. As part of its 2019-2024 Climate Action Plan, the city launched the Solar City program, aimed at reducing carbon emissions and increasing energy efficiency through the widespread adoption of solar energy. The program is designed to generate energy within the city and promote the use of Distributed Generation (DG), where energy is produced close to where it is consumed, particularly in homes and small businesses.
One of the key drivers is the rapid expansion of distributed solar generation in Mexico, which began in 2016. Mexico City has already contributed approximately 4 gigawatts (GW) of capacity through distributed generation, and the goal is to reach 8 GW by 2030. However, the city faces several challenges: solar technology is still relatively new in the region, and there is a need to build a robust infrastructure to support its growth. As a result, a key focus of the Solar City initiative is the development of local skills and technical capacities to install and maintain solar energy systems.
A comprehensive approach to solar training
To meet the growing demand for skilled professionals, Mexico City implemented a training program for solar technicians and installers. The city’s program covers two main types of solar technology: solar thermal systems, which are used to heat water for domestic use, and photovoltaic (PV) systems, which generate electricity. The training program is divided into key areas, each targeting a specific aspect of solar energy installation and maintenance:
- Solar thermal heating systems: the program trains participants in the installation and maintenance of both free convection and forced convection solar water heaters. This includes systems designed for residential use as well as larger installations in commercial settings like gyms, restaurants, and sports clubs.
- Photovoltaic systems: the training also includes the installation of PV systems, which convert sunlight into electricity. Participants learn how to install and verify the performance of these systems, ensuring that they meet local standards for efficiency and safety.
- Consultancy and sales training: recognizing the need for skilled professionals in every part of the value chain, the program also offers training for consultants and salespeople. These individuals are trained to promote and sell solar systems to businesses and households, ensuring that customers are well-informed about the benefits of solar energy and the financial options available to them.
- Supervisor training: beyond installers, the program includes training for supervisors who oversee solar projects. These supervisors ensure that installations are carried out to a high standard and that all safety regulations are met, particularly when working on rooftops or with electrical systems.
Upon completion of the training, participants undergo a certification process. Those who achieve scores above 80-90% receive full certification, while others may only receive a certificate of attendance. This ensures that only the most qualified individuals are certified to work on solar installations, maintaining high standards across the industry.
The city offers 86 courses fully-funded by the government, providing a vital opportunity for young people to gain skills in a growing industry. The training also offers flexibility: participants who do not initially pass the certification exams can pursue additional training at their own expense to improve their qualifications.
Empowering all: gender and youth inclusion
Inclusivity is a cornerstone of the Solar City initiative. The program places a strong emphasis on gender equality, ensuring that women are fully represented in the renewable energy workforce. Women make up 40-50% of participants in the training program, a significant achievement in a field that has traditionally been dominated by men. This focus on gender parity helps break down barriers to entry and promotes equal opportunities in the growing green energy sector.
The program also focuses on youth inclusion through the “Young People Building the Future” initiative, which targets unemployed young people aged 18-29. These young participants receive government scholarships and stipends while undergoing training, providing them with financial support as they develop their skills. After completing the program, participants are placed in jobs with local businesses where they receive further on-the-job training. This initiative not only equips young people with the skills needed for the green energy sector but also helps them secure long-term employment.
Collaborative governance
A key factor in the success of the Solar City program is the collaboration between public institutions, the private sector, and international organizations. Mexico City’s local government works closely with federal entities such as the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) and the Energy Regulatory Commission, as well as the Secretariat of Public Education. These agencies ensure that training programs align with national standards and that the necessary regulatory frameworks are in place to support the widespread adoption of solar energy.
Additionally, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has played a pivotal role in the early stages of the program, helping the city develop the infrastructure needed to ensure the quality of solar installations. Private companies also contribute by hosting trainees for hands-on learning experiences. This multi-level governance approach allows a coordinated effort across different levels of government and diverse actors, ensuring that the program meets both local needs and international commitments to sustainability.
Main outcomes
The Solar City program has had a profound impact on both the local economy and energy consumption. To date, over 600 participants have been certified as professional solar energy installers. Local businesses that have adopted solar technologies are seeing significant reductions in their energy bills, with some businesses saving up to 80% on gas consumption and 95% on electricity costs. These savings are particularly important for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which often struggle with high energy costs.
The program also supports local job creation. By equipping young people with the skills needed to work in the renewable energy sector, Mexico City is creating opportunities for a new generation of skilled workers who can help drive the city’s green energy transition.
Overcoming challenges
Despite these successes, the program faces several challenges. One major issue is the difficulty in certifying all participants. Although thousands of individuals have undergone training, only around 600 have achieved full certification. This gap indicates a need for more targeted support to ensure that all trainees have the opportunity to complete the certification process. Additionally, recruiting participants with the necessary foundational skills has proven difficult. To address this, the program may need to offer more pre-training courses to prepare candidates for more advanced technical training.
Northampton’s Solar Skills Initiative: SWAP
In the United Kingdom, the government has set ambitious targets for renewable energy, aiming to generate more energy from renewable sources by 2030 than it had in the past 25 years. Solar energy, particularly photovoltaic (PV) systems, plays a central role in meeting these targets.
However, the city of Northampton faces a shortage of skilled labor to install and maintain these systems. To respond, a partnership between the national government, the local private company GenCarbon, and Moulton College has developed the Sector-based Work Academy Programme (SWAP) to address this gap.
Hands-on PV training
The SWAP program provides a comprehensive three-week training course that balances practical hands-on experience with technical classroom instruction. The course curriculum was developed by GenCarbon, a company specializing in photovoltaic electricity generation, and is delivered by Moulton College, a training institution. In addition, the local job centre assists with recruitment.
The course covers all aspects of solar PV installation, including:
- Practical skills: participants learn how to install PV systems, including how to handle solar panels safely, install mounting structures, and connect electrical components. They also receive training in site preparation, ensuring that rooftops are structurally sound and that panels are securely fastened to prevent damage from wind or other environmental factors.
- Technical knowledge: in addition to practical skills, participants are taught the technical principles behind solar energy generation. This includes an understanding of how PV systems convert sunlight into electricity, how to maximize energy efficiency, and how to troubleshoot common issues.
- Safety and regulatory compliance: Safety is a key focus of the training, with participants learning how to work safely on rooftops and handle electrical systems. They also receive instruction on the UK’s regulatory requirements for PV installations, ensuring that they are fully compliant with national safety and quality standards.
The program uses a 70/30 split between practical, hands-on learning and classroom-based instruction, ensuring that participants are well-prepared to enter the workforce. After completing the course, participants are eligible to apply for jobs in the renewable energy sector, with many securing positions with local companies.
Focus on inclusivity
SWAP is specifically designed to target unemployed individuals, offering them an opportunity to re-enter the workforce with new skills. The program does not require participants to have a background in the solar industry, making it accessible to a wide range of individuals, including those who may have previously been excluded from the job market.
This focus on inclusivity is crucial in a sector that is rapidly growing but still faces significant skills shortages. By offering free training and job placement assistance, SWAP seeks to ensure that the benefits of the green energy transition are shared more broadly across society, particularly among vulnerable populations.
Harnessing public-private synergy
SWAP is an example of effective collaboration between the public and private sectors. GenCarbon, the company behind the program, articulates with the UK government to secure funding for the local training, while Moulton College provided the necessary infrastructure to deliver the courses. Local job centres also played a crucial role in recruiting participants, ensuring that the program reached unemployed individuals who could benefit most from the training.
This public-private structure allows for a coordinated approach to training and job placement, ensuring that participants are not only trained but also supported in finding employment. The collaboration between government, educational institutions, and private companies ensures that the program is aligned with industry needs, providing participants with relevant, in-demand skills.
Main impacts
The SWAP program has already yielded positive results. Over 200 individuals expressed interest in the program, with 55 starting the course. Of those, 21 participants secured employment, with 13 remaining employed long-term.
The financial benefits of the program are also notable. The cost per trainee is estimated at £438, while the program saves the government over £66,000 by reducing welfare payments and increasing tax income from employed participants. This makes the SWAP program a cost-effective solution for both the government and participants, providing a strong return on investment.
Facing challenges
Despite its successes, the SWAP program faces challenges. Recruiting participants has proven difficult, particularly given the competition for skilled labor in the renewable energy sector. To address this, the program may need to offer additional incentives or increase its outreach efforts to attract more participants.
Another major issue is the lack of recognized certification for solar PV installers in the UK. While electricians must hold nationally recognized qualifications, there is no equivalent certification for PV installers. It poses the need for the government to recognize and require certification for this kind of job.
Lessons learned
The case studies of Mexico City and Northampton demonstrate the critical role that local skill development plays in driving the green energy transition. Both cities have developed comprehensive training programs that equip local populations with the skills needed to install, operate, and maintain renewable energy systems. Key lessons from these initiatives include:
- Inclusive training programs: both cities have focused on ensuring that their training programs are accessible to vulnerable populations, such as unemployed youth and women. By offering financial support and job placement assistance, these programs help ensure that the benefits of the green energy transition are widely shared.
- Public-private partnerships: collaboration between government, private companies, educational institutions, and international organizations, could be essential for the success of these programs. These partnerships ensure that training is aligned with industry needs and that participants are well-prepared to enter the workforce.
- Financial support and accessibility: offering free or subsidized training is crucial for making these programs accessible to those who need them most. Whether through scholarships in Mexico City or government-funded training in Northampton, financial support helps remove barriers to participation.
- Ongoing evaluation and improvement: both cities emphasize the importance of continuously evaluating and refining their training programs.
In conclusion, local skill development is a cornerstone of any successful energy transition. By investing in human capital, cities like Mexico City and Northampton are not only meeting their renewable energy goals but also promoting social and economic inclusion, providing valuable models for other cities to follow.