Iskenderun, 2 August 2021 Through a network of renewable energy laboratories established in partnership with the T.R. Ministry of National Education and United Nations Development Program (UNDP), hundreds of Syrian refugees and Turkish citizens will gain the skills they need to find employment in Turkey's fast-growing solar and wind energy sectors. Bursa, Hatay, Mersin, Kocaeli, and Konya provinces are selected for the laboratories that have the distinction of being places with high renewable energy potential and where the Syrian population is densely populated.
The Republic of Korea is financing the project with $2.2 million. In addition to the $1.7 million allocated for 2019 and 2020, an additional $500,000 was provided in 2022 to deliver activities to more provinces and beneficiaries.
Speaking at the opening of the laboratory established in Hatay's Iskenderun district (held on Friday, July 30), UNDP Turkey Resident Representative Louisa Vinton said, "Educating individuals to work in Turkey's renewable energy sector is an investment in a green future." “This initiative will help Syrians and Turkish homeowners gain the skills they need to find jobs and support their families, while also supporting an emerging sector where the need for a skilled workforce is growing,” she said.
The labs will offer a new 247-hour curriculum that includes training specifically designed for the program in the manufacture, installation, and maintenance of solar and wind power systems. At least 500 Syrian and Turkish hosts, one-quarter of whom are women, are expected to complete the training by March 2022. The trainees who complete their training will be given a course completion certificate by the Ministry of National Education, General Directorate of Lifelong Learning.
Yusuf Büyük, General Manager of Lifelong Learning, said in his opening speech: “For Turkey to remain a competitive economy, we need a continuous effort to master new skills. This initiative reflects a broader commitment that our workforce is ready to do the jobs of the future."
Kang Jung, Ambassador Undersecretary of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, said: "The Republic of Korea is proud to contribute to this innovative initiative that will promote the self-sufficiency of Syrians while also addressing the needs of the unemployed members of the host Turkish community."
Five renewable energy laboratories combine theoretical education with hands-on training. All laboratories are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment such as solar panels, wind turbines, automation systems, electrical and electronic infrastructure, occupational health and safety equipment for the use of trainees. The laboratories will also serve as research and development resources for local universities, the private sector, and civil society.
The newly opened renewable energy laboratory, within the scope of the lifelong learning approach of the Ministry of National Education, is in the facilities of the İskenderun Public Education Center located in the İskenderun Organized Industrial Zone, which provides a wide range of technical and vocational training for adults, including Syrians residing in the district. is located.
Vocational and technical training in the renewable energy sector is a component of the $75 million UNDP program focused on improving the livelihoods of Syrians and host communities, supporting the delivery of public services, and promoting social cohesion.
For detailed information: Faik Uyanık, UNDP Turkey Communications Department Head, [email protected]and Ruşen İnceoğlu, UNDP Syria Crisis Response and Resilience Program Communications Manager, [email protected].